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The Tomb Raider franchise has been defining action-adventure gaming for nearly three decades, introducing us to one of gaming’s most iconic characters: Lara Croft. After spending hundreds of hours exploring ancient tombs across different eras of gaming, I’ve seen how this franchise evolved from pixelated 3D adventures to cinematic masterpieces.
Rise of the Tomb Raider is widely considered the best in the franchise, praised for its polished gameplay, perfect balance of action and exploration, and exceptional tomb design. Tomb Raider II is the favorite among classic series fans for its expanded scope and classic adventure feel.
In this comprehensive ranking, I’ll break down all 12 main Tomb Raider games, from the groundbreaking 1996 original to the latest Survivor trilogy entries. Whether you’re a complete newcomer wondering where to start or a longtime fan looking to revisit the classics, this guide will help you discover which adventures are worth your time.
We’ll explore each era of the franchise, analyze what makes each game special, and provide specific recommendations based on your gaming preferences. Plus, I’ll share insights from the Tomb Raider community and address the most common questions players have about this legendary series.
Quick Summary: For complete beginners, start with Tomb Raider (2013). Story enthusiasts should play the entire Survivor Trilogy in order. Classic gaming fans might prefer Tomb Raider: Anniversary for modern controls with classic storytelling.
Before diving into our complete rankings, here’s a quick guide to help you jump right into the Tomb Raider experience that matches your gaming style:
For newcomers to the franchise or players who enjoy narrative-driven experiences, the Survivor Trilogy offers the most accessible entry point. These games feature modern controls, stunning graphics, and a more mature take on Lara Croft’s origin story.
Tomb Raider (2013) serves as the perfect introduction, establishing Lara’s transformation from an inexperienced archaeologist into a hardened survivor. The game features intuitive cover-based shooting, streamlined platforming, and plenty of optional tombs for puzzle enthusiasts.
Rise of the Tomb Raider refines everything from the first game, adding more complex puzzles, improved stealth mechanics, and breathtaking environments in Siberia. This is widely regarded as the peak of the modern Tomb Raider experience.
Shadow of the Tomb Raider concludes the trilogy with a focus on jungle exploration, underwater tombs, and Lara confronting her inner demons. While the story receives mixed reviews, the puzzle design and environmental storytelling are exceptional.
The Legend-Anniversary-Underworld trilogy represents the sweet spot between classic Tomb Raider gameplay and modern accessibility. These games maintain the series’ exploration focus while introducing more fluid controls and cinematic presentation.
Tomb Raider: Legend revitalized the franchise in 2006 with responsive controls, engaging combat, and globe-trotting adventures. It’s shorter than other entries but makes every moment count with varied gameplay mechanics and memorable set pieces.
Tomb Raider: Anniversary brilliantly remakes the original 1996 game with modern controls while preserving the original’s level design and atmosphere. It’s the perfect way to experience the classic adventure without struggling with dated tank controls.
Tomb Raider: Underworld pushes the series forward with impressive underwater mechanics, interconnected levels, and some of the most beautiful environments in the franchise. While it has some control issues, the sense of discovery is unmatched.
The original Core Design games require patience but offer pure, unfiltered tomb raiding. These games emphasize exploration, challenging platforming, and environmental puzzles that put modern games to shame.
Tomb Raider (1996) revolutionized 3D gaming with its expansive levels and sense of isolation. While the controls are dated by modern standards, the atmosphere and pioneering level design still impress.
Tomb Raider II expands on the original with more varied locations, new weapons, and improved combat. Many fans consider this the peak of the classic series due to its perfect balance of exploration and action.
Here’s our definitive ranking of all 12 main Tomb Raider games, based on gameplay quality, story, accessibility, and lasting impact. Each game has been evaluated based on its original release context, with consideration for how well it holds up today.
Rise of the Tomb Raider represents the pinnacle of the franchise, achieving a perfect balance between action, exploration, and puzzle-solving. Crystal Dynamics learned from the strengths and weaknesses of the 2013 reboot to create a more refined experience that honors the series’ roots while embracing modern gameplay sensibilities.
The Siberian setting provides stunning visual variety, from frozen mountain peaks to ancient Soviet installations beneath the ice. The game’s hub-and-spoke design encourages exploration without overwhelming players, and the optional tombs are more elaborate and satisfying than in any other modern entry.
