For three decades, Lara Croft defined the action-adventure gaming scene. OG-Tomb Raider fans still enjoy the first games, with the pixelated tombs just as much as they lost words in more recent titles. As the gaming universe awaits the next chapter, which will be launched in 2026 or 2027, we should take a moment and recognize Croft’s greatest expeditions.
This not necessarily a ranking considering diverse preferences, but it each represents legacy, gameplay innovation, and audience engagement, of course. Whether it is the cinematic heaviness of the Survivor trilogy or the puzzle boxes in earlier iterations, this list has them all.
10. Tomb Raider (1996)
This is the first iteration of the Tomb Raider series so it obviously gets a mention. This landmark title was launched on the Sega Saturn in October 1996. Tomb Raider I was one of the first games to offer 3D exploration gaming with its puzzle box levels and precise platforming. Its tank controls and visuals were also reminiscent of a much older time, of course, compared to what there is today, but you still get a sense of the brilliance of the core design.
9. Tomb Raider II (1997)
As sequels go, this one cemented the game’s notoriety in the gaming world. It expanded from the original, introducing more vehicles, outdoor settings, and a compelling narrative about the Dagger of Xian. The game is a bit punishing compared to today’s standards, as players experience instant deaths requiring trial-and-error progression.
Tomb Raider II though improved upon the classic formula while introducing a tense atmosphere, which would influence the series for many years to come.
8. Tomb Raider III: Adventures of Lara Croft (1998)
Tomb Raider 3 represented the final chapter of the original PlayStation Trilogy, allowing players to choose their path through diverse locations. First-time gamers could wander through the deserts of Nevada or the jungles of India. This particular entry was famed for its difficulty and innovative traps. The controls are obviously dated, but the game’s global scale and multi-layered design are timeless.
7. Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation (1999)
The Last Revelation was designed to be Lara’s last adventure, but instead doubled down on the theme of previous installations. It was almost entirely set in ancient Egypt and featured darker tones rather than environmental puzzles. Rather than combat, players were invited to more exploration and brain-teasing.
This created an immersive experience that set the precedent for many Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Games today. The experience can be a bit cryptic, though, and it requires a bit of patience, but it is a nostalgic favorite for fans who prefer exploration over action.
6. Tomb Raider: Legend (2006)
Following the major flop, that was Angel of Darkness, Tomb Raider: Legend was an excellent course correction. This may have been because Crystal Dynamics took over game development from Core Design. The series rebooted with a new, charismatic Lara Croft and a cinematic storytelling approach. Legend successfully brought the series into the 21st century. The confident tone and better tools were a breath of fresh air for the franchise.
5. Tomb Raider: Anniversary (2007)
Anniversary was more than a typical graphics upgrade. It was a reimagining of the 1996 original game, preserving the locations and puzzle box designs, but also rebuilding the combat systems of the Legend title. This resulted in an incredibly engaging entry for new gamers, but without the issue of outdated controls. Anniversary balances nostalgia with modern sensibilities, showing that the original game design was timeless.
4. Tomb Raider: Underworld (2008)
Underworld was the finale to the first trilogy from the new developers, so everyone expected a grand cinematic conclusion. For the first time, weather effects were featured along with an increased focus on non-linear exploration. This also followed Lara on a quest linked to her mother, combining both Mayan and Norse lore. Underworld upgraded the fluid controls and movement offered by the predecessors. It also feels more like a bridge between the classic and modern eras.
3. Tomb Raider (2013)
This reboot transformed Lara from an outgoing adventurer to a wasteland survivor. Stranded on the mysterious Japanese, Yamatai Island, this rendition of the game maintained tense combat while also borrowing from the likes of ‘Uncharted’. Though it is a bit controversial among the Tomb Raider loyalists, the 2013 offering successfully modernized the title for a new generation of gamers. The character’s story arc evolved from a frightened archeologist to a determined survivor, introducing emotional stakes that the series previously lacked.
2. Shadow of the Tomb Raider (2018)
It represented the final chapter of the survivor trilogy, delivering elaborate and challenging tombs. The focus of the game is on Lara’s transformation from vulnerable survivor to a predator as she saves the world from a Mayan apocalypse. You can see that it is not only about the enhanced stealth upgrades but also about having Croft confront the consequences of her destructive actions. The game strikes an outstanding balance between the cinematic attributes of its predecessors and the exploration and puzzle-solving themes found in the classics.
1. Rise of the Tomb Raider (2015)
Rise of the Tomb Raider remains the pinnacle of the series, considering the way it masterfully blended every era of its history. The title takes the 2013 reboot and enriches it with expansive tombs. A Siberian setting also provides a challenging environment for hunting and crafting. Rise of the Tomb Raider effectively weaves the narrative of Lara’s obsession while drawing the player’s curiosity to explore secret-filled hubs. Utilizing refined combat visuals and adventure, the Rise title offers the best of every world.
Lara Croft’s evolution from Atlantis to forests in Siberia is a reflection of the development of gaming. These games all share a theme that heavily prioritizes the thrill of discovery. Nothing beats the satisfaction of solving a puzzle and standing in a place lost to time. With new animated projects, the next generation installment is already being designed. As the game left on a high note, there are high expectations that it will not mar the enduring adventure gaming left behind.