Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Play Tomb Raider (2013) first. It is the direct lead-in to Rise of the Tomb Raider: 20 Year Celebration and establishes Lara Croft’s modern origin. If you want the complete Survivor-era story, play Tomb Raider (2013), then Rise of the Tomb Raider, then Shadow of the Tomb Raider.
You do not need the 1990s and 2000s Tomb Raider games to understand Rise. Crystal Dynamics presents the three Survivor games as a distinct origin trilogy, so older adventures are optional background rather than prerequisites.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition - PlayStation 4 | $19.37 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Rise of The Tomb Raider: 20 Year Celebration (PS4) | $17.79 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Shadow of the Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition (PS4) | $21.84 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Tomb Raider Colossal Collection Volume 2 | $50.76 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Tomb Raider Trilogy | Buy on Amazon |
What the “20th Anniversary Edition” actually is
The edition in question is officially titled Rise of the Tomb Raider: 20 Year Celebration. It is an expanded version of Rise of the Tomb Raider, not a fourth game and not a remake of the original Tomb Raider. The campaign follows Lara after the events of her first adventure, as she pursues the mystery of immortality and the lost city of Kitezh.
Crystal Dynamics describes the game as Lara’s first tomb-raiding expedition after her first adventure. That wording is why Tomb Raider (2013) is the most useful preparation: it introduces the version of Lara, her relationships and the formative experience that the sequel assumes you know.
#1 Best Overall
- 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
“Rise of the Tomb Raider takes Lara to some of the most beautifully hostile places on earth, in a hunt for the lost secrets of immortality.”
The minimum game to play beforehand
Tomb Raider (2013)
For a reader who wants only enough context to begin Rise, play Tomb Raider (2013). The official trilogy description starts Lara’s formative journey on Yamatai, making this game the narrative starting point for the Survivor era.
- Why it matters: it is Lara’s first adventure in this continuity and establishes the personal and archaeological motivations that carry into Rise.
- Which edition: choose the Definitive Edition when that is the available option on your platform. The story is the same, while the edition is the preferred modern version identified in the trilogy materials.
- What you can skip: you do not need to complete earlier classic-era games, spin-offs or other timelines before starting the 2013 reboot.
After finishing the 2013 game, you can move directly to Rise of the Tomb Raider: 20 Year Celebration without reading a separate synopsis. The sequel is designed to continue from Lara’s first adventure.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
The complete Survivor-era order
If you want Lara’s full modern origin arc rather than only the immediate setup for Rise, use this order:
Rank #2
- The Critically Acclaimed Action Adventure - In Rise of the Tomb Raider, Lara uncovers an ancient mystery that places her in the cross-hairs of a ruthless organization known as Trinity. As she races to find the secret before Trinity, the trail leads to a myth about the Lost City of Kitezh.
- NEW "Blood Ties" Single Player Story - In the wake of her father
- NEW "Blood Ties" Nightmare - Lara
- NEW 20 Year Celebration Content - Five classic Lara Croft skins as well as a reimagined outfit that pays tribute to Lara
- NEW Endurance Mode Co-Op: You and a friend must scrounge, scavenge and craft to survive the harsh elements by day, as well as lethal threats from enemies, both man and beast, by night. This is the ultimate test to see how long you and a friend can survive the sprawling, unforgiving landscapes. Fire takes fuel, cold kills the unprepared, food restores health, and everything must be caught, collected, or crafted. You start with nothing and must find everything. Work together and challenge others to your longest survival run and battle to the top of the leaderboards.Includes all DLC - Includes all downloadable content that will extend your single-player campaign and will allow you to compete with friends. Three major releases will challenge you to survive the extreme conditions of Endurance Mode, explore a new tomb that houses an ancient terror in Baba Yaga: The Temple of the Witch, and combat waves of infected predators in Cold Darkness Awakened. In addition, new outfits, weapons, and Expedition Cards will keep you customizing, expanding, and challenging your friends to new adventures.
- Tomb Raider (2013): Lara’s formative adventure on Yamatai.
- Rise of the Tomb Raider: her pursuit of immortality and the lost city of Kitezh, with the 20 Year Celebration additions available in the anniversary edition.
