"Tomb Raider Games: Play in Chronological Order"

The Tomb Raider series has a storied history, with Lara Croft's adventures taking her through ancient ruins and tombs across the globe. Her journey has cemented her status as one of the most iconic video game protagonists of all time. As we eagerly anticipate a new Tomb Raider game in development at Crystal Dynamics, we've compiled a comprehensive chronological list of every Tomb Raider game. This guide will help you embark on or revisit Lara's thrilling expeditions from the very beginning.

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How to play in chronological orderHow to play in release orderHow Many Tomb Raider Games Are There?

As of 2025, there are a total of 20 Tomb Raider games. These are divided into three distinct timelines, each offering unique storylines and variations on Lara Croft and her companions.

Out of these, 14 games were released for home consoles, while 6 supported handheld and portable consoles, and another 6 were available on mobile devices. 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 not included in the lists below.

Which Tomb Raider Should You Play First?

If you're new to the franchise in 2025, we highly recommend starting with the 2013 Tomb Raider reboot. This game kicks off the "Survivor" trilogy, setting the stage for Lara Croft's latest adventures that culminate in the 2018 release, Shadow of the Tomb Raider.

### Tomb Raider

2See it at AmazonTomb Raider Games in Chronological Order

Embarking on a chronological journey through the Tomb Raider games involves navigating three different timelines:

Original Saga TimelineLegend of Tomb Raider TimelineSurvivor Trilogy TimelineFirst Timeline - Original Saga

### 1. Tomb Raider (1996)

The inaugural Tomb Raider game follows Lara as she is hired by businesswoman Jacqueline Natla to recover the mysterious Scion of Atlantis. After collecting the three fragments of the Scion from around the world, Lara is betrayed by Natla and must confront her on a volcanic island teeming with monsters.

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

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

This Game Boy Color exclusive sequel to the original's handheld version has Lara pursuing a mystical sword to prevent the resurrection of the evil Madame Paveau, who aims to use the sword to unleash dark magic upon the world.

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

3. Tomb Raider II (1997)

Lara's quest in this sequel leads her to the Dagger of Xian, a magical weapon that can transform its wielder into a dragon. She must race against the cult leader Marco Bartoli, who seeks to harness the dagger's powers.

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

4. Tomb Raider III (1998)

Lara's third adventure centers on her search for the Infada Stone, one of four crystalline artifacts derived from a meteorite. She must stop Dr. Willard from using these stones to mutate the planet's inhabitants.

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

5. Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation (1999)

In this installment, Lara inadvertently releases the Egyptian god of chaos, Set, while exploring a tomb. She must summon the god Horus to stop Set from destroying Cairo with the help of Semerkhet.

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

6. Tomb Raider: Chronicles (2000)

Following the ambiguous ending of The Last Revelation, Lara's friends recount her past adventures, including explorations in Rome, a Russian submarine, and a haunted island, cementing her legacy.

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

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

Framed for the murder of her mentor Werner Von Croy, Lara navigates Paris and Prague to clear her name. She encounters Kurtis Trent, the last survivor of the Lux Veritatis Society, who harbors a dark secret.

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)

This remake of the 1996 original brings Lara back to the quest for the Scion of Atlantis with updated physics and redesigned puzzles, shifting the focus from item collection to environmental interaction.

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 reimagines Lara's origins as she races to find the mythical sword 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)

The final entry in the Legend trilogy has Lara searching for Mjolnir, the key to Helheim, while confronting the villainous Natla once again.

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 gritty reboot sees Lara stranded on a hostile island after her first expedition to find Yamatai goes awry. She must stop the Solarii Brotherhood cult and prevent the Ascension ritual.

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's journey continues in Siberia, where she searches for the legendary city of Kitezh while clashing with the paramilitary organization Trinity and the mythical 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)

The concluding chapter of the Survivor Trilogy has Lara racing through the Americas to find Paititi and avert a Mayan apocalypse, all while 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?

Crystal Dynamics is actively developing a new Tomb Raider game, set to utilize Unreal Engine 5 and published by Amazon Games. While details are scarce, Crystal Dynamics has hinted on Twitter that this new title will continue Lara Croft's saga, suggesting it might follow the Survivor trilogy.

Beyond gaming, Netflix premiered its animated series, Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft, in October, and it has already 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.