What Order to Play Tomb Raider Games: A Journey Through Time, Puzzles, and Adventure

blog 2025-01-25 0Browse 0
What Order to Play Tomb Raider Games: A Journey Through Time, Puzzles, and Adventure

The Tomb Raider franchise has been a cornerstone of the gaming world since its inception in 1996. With over a dozen mainline games, spin-offs, and reboots, the series has evolved significantly over the years. For newcomers or even seasoned fans looking to revisit the series, the question of “what order to play Tomb Raider games” can be a bit daunting. This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide to navigating the Tomb Raider universe, offering multiple perspectives on how to approach the series.

Chronological Order: Following Lara’s Timeline

One of the most straightforward ways to experience the Tomb Raider series is to play the games in chronological order based on the in-universe timeline. This approach allows players to follow Lara Croft’s journey from her early days as a young adventurer to her evolution into a seasoned tomb raider.

  1. Tomb Raider (2013): This reboot serves as an origin story, depicting Lara’s first major expedition and her transformation from a naive young woman into a hardened survivor.
  2. Rise of the Tomb Raider (2015): The sequel to the 2013 reboot, this game delves deeper into Lara’s quest for the Divine Source and her ongoing battle against the shadowy organization Trinity.
  3. Shadow of the Tomb Raider (2018): The final installment in the reboot trilogy, this game sees Lara confronting her darkest fears and the consequences of her actions as she races to prevent a Mayan apocalypse.

Playing these games in order provides a cohesive narrative arc, allowing players to witness Lara’s growth and development over time.

Release Order: Experiencing the Evolution of the Series

Another approach is to play the games in the order they were released. This method offers a unique perspective on how the series has evolved in terms of gameplay mechanics, graphics, and storytelling.

  1. Tomb Raider (1996): The game that started it all. This classic title introduced players to the iconic Lara Croft and set the standard for action-adventure games.
  2. Tomb Raider II (1997): Building on the success of the first game, this sequel introduced new mechanics, such as the ability to drive vehicles, and expanded Lara’s world.
  3. Tomb Raider III (1998): This installment added more complex puzzles and environments, further cementing the series’ reputation for challenging gameplay.
  4. Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation (1999): This game marked a turning point in the series, with a darker tone and more intricate storytelling.
  5. Tomb Raider: Chronicles (2000): A collection of shorter stories that explore different periods in Lara’s life, offering a more varied experience.
  6. Tomb Raider: The Angel of Darkness (2003): A controversial entry in the series, this game attempted to reinvent Lara’s character and gameplay but received mixed reviews.
  7. Tomb Raider: Legend (2006): A soft reboot that modernized the series with updated graphics and mechanics, while still paying homage to the original games.
  8. Tomb Raider: Anniversary (2007): A remake of the original 1996 game, this title brought the classic adventure to a new generation of players.
  9. Tomb Raider: Underworld (2008): The final game in the Legend trilogy, this installment continued to refine the gameplay and expand Lara’s story.
  10. Tomb Raider (2013): The first game in the reboot trilogy, this title reimagined Lara’s origins and introduced a more grounded, survival-focused narrative.
  11. Rise of the Tomb Raider (2015): The sequel to the 2013 reboot, this game further developed Lara’s character and introduced new gameplay elements.
  12. Shadow of the Tomb Raider (2018): The conclusion to the reboot trilogy, this game brought Lara’s story full circle and delivered a satisfying conclusion to her journey.

Playing the games in release order allows players to appreciate the technological and creative advancements that have shaped the series over the years.

Thematic Order: Exploring Different Aspects of Lara’s Character

For those who want to delve deeper into Lara Croft’s character, playing the games in a thematic order can be a rewarding experience. This approach focuses on specific aspects of Lara’s personality and journey, allowing players to explore different facets of her character.

  1. The Adventurer: Start with the original Tomb Raider (1996) and its sequels (Tomb Raider II, III, The Last Revelation, Chronicles). These games emphasize Lara’s love for exploration and her relentless pursuit of ancient artifacts.
  2. The Survivor: Move on to the reboot trilogy (Tomb Raider 2013, Rise of the Tomb Raider, Shadow of the Tomb Raider). These games focus on Lara’s transformation into a survivor, highlighting her resilience and determination in the face of overwhelming odds.
  3. The Legend: Play Tomb Raider: Legend, Anniversary, and Underworld. These games explore Lara’s legacy and her role as a legendary figure in the world of archaeology and adventure.
  4. The Dark Angel: Conclude with Tomb Raider: The Angel of Darkness. This game delves into the darker aspects of Lara’s character, offering a more introspective and morally ambiguous take on her story.

By focusing on different themes, players can gain a deeper understanding of Lara’s character and the various challenges she faces throughout her adventures.

Mixed Order: Combining Chronological, Release, and Thematic Approaches

For those who want the best of all worlds, a mixed order approach can be a great way to experience the Tomb Raider series. This method combines elements of chronological, release, and thematic orders, allowing players to tailor their experience to their preferences.

  1. Start with the Reboot Trilogy: Begin with Tomb Raider (2013), Rise of the Tomb Raider (2015), and Shadow of the Tomb Raider (2018). These games provide a modern introduction to Lara’s character and set the stage for her adventures.
  2. Explore the Classics: After completing the reboot trilogy, go back to the original Tomb Raider (1996) and its sequels (Tomb Raider II, III, The Last Revelation, Chronicles). These games offer a nostalgic look at Lara’s early days and the foundation of the series.
  3. Dive into the Legend Trilogy: Next, play Tomb Raider: Legend, Anniversary, and Underworld. These games bridge the gap between the classic and modern eras, offering a blend of old and new gameplay mechanics.
  4. Conclude with The Angel of Darkness: Finish with Tomb Raider: The Angel of Darkness. This game provides a unique and darker take on Lara’s character, serving as a fitting conclusion to the series.

A mixed order approach allows players to experience the series in a way that feels personalized and engaging, combining the best elements of each ordering method.

Q: Should I play the Tomb Raider games in chronological order or release order? A: It depends on your preference. Chronological order offers a cohesive narrative, while release order allows you to experience the evolution of the series.

Q: Are the Tomb Raider reboots necessary to understand the original games? A: No, the reboots are standalone stories that reimagine Lara’s origins. However, they provide a modern introduction to the character and are a great starting point for newcomers.

Q: What is the best Tomb Raider game to start with? A: Tomb Raider (2013) is often recommended as the best starting point for new players, as it offers a fresh take on Lara’s character and is more accessible than the older games.

Q: How many Tomb Raider games are there? A: There are over a dozen mainline Tomb Raider games, along with several spin-offs and remakes. The exact number can vary depending on how you count them.

Q: Is Tomb Raider: The Angel of Darkness worth playing? A: While it received mixed reviews upon release, Tomb Raider: The Angel of Darkness offers a unique and darker take on Lara’s character. It may be worth playing for fans interested in exploring different aspects of her story.

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