What sets Rise apart is its masterful pacing. Combat encounters are challenging but fair, the stealth system adds meaningful tactical depth, and the platforming feels responsive and precise. The crafting system is streamlined but meaningful, while the skill tree offers tangible improvements to Lara’s abilities.
The story strikes an excellent balance between personal character development and globe-trotting adventure. Lara’s journey from traumatized survivor to confident archaeologist feels earned, and the supporting cast provides meaningful emotional stakes without overwhelming the archaeological mystery.
Why it’s number one: Perfect gameplay balance, exceptional tomb design, beautiful environments, and meaningful character development make this the definitive Tomb Raider experience.
Tomb Raider II represents Core Design at the height of their creative powers, expanding on the original’s foundation in every meaningful way. The game retains the isolation and exploration that made the first game special while adding more variety, better combat, and unforgettable locations.
The Venice opening sequence immediately demonstrates the game’s improved scope, featuring outdoor combat, vehicle sections, and more dynamic environmental interactions. From there, the adventure takes Lara across the globe to Tibet, China, and ultimately the Great Wall of China, each location offering distinct visual themes and gameplay challenges.
What makes Tomb Raider II special is its confidence in the player. The game assumes you’ve mastered the controls from the first entry and immediately throws you into more complex situations. The level design is more intricate, with multiple paths, hidden secrets, and environmental puzzles that require genuine problem-solving skills.
The combat system receives significant improvements with new weapon types like the harpoon gun and M16, plus more aggressive enemy AI that forces players to master Lara’s acrobatic movement. The difficulty curve is steeper but fairer, with checkpoints that feel earned rather than frustrating.
Why it’s number two: The ultimate expression of classic Tomb Raider gameplay, with expansive levels, challenging puzzles, and a perfect sense of archaeological discovery that has never been replicated.
The 2013 Tomb Raider reboot successfully reinvented the franchise for a modern audience while honoring the core elements that made the series special. Crystal Dynamics created an origin story that feels both respectful to the source material and genuinely innovative in its gameplay mechanics.
The game’s greatest strength is its gradual empowerment of Lara Croft. She starts as a vulnerable, inexperienced archaeologist who’s genuinely terrified by the violence she’s forced to commit. Through a series of harrowing experiences, she transforms into the confident adventurer we know, and this character development feels earned and impactful.
Gameplay-wise, Tomb Raider (2013) introduces several modern mechanics that work surprisingly well. The cover-based shooting system is responsive and satisfying, while the streamlined platforming makes traversal accessible without feeling dumbed-down. The optional tombs provide genuine challenge and reward exploration with meaningful upgrades.
The Yamatai setting creates a perfect blend of natural beauty and oppressive atmosphere. The island feels like a character in itself, with crashed ships, ancient Japanese shrines, and World War II bunkers creating environmental storytelling that enhances the mystery without overwhelming the player.
Why it’s number three: The perfect entry point for modern players, with excellent character development, accessible gameplay, and a respectful approach to rebooting a beloved franchise.
Anniversary accomplishes something rare in gaming: it successfully remakes a classic while preserving what made the original special. Crystal Dynamics carefully reconstructed the 1996 game’s levels with modern controls, improved graphics, and quality-of-life improvements without losing the original’s sense of isolation and discovery.
The game’s most impressive achievement is how it translates the original’s blocky, grid-based level design into free-flowing 3D environments while maintaining the same spatial relationships and puzzle logic. Long-time fans will recognize every room and secret, but the improved controls make the experience more accessible to modern players.
Anniversary also expands on the original’s story with additional cutscenes and character moments that give Lara more personality without contradicting established canon. The relationship with Natla receives more development, and the game does an excellent job of building tension throughout the adventure.
The visual updates are stunning, transforming familiar locations like the Lost Valley and Atlantis into beautiful, detailed environments while maintaining the original’s atmosphere. The lighting effects and texture work create a sense of place that the original could only suggest.
Why it’s number four: The definitive way to experience the classic Tomb Raider adventure, combining the original’s brilliant level design with modern accessibility.
After the disaster of Angel of Darkness, Crystal Dynamics had the daunting task of revitalizing the Tomb Raider franchise. Legend exceeded all expectations by returning to the series’ core strengths while introducing modern mechanics that made the experience feel fresh and exciting.
