Tomb Raider guide: where to start, what to play, and in what order

If there’s one franchise you can recommend even to someone who “isn’t a gamer” and still get them hooked, it’s Tomb Raider. It has everything: exploration, atmospheric locations, puzzles, traps, big set-piece moments, and that “one more tomb and I’m done” effect.

But… Tomb Raider has multiple eras and styles, so the real question is where to start.

Adventure archaeology illustration in a Tomb Raider style: an explorer in an ancient temple with a torch, traps, and mysterious carvings

Quick pick: which Tomb Raider is for you?

If you want a modern entry point, strong pacing, and smooth gameplay:
👉 Tomb Raider (2013), then continue through the modern trilogy.

If you love old-school adventure with heavier puzzle focus (“real tombs”):
👉 The classic era (originals or remasters—depending on what you prefer).

If you want something in-between (classic Lara feel with a modern flow):
👉 The Legend / Anniversary / Underworld era is a great middle ground.

Two major eras (and why they feel like different games)

1) Classic era: puzzles + exploration first

The classics focus on:

  • labyrinth-like spaces, switches, secret passages
  • careful exploration and mentally mapping environments
  • that “aha!” moment when the room’s logic clicks

If you’re into Indiana Jones vibes and puzzle-driven design, this is your lane.

2) Modern era: more narrative, more action, modern pacing

Modern Tomb Raider (starting in 2013) brings:

  • stronger narrative pacing
  • more cinematic flow
  • tombs and exploration, but with more modern guidance

If you like story-forward adventure with exploration on the side, it’s a perfect fit.

Path A: The easiest entry (best for beginners)

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

Why it works: it hooks fast, feels modern, and still delivers tombs and exploration.

Path B: “I want the roots—real tombs”

  1. Tomb Raider I–III (classics / remasters)
  2. If you’re into it: Tomb Raider IV–VI (darker tone, different design style)

Why it works: you get what made the series legendary—puzzles and exploration as the core.

Path C: “Classic Lara, but with a modern feel”

  1. Legend
  2. Anniversary
  3. Underworld

Why it works: a great balance of adventure pacing and classic Tomb Raider flavor.

Quick tips that save you frustration

  • If you’re new: start on normal (or even easier). The classics especially reward patience.
  • Don’t be afraid to take a break: puzzle design often clicks after 5 minutes away.
  • Explore side areas: tombs and hidden rooms are the soul of the franchise.
  • Headphones help: traps, ambience, and music hit harder and improve immersion.

So… what’s the “best” Tomb Raider?

It depends on what you want:

  • modern, fast entry point: (2013)
  • a strong balance of story and exploration: Rise
  • more tomb/puzzle emphasis in the modern style: Shadow
  • pure old-school puzzle adventure: the classics

The best part: it’s hard to go truly wrong—just pick the path that matches your taste.

Conclusion

Tomb Raider is evergreen because it combines two rare things: adventure that pulls you forward and mysteries that make you think. If you want the safest, simplest start, begin with Tomb Raider (2013). If you want “real tombs,” go classic.

If you want, the next evergreen for this category can be: “Top 10 adventure games for people who aren’t gamers (but love movies and story).”