7 Powerful Reasons Why the Tomb Raider Reboot Trilogy Is Worth Playing
Key Takeaways
- The Tomb Raider reboot trilogy (2013–2018) gives Lara Croft a gritty, human origin story.
- It mixes survival mechanics, cinematic action, and emotional storytelling.
- Fans love its darker tone, but some players debate the repetitiveness of gameplay.
- Overall, it’s a modern classic for action-adventure fans who enjoy exploration and challenge.
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The Tomb Raider reboot trilogy is absolutely worth playing if you enjoy cinematic action, survival mechanics, and emotional storytelling. It reimagines Lara Croft with a grounded origin story while offering stunning visuals, thrilling combat, and challenging exploration. Despite some repetitive moments, the trilogy stands as one of the best modern action-adventure series.
Introduction: A Rebirth of an Icon
When Tomb Raider got its gritty reboot back in 2013, I’ll be honest—I was skeptical. Lara Croft had been around since the ’90s, dual pistols blazing, and I wasn’t sure if the world needed a darker, “survivor” version of her. But fast-forward through three games—Tomb Raider (2013), Rise of the Tomb Raider (2015), and Shadow of the Tomb Raider (2018)—and I can say this: the trilogy isn’t just good, it’s a rollercoaster that turned me into a fan all over again.
If you’ve been on the fence, let me break it down for you.
Why the Tomb Raider Reboot Trilogy Works
A More Human Lara Croft
Gone is the over-the-top, untouchable adventurer. Instead, you get a Lara who bleeds, struggles, and doubts herself. In Tomb Raider (2013), she’s thrown into survival mode with little more than a bow and grit. Honestly, seeing her go from a scared archaeology student to a confident survivor is one of the most rewarding progressions in gaming.
Cinematic Storytelling
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Each game feels like a playable blockbuster movie. Explosions? Check. Cliffhanger moments where you yell “no way she survived that”? Double check. It’s over-the-top at times, sure, but that’s part of the fun.
The Gameplay Mix
The trilogy strikes a nice balance between:
- Exploration: Gorgeous tombs, jungles, and snowy mountains.
- Combat: Bow, guns, stealth—take your pick.
- Survival mechanics: Crafting gear, hunting animals, and upgrading weapons.
Is it perfect? Not exactly. Some side missions can feel repetitive (looking at you, fetch quests), but the main gameplay loop is addictive.
The Trilogy Breakdown
| Game | Release Year | Highlight | Weak Spot |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tomb Raider | 2013 | Intense survival origin story | Linear design limits replay value |
| Rise of the Tomb Raider | 2015 | Best mix of combat & exploration | Story feels familiar at times |
| Shadow of the Tomb Raider | 2018 | Gorgeous jungles & puzzles | Pacing can drag in the middle |
7 Reasons the Trilogy Is Worth Playing
- A Relatable Hero – Lara isn’t perfect; she grows, fails, and pushes forward.
- Jaw-Dropping Visuals – From icy Siberia to lush Peruvian jungles, it’s pure eye candy.
- Engaging Combat – Bow stealth kills never get old. Ever.
- Rewarding Exploration – Optional tombs with brain-tickling puzzles.
- Emotional Storytelling – You genuinely care about Lara’s journey.
- Epic Set Pieces – Think Indiana Jones meets Uncharted on steroids.
- Complete Narrative Arc – Across three games, you watch Lara evolve into the legend.
Who Will Love This Trilogy?
- Fans of cinematic, story-driven adventures (Uncharted players, this is calling you).
- Gamers who enjoy survival and crafting mechanics.
- Anyone who wants to see an iconic character rebuilt for a modern audience.
If you’re into fast-paced shooters only, this might not hook you. But if you enjoy a mix of brains and brawn, it’s worth every hour.
The Verdict
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Is the Tomb Raider reboot trilogy good? Absolutely. It’s not flawless—some missions drag, and the pacing dips—but as a whole, it delivers thrilling action, deep storytelling, and a protagonist you’ll root for from start to finish.
Summary
The Tomb Raider reboot trilogy breathes new life into Lara Croft, giving us a grounded, cinematic, and emotional ride. While it has a few rough edges, the overall experience is thrilling, rewarding, and worth your time if you love action-adventure games.
FAQs
It’s not mandatory, but highly recommended for the full character arc.
Most fans vote for Rise of the Tomb Raider as the perfect balance of gameplay and story.
Around 60–80 hours depending on how much you explore optional tombs.
Yes! It holds up well visually and gameplay-wise.