The game’s greatest strength is its variety. Each level introduces new gameplay mechanics, from motorcycle chases in Peru to grappling hook traversal in Bolivia. This constant variety keeps the experience engaging throughout, and no single mechanic overstays its welcome.
Legend also nails the pacing, with bite-sized levels that can be completed in satisfying sessions while contributing to an overarching narrative. The story is pulpy and fun, featuring ancient artifacts, supernatural threats, and globe-trotting adventure that captures the spirit of classic Tomb Raider without taking itself too seriously.
The combat system is simple but effective, with acrobatic moves and environmental interactions that make fights feel dynamic. The puzzle design strikes a perfect balance between accessibility and challenge, requiring thought without becoming frustrating.
Why it’s number five: A successful franchise revival that understands what makes Tomb Raider special while introducing modern accessibility and variety.
Underworld pushes the franchise forward with stunning visuals and ambitious level design that emphasizes environmental storytelling and interconnected levels. While it suffers from some control issues, its achievements in atmosphere and exploration cannot be denied.
The game’s most impressive feature is its underwater mechanics, which allow for full 3D movement beneath the surface. This opens up new possibilities for level design, and the team takes full advantage with underwater tombs, submerged ruins, and breathtaking ocean environments.
Underworld also excels in its environmental storytelling. The levels feel like real archaeological sites, with layers of history visible in the architecture and environmental details. The Mediterranean Sea levels, in particular, create a sense of deep time and mystery that few games achieve.
The game’s interconnected level design encourages exploration and backtracking, with abilities acquired later opening up new paths in earlier areas. This creates a sense of progression and discovery that rewards curious players.
Why it’s number six: Ambitious design and stunning visuals create an unparalleled sense of archaeological discovery, despite some control frustrations.
The original Tomb Raider revolutionized 3D gaming with its expansive levels, sense of isolation, and groundbreaking environmental design. While it shows its age in terms of controls and graphics, its achievements in level design and atmosphere remain impressive decades later.
What made Tomb Raider special in 1996 was its sense of scale and isolation. Unlike most games of the era, it featured vast, interconnected levels that encouraged exploration and rewarded curiosity. The feeling of discovering a hidden passage or solving an environmental puzzle without any hand-holding was revolutionary.
The game’s atmosphere is unmatched, with quiet moments of exploration punctuated by sudden encounters with wildlife or supernatural threats. The sound design is minimalist but effective, with Lara’s footsteps, distant animal calls, and the echo of ancient spaces creating a palpable sense of place.
While the tank controls and grid-based movement feel dated by modern standards, they were revolutionary at the time and allowed for precise platforming once mastered. The combat system is simple but effective, with the famous dual pistols becoming an iconic gaming image.
Why it’s number seven: A revolutionary game that defined 3D action-adventure gaming, still impressive in its level design despite dated controls.
Shadow concludes the Survivor Trilogy with the most impressive visuals and some of the best puzzle design in the franchise. While the story falters in its final act, the game’s environmental design and tombs are exceptional.
The game’s greatest strength is its setting. The Peruvian jungles and hidden Mayan cities create some of the most beautiful environments in gaming, with lush vegetation, dynamic weather, and stunning lighting effects. The underwater sections are particularly impressive, featuring fully explorable submerged ruins with complex puzzles.
Shadow also features the best puzzle design in the Survivor Trilogy, with tombs that require genuine thought and observation to solve. The physics-based puzzles are clever and satisfying, and the optional tombs are more elaborate than in previous games.
The stealth mechanics receive significant improvements, with more options for hiding and distracting enemies. Lara’s ability to blend into mud walls or use the environment to create diversions makes stealth more tactical and rewarding.
Why it’s number eight: Stunning visuals and exceptional puzzle design make this a worthy conclusion to the Survivor Trilogy, despite narrative shortcomings.
Tomb Raider III pushes the classic formula to its limits with expansive levels, varied locations, and challenging gameplay. While it suffers from difficulty spikes and some design frustrations, its ambition and sense of adventure are undeniable.
The game’s greatest strength is its variety. Lara travels across the globe to India, Nevada, London, and Antarctica, each location offering distinct visual themes and gameplay challenges. The level design is more complex than previous entries, with multiple paths and secrets that reward exploration.
Tomb Raider III also introduces new gameplay mechanics like sprinting and crawling, which add tactical depth to both combat and exploration. The vehicle sections, while sometimes frustrating, add variety to the gameplay and create memorable set pieces.