- Shadow of the Tomb Raider: the next origin-trilogy chapter, moving the story to Peru.
1. Tomb Raider (2013): the origin
The first game establishes the Survivor-era interpretation of Lara and begins the journey that the official trilogy announcement calls her origin. It is the one preceding title that provides essential context for Rise’s character-driven references.
2. Rise of the Tomb Raider: the middle chapter
Rise is both the game you are preparing to play and the second entry in the trilogy. Its main story follows Lara’s search for the lost secrets of immortality and the city of Kitezh. The 20 Year Celebration release adds side content and modes around that campaign; it does not change the game’s position in the story order.
3. Shadow of the Tomb Raider: the conclusion of the origin arc
Shadow of the Tomb Raider follows Rise in the official trilogy framing and takes Lara to Peru. Play it after Rise if you want the complete Survivor-era progression. It is not required before starting the 20 Year Celebration edition because it was released as the later chapter.
Choose a play path based on how much context you want
| Goal | Recommended order | Story context | Scope |
|---|---|---|---|
| Start Rise quickly | Tomb Raider (2013) → Rise of the Tomb Raider: 20 Year Celebration | One direct prequel | Focuses on the main lead-in and Rise’s additional content |
| Experience Lara’s complete Survivor origin | Tomb Raider (2013) → Rise of the Tomb Raider → Shadow of the Tomb Raider | All three origin games | Follows the official Yamatai-to-Siberia-to-Peru sequence |
| Explore the wider franchise | Play the Survivor trilogy first, then older eras in any order that interests you | Modern origin context plus optional history | Best for players curious about how Lara changed across different continuities |
The first path is sufficient for understanding Rise. The second is the most coherent choice if you want a single continuous character arc. The third treats the classic games as enrichment rather than homework; that recommendation follows the official origin-trilogy framing, not a formal rule that older games have no connections to Rise.
Rank #3
- Combines the base game, All seven DLC challenge tombs and all downloadable content.
- survive and thrive in the deadliest place on Earth: master an unforgiving jungle setting in order to survive. Explore underwater environments filled with crevasses and deep tunnel systems.
- become one with the jungle: outgunned and outnumbered, Lara must use the jungle to her advantage. Strike suddenly and disappear like a Jaguar, use mud as camouflage, and instill fear in enemies to Sow chaos.
- discover dark and brutal tombs: tombs are more terrifying than ever before, requiring advanced traversal techniques to reach them, and once inside they are filled with deadly puzzles.
- uncover living history: discover a hidden city and explore the biggest hub space ever found in a Tomb Raider game
What the 20 Year Celebration content adds
The anniversary edition remains Rise’s campaign, but it packages previously released expansions and new celebration material. Knowing what is included helps you decide whether you need the complete edition or only the base game.
Blood Ties
Blood Ties is a story-focused exploration of Lara’s family manor. Crystal Dynamics’ announcement explains that the manor, previously seen only in campaign cutscenes, represents more than a location. The episode provides optional narrative context and a separate environment to explore.
Lara’s Nightmare
Lara’s Nightmare turns the manor setting into a distinct challenge mode. It is additional content rather than a prerequisite for the main campaign, so you can play it whenever you want after beginning Rise.
Co-op Endurance
The package includes cooperative Endurance content. This expands the survival-focused mode for two players and is separate from the single-player story path. You need another player and a platform-supported online or local arrangement appropriate to the edition you own.
Rank #4
Classic Lara models and themed equipment
The celebration release adds five classic Lara models, along with Tomb Raider III-inspired equipment and a themed outfit and weapon. These are cosmetic or loadout additions; they do not alter the recommended story order.
Extreme Survivor difficulty
Extreme Survivor is an additional difficulty option for players seeking a harsher challenge. It is not needed to unlock the story and can be ignored on a first playthrough if you prefer the standard progression.
Previously released downloadable content
The 20 Year Celebration package includes previously released DLC associated with Rise. Exact menus and entitlements can vary by platform, so check the edition description on the store where you intend to play.
Edition and platform checks before you buy
The same name does not mean every storefront sells the same package. Verify whether you are looking at a complete game or an add-on before paying.
