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You do not need to play every Tomb Raider game before Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis. The new game is officially described as a reimagining of the 1996 original, so that first adventure is the most direct context. For a broader tour, play each major era in release order: the classic games, the Legend trilogy, then the Survivor trilogy.
Recommended Tomb Raider order for a first playthrough
The franchise has several story eras rather than one uninterrupted continuity. A clear first-time route is to play the games in release order within each era. You can stop after any group without needing to complete the others.
Classic era: the original six games
- Tomb Raider (1996)
- Tomb Raider II (1997)
- Tomb Raider III: Adventures of Lara Croft (1998)
- Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation (1999)
- Tomb Raider: Chronicles (2000)
- Tomb Raider: The Angel of Darkness (2003)
For the first three, Tomb Raider I–III Remastered is a modern-platform option. Crystal Dynamics says it includes the complete experiences, expansions, and secret levels. Tomb Raider IV–VI Remastered continues the classic sequence with the next three games.
Legend era: the trilogy
- Tomb Raider: Legend (2006)
- Tomb Raider: Anniversary (2007)
- Tomb Raider: Underworld (2008)
Anniversary revisits the first Tomb Raider, but it fits here when following release order. This group is a distinct era; it is not a required prelude to the Survivor trilogy or to Legacy of Atlantis.
#1 Best Overall
- Solve Ancient Mysteries: Uncover treasures of the ancient world by solving puzzles and unravelling mysteries lost to the ravages of time.
- Globe-trotting Adventure: Follow Lara Croft around the world and face off against deadly foes and dangerous myths.
- Lovingly Restored: Experience the classics boasting upgraded graphics, with the option to switch to the original polygon look at any time.
- Languages: Voice: English, French, German, Japanese, Russian; Subtitles: English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Russian, Czech, Danish, Finnish, Greek, Hungarian, Polish, Brazilian Portuguese, Swedish, Turkish, Ukrainian, Slovak, Japanese, Simplified Chinese.
Survivor era: the trilogy
- Tomb Raider (2013)
- Rise of the Tomb Raider (2015)
- Shadow of the Tomb Raider (2018)
Shadow is the third and final entry in this trilogy. Playing these three together gives you the Survivor-era sequence without requiring the older games.
What should you play before Legacy of Atlantis?
The official announcement describes Legacy of Atlantis as a reimagining of Lara Croft’s 1996 debut—not as a sequel that requires knowledge of the other eras. The original game is therefore the most relevant choice if you want to see the adventure being reimagined. You can play the 1996 release, use Tomb Raider I–III Remastered to access it on modern platforms, or start with Legacy of Atlantis when it becomes available.
Rank #2
- Live the critically acclaimed, cinematic action adventure, re built specifically for next gen consoles
- Survive high octane combat, customize Lara's weapons and gear, and overcome grueling environments to uncover the island's deadly secret
- See Lara Croft like never before, with every bead of sweat, strand of hair, and article of clothing delivered in obsessive detail
- Endure a stunningly re imagined island, fraught with new, unforgiving storms, and alive with motion
- Own the complete Tomb Raider experience with all of the DLC, including the Tomb of the Lost Adventurer, six outfits for Lara, a digital mini art book, and the digital comic " The Beginning
Crystal Dynamics and Flying Wild Hog say the new game is built on Unreal Engine 5 and combines modern design sensibilities with new twists while aiming to retain the tone and atmosphere of Lara’s original journey. That description does not establish that the Legend or Survivor games are prerequisites.
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Choose an entry point by what you want from the series
| Starting point | Play next | Best fit |
|---|---|---|
| Tomb Raider (1996), or its I–III remaster | Tomb Raider II, then Tomb Raider III | You want the closest context for the 1996 adventure that Legacy of Atlantis reimagines. |
| Tomb Raider: Legend | Anniversary, then Underworld | You want to follow the Legend-era games in release order. |
| Tomb Raider (2013) | Rise of the Tomb Raider, then Shadow of the Tomb Raider | You want to play the Survivor trilogy as a complete three-game sequence. |
These are different entry points, not a quality ranking. Choose based on the era and style you are most interested in; the available release-order information does not establish an objective gameplay comparison between them.
Rank #3
- See the Classic & Remastered Visuals: Play with the original polygonal models or swap to the remastered graphics at any time.
- Travel the Globe: Follow Lara Croft around iconic locales including Cairo, Rome, Paris, and many more!
- Experience Lara’s Darkest Adventures: Uncover the secrets of Lara Croft’s past and shed light on the mystery of her disappearance.
- Languages: Voice: English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese (Brazil), Polish, Russian, Japanese, Korean; Subtitles: English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese (Brazil), Polish, Russian, Japanese, Korean, Chinese (Simplified).
Legacy of Atlantis release date and platforms
As of the Tomb Raider site’s June 2, 2026 announcement, Legacy of Atlantis is scheduled for February 12, 2027, on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Steam, and Nintendo Switch 2. The same announcement says digital preorders are live on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Steam, with Switch 2 preorders to be offered later. Release plans and preorder availability can change, so check the official announcement for the latest status.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- IDEAL COLLECTIBLE SIZE - At approximately 3.75 inches (9.5 cm) tall, this vinyl figurine complements other collectable merchandise and fits perfectly in your display case or on your desk.
- PREMIUM VINYL MATERIAL - Made from durable vinyl, this collectible is built to last and withstand daily wear, ensuring long-lasting enjoyment for fans and collectors alike.
- GIFT IDEA FOR TOMB RAIDER FANS - Ideal for holidays, birthdays, or special occasions and as a present this figurine is a must-have addition to any Tomb Raider merchandise collection
- EXPAND YOUR COLLECTION - Add this unique Lara Croft vinyl display piece to your growing assortment of Funko Pop! figures, and seek out other rare and exclusive collectible items for a complete set
- LEADING POP CULTURE BRAND - Trust in the expertise of Funko, the premier creator of pop culture merchandise that includes vinyl figures, action toys, plush, apparel, board games, and more.
Rank #4
- Full colour manual included
- Games List – Tomb Raider , Tomb Raider II : Starring Lara Croft , Tomb Raider III : Adventures of Lara Croft.
- Genre – Adventure
- Compatible with all Evercade hardware
- New Giga Cart Evercade Cartridge format with more space for bigger games
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
