The Tomb Raider franchise is one of the most successful and long-standing gaming IPs, known for its compelling mix of action-adventure, platforming, and puzzle-solving. First introduced in 1996 by Core Design, the series revolves around Lara Croft, an archaeologist exploring dangerous tombs and uncovering ancient secrets. Over time, Crystal Dynamics took over development, leading to several reboots.
For new players, the Survivor Trilogy (Tomb Raider 2013, Rise of the Tomb Raider, and Shadow of the Tomb Raider) offers a modern take on Lara’s origins. Fans of the classic gameplay can dive into the LAU Trilogy and the Classic Games, which follow the more traditional adventure style.
The Tomb Raider IP has expanded beyond gaming into movies, comics, and other media, featuring globally recognized actress Angelina Jolie in the early 2000s film adaptations and Alicia Vikander in the 2018 reboot. The continued success of the series ensures its place in gaming history, with Square Enix and Crystal Dynamics working to further expand Lara Croft’s legacy.
Play Order Guide:
Classic Games:
- Tomb Raider (1996)
- Tomb Raider II (1997)
- Tomb Raider III (1998)
- The Last Revelation (1999)
- Chronicles (2000)
- The Angel of Darkness (2003)
LAU Trilogy (Crystal Dynamics Era):
- Tomb Raider: Legend (2006)
- Tomb Raider: Anniversary (2007) (a remake of the original)
- Tomb Raider: Underworld (2008)
Survivor Trilogy (Reboot):
- Tomb Raider (2013)
- Rise of the Tomb Raider (2015)
- Shadow of the Tomb Raider (2018)
Each era of the Tomb Raider series offers a different experience, and depending on whether you’re drawn to the nostalgic classic gameplay or prefer modern, cinematic storytelling, there’s a perfect entry point for every player. Be sure to dive into this iconic series and experience Lara Croft’s adventures.