Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsStart with Tomb Raider: Legend if you want the most approachable entry point. The official Tomb Raider beginner guide recommends it as the franchise’s most beginner-friendly and accessible game. But “first” can also mean the beginning of Lara’s modern origin story or the original classic adventures, so the best choice depends on which version of Tomb Raider you want to experience.
Choose your starting point
There is no single first game that fits every meaning of the word. Use this quick guide to match your preference to an entry point:
- Want the easiest on-ramp? Play Tomb Raider: Legend.
- Want a retelling of the original adventure in a later-era style? Play Tomb Raider: Anniversary.
- Want Lara’s modern origin-story arc? Play Tomb Raider (2013), then Rise of the Tomb Raider, then Shadow of the Tomb Raider.
- Want to experience the original classic-era games? Start with Tomb Raider I-III Remastered.
Why Tomb Raider: Legend is the best default
The official beginner guide, dated September 13, 2024, explicitly recommends Tomb Raider: Legend because it is the “most beginner friendly and accessible game of the franchise.” The guide describes Legend, Anniversary, and Underworld as sharing a modern control system, auto-aimed platforming, and checkpoints. Legend also includes a Croft Manor level where you can explore and learn abilities.
Legend is the start of a distinct three-game era, alongside Anniversary and Underworld. Choose it for an accessible introduction to that style of Tomb Raider, rather than as the first chapter of either the 2013 reboot continuity or the 1990s originals.
#1 Best Overall
- See the Classic & Remastered Visuals: Play with the original polygonal models or swap to the remastered graphics at any time.
- Travel the Globe: Follow Lara Croft around iconic locales including Cairo, Rome, Paris, and many more!
- Experience Lara’s Darkest Adventures: Uncover the secrets of Lara Croft’s past and shed light on the mystery of her disappearance.
- Languages: Voice: English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese (Brazil), Polish, Russian, Japanese, Korean; Subtitles: English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese (Brazil), Polish, Russian, Japanese, Korean, Chinese (Simplified).
When to choose a different first game
Tomb Raider: Anniversary for a re-imagined classic adventure
Tomb Raider: Anniversary revisits the original adventure using an enhanced version of the Legend engine; it is not the original 1996 release. The official product page presents it as a re-imagining. The beginner guide says it is more difficult than Legend, while retaining a related gameplay style and fluidity. Pick it if you want the original adventure’s broad story in the later era’s style and are comfortable with a steeper challenge.
The Survivor Trilogy for a modern origin-story arc
For the modern origin-story sequence, play Tomb Raider (2013), Rise of the Tomb Raider, and Shadow of the Tomb Raider in that order. The official game catalog groups these titles as the Survivor Trilogy. This is a continuity-driven choice, not the franchise’s official pick for the most accessible first game.
Rank #2
- Reveal the Mysteries of the Past: The classic story has been expanded with deeper connections that bridge Lara Croft’s defining adventure to her future.
- Discover Extraordinary and Dangerous Worlds Lost to Time: Explore treacherous landscapes filled with ancient artifacts and hidden secrets, from the jungles of Peru to the crumbling ruins of Greece, the deserts of Egypt, and a mysterious island shrouded in myth.
- Skillfully Traverse Deadly Environments: Use Lara’s strength, agility, and grappling hook to climb, leap, and swing across perilous terrain.
- Solve Ingenious Ancient Contraptions: Manipulate water flow, redirect light beams, activate pressure plates, and decipher symbols to unseal secrets locked away for centuries. Every solution combines knowledge you’ve uncovered and clever thinking.
- Face Lethal Predators: Armed with Lara’s iconic dual pistols and other unlockable weapons, master acrobatic abilities to unleash devastating attacks against savage wildlife, mercenaries, and mythological creatures.
Tomb Raider I-III Remastered for the classic-era experience
Tomb Raider I-III Remastered collects the first three games and their expansions. Its official product page describes options for classic or modern joystick controls and original or enhanced graphics. These choices let you adjust controls and presentation, but the collection remains the classic-era experience—not a remake into the later games’ style.
How to make the choice
| What matters most | Start with | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Approachability | Tomb Raider: Legend | Officially recommended for newcomers; modern controls, auto-aimed platforming, and checkpoints are described for the Legend-era games. |
| The original adventure, re-imagined | Tomb Raider: Anniversary | A retelling built with an enhanced Legend engine; more difficult than Legend, according to the official beginner guide. |
| Modern origin-story continuity | Tomb Raider (2013) | First in the Survivor Trilogy, followed by Rise and Shadow. |
| Original games and expansions | Tomb Raider I-III Remastered | Classic adventures with selectable control schemes and graphics options. |
Check the edition and platform before buying
Availability can differ by platform, storefront, and region. The official product pages identify the games and link to storefronts, but those links do not establish current retailer stock or live listings. Check the listing for your own system before purchasing.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallRank #3
- Live the critically acclaimed, cinematic action adventure, re built specifically for next gen consoles
- Survive high octane combat, customize Lara's weapons and gear, and overcome grueling environments to uncover the island's deadly secret
- See Lara Croft like never before, with every bead of sweat, strand of hair, and article of clothing delivered in obsessive detail
- Endure a stunningly re imagined island, fraught with new, unforgiving storms, and alive with motion
- Own the complete Tomb Raider experience with all of the DLC, including the Tomb of the Lost Adventurer, six outfits for Lara, a digital mini art book, and the digital comic " The Beginning
For context, Crystal Dynamics reported that the franchise had sold more than 100 million units in an announcement dated October 11, 2024. That is a milestone reported on that date, not a current sales total. Read the announcement.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Reveal the Mysteries of the Past: The classic story has been expanded with deeper connections that bridge Lara Croft’s defining adventure to her future.
- Discover Extraordinary and Dangerous Worlds Lost to Time: Explore treacherous landscapes filled with ancient artifacts and hidden secrets, from the jungles of Peru to the crumbling ruins of Greece, the deserts of Egypt, and a mysterious island shrouded in myth.
- Skillfully Traverse Deadly Environments: Use Lara’s strength, agility, and grappling hook to climb, leap, and swing across perilous terrain.
- Solve Ingenious Ancient Contraptions: Manipulate water flow, redirect light beams, activate pressure plates, and decipher symbols to unseal secrets locked away for centuries. Every solution combines knowledge you’ve uncovered and clever thinking.
- Face Lethal Predators: Armed with Lara’s iconic dual pistols and other unlockable weapons, master acrobatic abilities to unleash devastating attacks against savage wildlife, mercenaries, and mythological creatures.
Rank #4
- See the Classic & Remastered Visuals: Play with the original polygonal models or swap to the remastered graphics at any time.
- Travel the Globe: Follow Lara Croft around iconic locales including Cairo, Rome, Paris, and many more!
- Experience Lara’s Darkest Adventures: Uncover the secrets of Lara Croft’s past and shed light on the mystery of her disappearance.
- Languages: Voice: English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese (Brazil), Polish, Russian, Japanese, Korean; Subtitles: English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese (Brazil), Polish, Russian, Japanese, Korean, Chinese (Simplified).
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.
