"Tomb Raider Games: Chronological Play Guide"

Lara Croft, the intrepid adventurer of the Tomb Raider series, has carved a legendary path through ancient ruins and perilous tombs across the globe. Her relentless spirit in overcoming challenges has cemented her as one of the most iconic figures in video game history. As anticipation builds for a new Tomb Raider game currently in development at Crystal Dynamics, we present a comprehensive, chronological guide to every Tomb Raider game. This list is perfect for newcomers eager to embark on their first Lara Croft adventure or veterans looking to revisit the series from its inception.

Curious about the journey ahead? Navigate directly to:

• How to Play in Chronological Order
• How to Play in Release Order

How Many Tomb Raider Games Are There?

As of 2025, the Tomb Raider franchise boasts a total of 20 games, distributed across three distinct timelines. Each timeline offers unique narratives and variations on Lara Croft and her companions. Out of these, 14 games are available on home consoles, 6 on handheld devices, and another 6 on mobile platforms. Standalone titles such as Tomb Raider: The Prophecy, Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light, Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris, Lara Croft Go, Lara Croft: Relic Run, and Tomb Raider Reloaded are excluded from our lists.

Which Tomb Raider Should You Play First?

If you're new to the Tomb Raider universe in 2025, starting with the 2013 reboot is highly recommended. This entry kicks off the "Survivor" trilogy, which charts Lara Croft's latest adventures up to 2018's Shadow of the Tomb Raider.

Tomb Raider Games in Chronological Order

Embarking on a chronological exploration of the Tomb Raider saga involves navigating through three separate timelines:

• Original Saga Timeline
• Legend of Tomb Raider Timeline
• Survivor Trilogy Timeline

First Timeline - Original Saga

1. Tomb Raider (1996)

In the inaugural Tomb Raider game, Lara Croft is commissioned by Jacquelin Natla to recover the Scion of Atlantis. After collecting its three fragments worldwide, Lara faces betrayal and battles Natla on a monster-filled volcanic island.

Available on: PlayStation, iOS, Android, Mac OS | IGN’s Tomb Raider Review

2. Tomb Raider: The Curse of the Sword (2001)

Exclusive to the Game Boy Color, this sequel follows Lara as she seeks a mystical sword to prevent the resurrection of the evil Madame Paveau.

Available on: Game Boy Color | IGN’s Curse of the Sword Review

3. Tomb Raider II (1997)

Lara pursues the Dagger of Xian, which can transform its wielder into a dragon, clashing with the cult leader Marco Bartoli.

Available on: PC, iOS, Android, PlayStation, Mac OS | IGN’s Tomb Raider II Review

4. Tomb Raider III (1998)

Lara's quest for the Infada Stone pits her against Dr. Willard, who aims to use the stone to mutate the planet.

Available on: PC, PlayStation, Mac OS | IGN’s Tomb Raider III Review

5. Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation (1999)

Exploring an Egyptian tomb, Lara unwittingly frees the god of chaos, Set. She then works to summon Horus to stop the ensuing chaos.

Available on: PlayStation, Mac OS, PC, Dreamcast | IGN’s The Last Revelation Review

6. Tomb Raider: Chronicles (2000)

Following the uncertain ending of The Last Revelation, Lara's friends recount her past adventures, highlighting her global exploits.

Available on: PlayStation, PC, Mac OS, Dreamcast | IGN’s Tomb Raider: Chronicles Review

7. Tomb Raider: The Angel of Darkness (2003)

Framed for her mentor Werner Von Croy's murder, Lara navigates Paris and Prague to clear her name, encountering the mysterious Kurtis Trent.

Available on: PC, PlayStation 2, Mac OS X | IGN’s Angel of Darkness Review

Second Timeline - Legend of Tomb Raider

1. Tomb Raider Anniversary (2007)

A remake of the 1996 original, Lara once again searches for the Scion of Atlantis with updated puzzles and physics.

Available on: PC, PlayStation 2, PSP, Xbox 360, Wii, Mobile, OS X, PS3 | IGN’s Tomb Raider Anniversary Review

2. Tomb Raider: Legend (2006)

This reboot explores Lara's origins as she races to find Excalibur before her former friend Amanda Evert.

Available on: GBA, Gamecube, PC, Nintendo DS, PlayStation 2, PS3, PSP, Xbox, Xbox 360 | IGN’s Tomb Raider: Legend Review

3. Tomb Raider: Underworld (2008)

Lara seeks Mjolnir, the key to Helheim, confronting Natla once more across various mythological landscapes.

Available on: Nintendo DS, PS3, Wii, PC, Xbox 360, Mobile, PlayStation 2, OS X | IGN’s Tomb Raider: Underworld Review

Third Timeline - Survivor Trilogy

1. Tomb Raider (2013)

This darker take on Lara's story begins with her stranded on an island during her search for Yamatai, facing the Solarii Brotherhood and the Sun Queen.

Available on: PC, PS3, Xbox 360, OS X, PS4, Xbox One, Stadia, Linux | IGN’s Tomb Raider (2013) Review

2. Rise of the Tomb Raider (2015)

Lara explores Siberia in search of Kitezh, clashing with Trinity and the legendary Deathless Ones.

Available on: Xbox 360, Xbox One, PC, PS4, macOS, Linux, Stadia | IGN’s Rise of the Tomb Raider Review

3. Shadow of the Tomb Raider (2018)

Lara's final journey in the Survivor trilogy takes her through the Americas to prevent a Mayan apocalypse, battling the Yaaxii and Trinity.

Available on: PS4, PC, Xbox One, Linux, macOS, Stadia | IGN’s Shadow of the Tomb Raider Review

How to Play ALL the Tomb Raider Games By Release Date

• Tomb Raider (1996)
• Tomb Raider II (1997)
• Tomb Raider III (1998)
• Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation (1999)
• Tomb Raider (Game Boy Color, 2000)
• Tomb Raider Chronicles (2000)
• Tomb Raider: Curse of the Sword (Game Boy Color, 2001)
• Tomb Raider: The Prophecy (GBA, 2002)
• Tomb Raider: The Angel of Darkness (2003)
• Tomb Raider: Legend (2006)
• Tomb Raider: Anniversary (2007)
• Tomb Raider: Underworld (2008)
• Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light (2010)
• Tomb Raider (2013)
• Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris (2014)
• Lara Croft: Relic Run (2015)
• Lara Croft Go (2015)
• Rise of the Tomb Raider (2015)
• Shadow of the Tomb Raider (2018)
• Tomb Raider Reloaded (2023)

What’s Next for Tomb Raider?

For those eager to relive the classics, Aspyr has released remastered collections for current-gen consoles. Tomb Raider I-III Remastered launched in early 2024, followed by Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered in February.

Crystal Dynamics is also developing a new Tomb Raider game, confirmed to utilize Unreal Engine 5 and to be published by Amazon Games. Though details are sparse, Crystal Dynamics has hinted on Twitter that this new adventure will continue Lara Croft's saga, suggesting a potential continuation of the Survivor trilogy.

Beyond gaming, Netflix's animated series, Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft, debuted in October and has been renewed for a second season. Meanwhile, Amazon's planned series with Phoebe Waller-Bridge as writer and executive producer appears to have been shelved.