Where to Start · Tomb Raider
Where to Start with Tomb Raider
Tomb Raider is the action-adventure franchise following Lara Croft — archaeologist, explorer, and one of gaming's most recognisable characters — running since 1996 across two distinct eras. The classic era (1996-2003) featured tank controls, puzzle-heavy level design, and a Lara defined by competence and composure. The modern era began with a full reboot in 2013 — origin story, survival mechanics, and a younger Lara learning to become the adventurer the original games took for granted.
Both eras have their champions. Both are worth experiencing.
If you only play one Tomb Raider game
Play Tomb Raider (2013). It is the best entry point for modern audiences — Lara on a shipwrecked island, scavenging for survival, and the most accessible Tomb Raider ever made. The cover shooting, exploration, and narrative are all polished. It requires no prior knowledge of the franchise and serves as an origin story. Available on PS4/Xbox/Switch/PC and frequently on sale.
The modern trilogy
Tomb Raider (2013) → Rise of the Tomb Raider (2015) → Shadow of the Tomb Raider (2018) is the complete modern origin trilogy. Rise is the best of the three — Siberia and Syria as settings, the best balance of tombs and combat, and Lara at her most interesting narratively. Shadow concludes the trilogy in the jungles of Peru. All three are on PS4/Xbox/Switch/PC and available cheaply as a collection.
The classic era
The original Tomb Raider (1996) defined cinematic action-adventure on PS1 — Lara in Egypt, Peru, Greece, and Atlantis. Tank controls and fixed camera angles that require patience from modern players but reward it with excellent puzzle design. Tomb Raider II (1997) adds vehicles and more action-focused design. Tomb Raider III (1998) is the most difficult and varied. Tomb Raider I-III Remastered (2024) on PS4/Xbox/Switch/PC is the best modern way to play the original trilogy with updated visuals.
Legend and Anniversary
Tomb Raider: Legend (2006) rebooted the franchise before the 2013 reboot — a more action-focused Lara with grappling hook mechanics and a globe-trotting story. Tomb Raider: Anniversary (2007) is a remake of the original game built on the Legend engine. Both are on PS3/Xbox 360/PC. Legend is the better starting point for players who want the mid-era experience.
Two Laras — survival-origin Lara (2013 trilogy) and puzzle-tomb Lara (Core era) are different fantasies. You don't need one era to "unlock" the other — follow whichever tone pulls you first.
What platforms you need
Tomb Raider (2013), Rise, Shadow — PS4/Xbox/Switch/PC. Tomb Raider I-III Remastered — PS4/Xbox/Switch/PC. Legend and Anniversary — PS3/Xbox 360/PC.
Recommended order
Modern era: Tomb Raider 2013 → Rise → Shadow. Classic era: Tomb Raider I-III Remastered. The two eras are independent — start wherever the tone appeals.