The game’s difficulty is significantly higher than previous entries, with tougher enemies, more complex platforming, and puzzles that require genuine thought. This creates a sense of accomplishment when overcoming challenges but can also lead to frustration.
Why it’s number nine: Ambitious design and varied locations create an epic adventure, despite difficulty spikes and some frustrating design choices.
After the globetrotting excess of Tomb Raider III, The Last Revelation returns to the series’ roots with a focused Egyptian setting, interconnected levels, and emphasis on puzzle-solving. While it’s slower-paced than previous entries, its atmospheric design and clever puzzles make it a worthy classic.
The game’s greatest strength is its level design. Set entirely in Egypt, the levels are interconnected and build upon each other, creating a sense of progression and continuity. The puzzle design is more complex than previous entries, with multi-room puzzles that require careful observation and thinking.
The Last Revelation also features the most impressive tomb design in the classic series, with elaborate mechanisms, hidden passages, and environmental puzzles that feel genuinely ancient and mysterious. The atmosphere is exceptional, with quiet moments of exploration creating a sense of archaeological discovery.
The game’s story is more personal than previous entries, focusing on Lara’s relationship with her mentor Werner Von Croy and Egyptian mythology. This creates emotional stakes that make the adventure more meaningful.
Why it’s number ten: A return to form with focused level design, clever puzzles, and exceptional atmosphere, despite slower pacing.
Chronicles serves as a farewell to the classic series with four distinct adventures that showcase different aspects of Lara’s career. While uneven in quality, it features some memorable moments and interesting gameplay ideas.
The game’s structure is unique, with each of the four levels taking place in a different location and time period. Rome features classic tomb raiding, a Russian submarine base introduces stealth mechanics, and a haunted Irish mansion adds supernatural elements. This variety keeps the experience interesting.
The standout level is VCI Headquarters, which introduces modern security systems, hacking minigames, and high-tech gadgets that point toward the series’ future. This level in particular features clever level design and innovative mechanics.
While the game feels unfinished in some areas, with some levels shorter than others, it serves as a fitting farewell to the classic series. The final cutscene, which teases Lara’s fate, creates a perfect sense of closure for the original storyline.
Why it’s number eleven: An interesting experiment with varied gameplay and some memorable moments, despite feeling unfinished in areas.
Angel of Darkness attempted to reinvent the franchise with a darker tone, RPG elements, and stealth mechanics, but was released in an unfinished state with numerous technical issues. While it has some interesting ideas, its flaws are too significant to ignore.
The game’s most significant problems are technical. The controls are unresponsive, the camera system is frustrating, and numerous bugs can make the game unplayable at times. The stealth mechanics are poorly implemented, and the RPG elements feel underdeveloped.
However, Angel of Darkness does have some redeeming qualities. The Paris and Prague settings create a different atmosphere from previous games, and the story attempts to take the series in a more mature direction. The character models are more detailed than previous entries, and the game features some impressive environmental design.
The core tomb raiding gameplay, when it works, still captures some of the classic Tomb Raider magic. The Louvre level, in particular, features some clever puzzles and impressive environmental design.
Why it’s number twelve: An ambitious but fundamentally broken game that failed to deliver on its promising concepts due to technical issues and rushed development.
Choosing your first Tomb Raider game depends on your gaming preferences and tolerance for older mechanics. Here are specific recommendations based on different player types:
If you’ve never played a Tomb Raider game before, start with Tomb Raider (2013). The game features modern controls, intuitive gameplay mechanics, and a gentle learning curve that introduces concepts gradually. The cover-based shooting and streamlined platforming make it accessible to players unfamiliar with action-adventure games.
The story serves as an origin tale, so you won’t need any prior knowledge of the franchise. The game also features a robust tutorial system and difficulty options that can be adjusted based on your comfort level with action games.
For the most forgiving experience, play on easy difficulty and focus on the main story. You can always revisit for optional tombs and challenges once you’re more comfortable with the mechanics.
If you prioritize narrative and character development, play the Survivor Trilogy in order: Tomb Raider (2013), Rise of the Tomb Raider, and Shadow of the Tomb Raider. This trilogy tells a complete story about Lara’s transformation from an inexperienced archaeologist into a hardened survivor.
