Where to Start With Tomb Raider: Choose Your First Adventure

If you are new to Tomb Raider, start with Tomb Raider (2013) if you want a modern, story-led action adventure and a clear introduction to Lara Croft. Choose the original Tomb Raider from 1996 instead if you want to experience the series’ roots and do not mind older controls and design.

Why there is more than one starting point

Tomb Raider is a long-running series, not one continuous game that every newcomer must begin at the beginning. Its history includes the original games, later reboots, remakes and spin-offs. The central character, Lara Croft, remains recognizable across them, but the games tell different versions of her early adventures and use different styles of play.

That means “first” can mean either the first game released or the best entry point for a player today. The original debuted in 1996 and established the mix of exploration, puzzle-solving, platforming and combat. Tomb Raider (2013) restarted Lara’s story for a new era, presenting her as a young survivor on a dangerous expedition. It is a practical first choice because it introduces its own premise and does not require knowledge of previous games.

The 2013 game begins a reboot trilogy, followed by Rise of the Tomb Raider and Shadow of the Tomb Raider. If you like the first game, playing those two in release order is the simplest way to continue that particular story.

Choose by the kind of adventure you want

Think about what you most want from the experience. The different starting points emphasize different strengths:

• A modern, cinematic introduction: Start with Tomb Raider (2013). It combines exploration and puzzles with frequent action and a focused origin story.
• More exploration and tomb-focused play: Try Rise of the Tomb Raider after the 2013 game, or start there if you are comfortable joining a story already in progress. It follows Lara’s development and places greater emphasis on exploration and optional tombs.
• A more deliberate puzzle-and-platforming challenge: Begin with the 1996 original or a remake of an older game. Expect less guidance and more trial, observation and careful movement than in the reboot trilogy.
• A standalone adventure with a different tone: Tomb Raider: Legend is another possible entry. It belongs to an earlier continuity and does not serve as the opening of the 2013 trilogy.

For most people asking where to start without any other preference, Tomb Raider (2013) is the safest recommendation. “Safest” here means easiest to recommend as a self-contained modern beginning, not that it is the only valid choice.

What to expect from Tomb Raider (2013)

The 2013 reboot follows Lara and fellow expedition members after their ship is wrecked on a remote island. The story focuses on survival and on Lara’s first major transformation into the adventurer familiar from later games. You do not need to know the older games’ plots to follow it.

Its play mixes several activities: moving through hazardous environments, searching for resources, solving environmental puzzles, fighting enemies and discovering optional areas. The balance leans toward action and cinematic storytelling, especially compared with the 1996 game. It is not a pure puzzle game, and players looking for constant, open-ended tomb exploration may find its main story more guided than expected.

Difficulty settings can make combat or other challenges more manageable, so a newcomer does not need to master every mechanic immediately. Optional collectibles and areas are there for players who enjoy searching, but they are not all required to understand the central story. If you prefer to focus on the plot, follow the main objectives; if you enjoy exploration, take time to investigate side paths.

Should you play the games in release order?

Only if seeing the franchise develop over time is part of the appeal. Release order gives you the original 1996 game first, followed by its many successors, but those games do not form one simple, uninterrupted storyline. The series has been reimagined, and different groups of games belong to different continuities.

For a straightforward story path, use the reboot trilogy’s release order:

1. Tomb Raider (2013)
2. Rise of the Tomb Raider
3. Shadow of the Tomb Raider

This order follows the trilogy’s intended progression. Starting with Rise or Shadow is possible, but each continues Lara’s development from earlier events. You may understand the immediate plot, yet some character context and references will carry less weight.

Do not confuse a remake or remaster with a new chapter in the reboot trilogy. A refreshed version of an older game revisits that game’s material; it does not automatically continue the 2013 storyline. Check the game’s full title and description before buying if continuity matters to you.

Older games, remakes and practical considerations

The original Tomb Raider is a worthwhile starting point if you are curious about the series’ design history. Its levels reward noticing landmarks, reading spaces and working out where to climb or jump. Compared with modern action-adventure games, its movement and camera behavior can feel less forgiving, and it often gives players less direct instruction. Those differences are part of its historical character, but they can also make it a frustrating first impression.

Remakes and remasters can make older entries easier to access on current platforms, but availability, included content and control options vary by edition and system. Before choosing one, check the platform store or the publisher’s product information for supported hardware, language options and whether the edition contains the game you expect. A remaster is not necessarily a complete overhaul of the original design.

There is no need to buy the whole series before deciding whether you like it. Start with one game that matches your taste, then continue only if its particular mix of action, puzzles and exploration works for you. If you already own an older entry, trying it is perfectly reasonable; you are not required to begin with the newest game.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Tomb Raider (2013) a good first game?
Yes. It begins a rebooted version of Lara’s story, explains its own setup and does not require familiarity with earlier games. It is a strong pick for newcomers who want modern controls and a story-led adventure.

Do I need to play the original Tomb Raider first?
No. The original is the first release, but it is not a prerequisite for the reboot trilogy. Play it first if you want to see where the series began, rather than because later games require it.

What order should I play the reboot trilogy?
Play Tomb Raider (2013), then Rise of the Tomb Raider, then Shadow of the Tomb Raider. That release order also follows the main story’s progression.

Can I start with Rise of the Tomb Raider?
You can, and its central adventure can be followed on its own. However, it comes after the 2013 reboot and builds on Lara’s earlier experiences, so playing the first game gives you more context.

Are all Tomb Raider games part of the same story?
No. The franchise includes different eras and reimagined versions of Lara’s story. Check which game or trilogy an edition belongs to if you want a continuous narrative.

Is the 1996 game too old for a new player?
Not necessarily. It remains an option for players interested in classic exploration and puzzles, but its controls and guidance differ from modern games. If you want a smoother contemporary introduction, try the 2013 reboot first.

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