Best Value
- ReMastered in high definition, Tomb Raider: Legend and Tomb Raider: Anniversary provide the same thrilling gamePlay with immersive visuals
- All three exciting adventures are Included on a Single Blu ray Disc
- Trilogy Includes Tomb Raider: Legend, Tomb Raider: Anniversary and Tomb Raider: UnderWorld
- Features Complete collection of "Beneath the Surface" UnderWorld Dev Diaries
| Option | What it represents | Important check |
|---|---|---|
| Rise of the Tomb Raider: 20 Year Celebration on PlayStation | The PlayStation announcement describes a PS4 package containing Rise and the celebration additions. | Confirm the store listing’s current platform compatibility and included DLC. |
| 20 Year Celebration Pack on Xbox | An add-on containing Blood Ties, Lara’s Nightmare, five classic skins, Tomb Raider III-inspired equipment and Extreme Survivor difficulty. | The Xbox listing states that the pack requires the game, sold separately. Buying the pack alone does not supply the base game. |
| Tomb Raider: Definitive Survivor Trilogy | A digital console bundle containing Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition, Rise of the Tomb Raider: 20 Year Celebration and Shadow of the Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition. | Check that the listing is for your console and confirms the digital contents. The bundle announcement identifies it as a digital console bundle, not a guaranteed physical release. |
| Standalone base game of Rise | The main Rise campaign without necessarily including the anniversary extras. | Read the contents list carefully if you want Blood Ties, Lara’s Nightmare, Endurance co-op or the celebration cosmetics. |
Platform storefronts can change their naming and packaging. Before checkout, verify the exact console generation, whether the item is a full game or add-on, and which DLC is included. The Xbox pack’s “game sold separately” requirement is especially easy to miss.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Do you need the classic Tomb Raider games first?
No. The official material presents the Survivor trilogy as a self-contained origin path beginning with the 2013 game. Nothing in the cited trilogy descriptions requires Tomb Raider (1996), its sequels, or other pre-reboot entries before Rise.
The older games can still be worthwhile if you are interested in franchise history, different interpretations of Lara, or the design evolution of the series. Treat them as a separate exploration after you have started, or finished, the Survivor trilogy. Starting with the classics is a personal preference, not a requirement for following Rise’s plot.
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallCrashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteA practical first-time play plan
- Identify the version of Rise you own. Confirm whether the product is the full 20 Year Celebration edition or an Xbox Celebration Pack that needs a separately owned base game.
- Play Tomb Raider (2013) first. Use the Definitive Edition when available and complete the main campaign at your preferred difficulty.
- Begin Rise’s main campaign. The story follows Lara after her first adventure and introduces the search for Kitezh and immortality.
- Add the anniversary modes when they suit you. Blood Ties and Lara’s Nightmare are optional side experiences; Endurance co-op is designed for cooperative play; Extreme Survivor is for a more demanding run.
- Continue to Shadow of the Tomb Raider only if you want the full origin arc. It is the third game, set in Peru, and is not a prerequisite for any Rise content.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
- Buying an add-on without the game: On Xbox, the 20 Year Celebration Pack requires Rise separately. Check the product type before purchase.
- Assuming “anniversary” means a remake: This is an expanded edition of Rise, not a remake of the 1996 game.
- Playing the trilogy out of order: The clearest sequence is 2013, Rise, then Shadow. Reversing the first two removes the intended introduction to Lara’s Survivor-era arc.
- Feeling obligated to finish every older title: Classic games are optional for this question. Start with the 2013 reboot unless your goal is historical exploration.
- Expecting every platform package to match: PlayStation and Xbox listings describe different purchase structures. Read the current contents and compatibility information for your platform.
Bottom line for different readers
If you have never played a Tomb Raider game
Start with Tomb Raider (2013), preferably the Definitive Edition, then play Rise of the Tomb Raider: 20 Year Celebration.
If you want Lara’s complete modern origin
Play the three-game sequence: Tomb Raider (2013), Rise of the Tomb Raider, and Shadow of the Tomb Raider.
If you already finished the 2013 game
Go straight to Rise of the Tomb Raider: 20 Year Celebration; no additional prequel is needed.
If you are mainly interested in classic Tomb Raider
You can explore the older eras separately, but they are not required preparation for Rise’s Survivor-era story.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Quick Recap
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.