The games feature cinematic presentation, well-developed characters, and emotional stakes that create investment in Lara’s journey. The story addresses serious themes like trauma, survival, and the consequences of archaeological discovery.
Each game builds on the previous one, with character development, relationships, and story elements that carry across the trilogy. Playing in order provides the most complete narrative experience.
If you appreciate retro gaming and don’t mind dated controls, start with Tomb Raider: Anniversary. This game brilliantly remakes the original 1996 classic with modern controls while preserving the level design and atmosphere that made the original special.
Anniversary provides the purest tomb raiding experience, with emphasis on exploration, puzzle-solving, and environmental challenges. The game features less combat than modern entries and more focus on discovery and archaeology.
If you want to experience the original classic despite its dated controls, play the 1996 Tomb Raider with patience and an open mind. The game’s sense of isolation and discovery remains impressive despite its technical limitations.
For the best technical performance, play on PC. The games offer higher resolutions, better frame rates, and mod support for the classic entries. The Survivor Trilogy, in particular, benefits from improved graphics and performance on capable hardware.
PlayStation offers the most consistent experience, with the first two Survivor Trilogy games available as PS Plus titles and the LAU Trilogy available through PS Now. The PlayStation versions also feature stable performance and comfortable controls.
Xbox players benefit from Game Pass availability for the Survivor Trilogy and backward compatibility for older titles. The Xbox Series X/S versions offer improved performance and load times for modern entries.
Tomb Raider (2013) is the best starting point for beginners. It features modern controls, intuitive gameplay mechanics, and a gentle learning curve that introduces concepts gradually. The cover-based shooting and streamlined platforming make it accessible to players unfamiliar with action-adventure games.
The Survivor Trilogy (2013-2018) games are directly connected and should be played in order: Tomb Raider (2013), Rise of the Tomb Raider, and Shadow of the Tomb Raider. The classic games (1996-2000) are connected but can be played individually. The LAU Trilogy (2006-2008) has some connections but mostly stands alone.
Rise of the Tomb Raider has the best story in the franchise, perfectly balancing character development with archaeological adventure. For emotional storytelling, the Survivor Trilogy as a whole offers the most complete narrative arc for Lara Croft’s character development.
There are 12 main Tomb Raider games in the franchise: 5 classic games (1996-2000), 3 LAU Trilogy games (2006-2008), and 3 Survivor Trilogy games (2013-2018). There are also several spin-off games and mobile titles, but these 12 represent the main series.
Yes, the classic games are still worth playing for their excellent level design, atmospheric exploration, and challenging puzzles. However, they require patience due to dated controls. Tomb Raider: Anniversary offers the best way to experience the classic story with modern controls.
For the Survivor Trilogy, yes – play them in order for the complete story. For the classic series, order matters less but Tomb Raider II is generally recommended as the starting point. The LAU Trilogy can be played in any order, though Legend serves as a good introduction.
PC offers the best technical performance with higher resolutions and frame rates, plus mod support for classic games. PlayStation provides the most consistent experience with stable performance. Xbox benefits from Game Pass availability for modern titles and backward compatibility.
After exploring the entire Tomb Raider franchise across nearly three decades of gaming evolution, a few clear recommendations emerge based on different player preferences and goals.
For the absolute best Tomb Raider experience, Rise of the Tomb Raider stands as the pinnacle of the franchise. It achieves the perfect balance between action, exploration, and puzzle-solving while featuring stunning visuals and meaningful character development. This is the game that best represents what Tomb Raider can be at its finest.
If you’re completely new to the series, Tomb Raider (2013) provides the most accessible entry point. Modern controls, intuitive gameplay mechanics, and a compelling origin story make it the perfect introduction to Lara Croft’s world without requiring familiarity with older gaming conventions.
For those who appreciate classic gaming and want to experience the series’ roots, Tomb Raider: Anniversary offers the best of both worlds. It preserves the original’s brilliant level design and atmosphere while updating the controls for modern accessibility.
The Tomb Raider franchise remains one of gaming’s most important and enduring series, consistently delivering archaeological adventures that combine exploration, puzzle-solving, and action in unique ways. Whether you prefer the atmospheric isolation of the classics or the cinematic spectacle of modern entries, there’s a Tomb Raider game waiting to be discovered.
For more gaming updates and guides to the best adventure games, explore our comprehensive coverage of action-adventure titles and franchise retrospectives.