Tomb Raider Games: Best Play Order

Tomb Raider Games Chronological Guide

The Tomb Raider series boasts a rich legacy, with protagonist Lara Croft exploring ancient ruins worldwide. Her determination against formidable challenges has cemented her status among gaming's elite characters.

Crystal Dynamics is currently developing a new Tomb Raider installment, marking Lara's next chapter. We've compiled a complete chronological guide to help fans begin (or revisit) their adventure.

Quick Navigation

• Playing Order: Chronological
• Playing Order: Release Date

Tomb Raider Series Overview

As of 2025, the franchise includes 20 titles spanning three distinct timelines:

• 14 console releases
• 6 handheld adaptations
• 6 mobile titles

Standalone titles excluded from chronological lists:

• Guardian of Light
• Temple of Osiris
• Relic Run
• Tomb Raider Reloaded

Recommended Starting Point

Newcomers should begin with the 2013 reboot, launching Lara's acclaimed "Survivor" trilogy that concluded with 2018's Shadow of the Tomb Raider.

Tomb Raider Timelines

Original Saga (1996-2003)

The foundational series establishing Lara's archaeology adventures:

1. Tomb Raider (1996) - Quest for Atlantis' Scion
2. Curse of the Sword (2001) - Game Boy Color exclusive sequel
3. Tomb Raider II (1997) - Hunt for the Dagger of Xian
4. Tomb Raider III (1998) - Search for meteorite artefacts
5. The Last Revelation (1999) - Egyptian gods conflict
6. Chronicles (2000) - Posthumous adventure recounting
7. Angel of Darkness (2003) - Murder mystery across Europe

Legend Trilogy (2006-2008)

Series reboot with modernized mechanics:

1. Anniversary (2007) - Original remake
2. Legend (2006) - Excalibur pursuit
3. Underworld (2008) - Norse mythology exploration

Survivor Trilogy (2013-2018)

Gritty origin story and character evolution:

1. Tomb Raider (2013) - Yamatai island survival
2. Rise of the Tomb Raider (2015) - Siberian lost city
3. Shadow of the Tomb Raider (2018) - Mayan apocalypse

Complete Release Timeline

Every main series installment:

• Tomb Raider (1996)
• Tomb Raider II (1997)
• Tomb Raider III (1998)
• The Last Revelation (1999)
• Chronicles (2000)
• The Angel of Darkness (2003)
• Legend (2006)
• Anniversary (2007)
• Underworld (2008)
• Tomb Raider (2013)
• Rise (2015)
• Shadow (2018)

Future Developments

The franchise continues expanding:

• Crystal Dynamics' UE5-powered title in development
• Tomb Raider I-III Remastered (2024)
• Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered (2025)
• Netflix animated series renewed for Season 2