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What did reviewers think of Shadow of the Tomb Raider?
The critical consensus was generally favorable, with notable variation from outlet to outlet. Metacritic’s 2018 listing showed a score of 75/100 from 63 critic reviews when observed on October 8, 2026. Its review breakdown was 40 positive, 21 mixed, and two negative; the displayed percentages were 63%, 33%, and 3%, which total 99% because of rounding.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Shadow of The Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition - PlayStation 4 | $21.69 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Shadow of the Tomb Raider The Official Art Book | $19.90 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Shadow of the Tomb Raider Definitive Edition (PS4) | $21.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Shadow of the Tomb Raider (Definitive Edition) - Xbox One | $24.85 | Buy on Amazon |
That aggregate is not a claim that every reviewer agreed. GameSpot’s 2018 review, by Edmond Tran, gave the game 6/10 and a “Fair” grade, providing a more reserved counterpoint to the broader Metacritic result.
Player ratings are positive, but use different scales
On the same observation date, Metacritic displayed a user score of 7.3/10 from 2,540 ratings. Steam’s product page showed 84% positive from 24,199 English-language reviews in a search crawl, while the PlayStation Store listing for the PS4 Definitive Edition showed 4.44/5 from approximately 73,000 ratings. These are separate, changing snapshots from different platforms and audiences, not scores that can be directly compared or averaged.
#1 Best Overall
- Full game with 7 bonus missions
- 5 co-op challenge tombs
- Digital copy of original soundtrack
- All previously released outfits and skills
- New “Croft Fitness” outfit for the Tomb Raider in training
What do the reviews praise?
Tombs and exploration
The clearest recurring strength is the exploration loop, especially the challenge tombs. Metacritic’s critic excerpts include praise for the game’s tomb exploration, while GamesRadar’s retrospective also highlights the challenge tombs. Expect environmental puzzles and carefully staged spaces to be a central part of the appeal rather than a brief diversion from combat.
Stealth and spectacle
Stealth, gunplay, and set pieces also feature among the game’s strengths in the cited reviews. GamesRadar calls attention to the set pieces, and the broader critical picture supports describing the adventure as an exploration-led action game with cinematic peaks. The balance of these elements may suit players who enjoy alternating between investigating spaces, approaching encounters tactically, and moving through large-scale action sequences.
Rank #2
What are the main reservations?
The story is not its strongest selling point
GamesRadar identifies the story as a weak point, and the review evidence does not support presenting the narrative as a universal strength. If story is your main reason for playing, treat the positive aggregate with that caveat in mind: reviewers could admire the environments and tombs while still finding the narrative less satisfying.
It does not reinvent the reboot trilogy
GamesRadar also calls it the weakest entry in an otherwise strong trilogy, while the Metacritic critic sample includes both enthusiastic praise and harsh criticism. The practical takeaway is not that the game fails across the board, but that it offers less of a fresh direction than its strongest environmental and puzzle-led elements might suggest. Players who liked the first two reboot games are the clearest audience; players hoping for a major change in formula may be less impressed.
Rank #3
- Der fulminante Abschluss des international gefeierten Tomb Raider Reboots
- Inkl. Das Spiel, 7 Bonus Missionen, 5 Koop Herausforderungsgr ber, allen zuvor ver ffentlichten Outfits, Waffen und F higkeiten + Original Soundtrack
- Herausragende Grafik, optimiert für PS4 Pro
- Erlebe den entscheidenden Moment in Lara Crofts Leben, der sie zum Tomb Raider macht
Is it worth playing after the first two reboot games?
Yes, if you want another adventure in the same reboot-era style and value tomb exploration, stealth, and environmental puzzles. Its strongest reasons to play are the challenge tombs and the spectacle of its environments and set pieces. If you mainly want a substantially new story or a reinvention of the trilogy’s approach, the reviews offer less reason to prioritize it.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which edition and platforms should you look for?
The original game was released on September 12, 2018. GameSpot lists PC, Mac, Linux, Stadia, PS4, and Xbox One; GamesRadar lists PC, Mac, Stadia, PS4, and Xbox One. These are platforms reported by those sources, not confirmation that every version remains available to buy or play. Check the storefront for your platform before purchasing, particularly for older or discontinued services.
Rank #4
- Full game with 7 bonus missions
- 5 co-op challenge tombs
- Digital copy of original soundtrack
- All previously released outfits and skills
What the PS4 Definitive Edition includes
The PlayStation Store’s PS4 Definitive Edition listing says it bundles the base game, all seven DLC challenge tombs, and downloadable weapons, outfits, and skills. The listing dates this edition to November 5, 2019. It also says existing base-game owners can upgrade at no additional cost, except owners of the PS Plus version; confirm the terms on the store listing for your account and region before relying on that offer.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
