Do You Need to Play Anything Before Rise of the Tomb Raider?
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No, you don’t absolutely need to play Tomb Raider (2013) before jumping into Rise of the Tomb Raider. While Rise of the Tomb Raider offers a richer experience if you have prior knowledge of Lara Croft’s recent origin story and her relationships, the game provides enough context for newcomers to understand the central plot. However, playing Tomb Raider (2013) first is highly recommended to fully appreciate the character development and narrative depth. Think of it like watching the second season of a TV show without seeing the first – you can follow the main events, but you’ll miss out on crucial background and emotional resonance.
Why Playing Tomb Raider (2013) Enhances Your Rise of the Tomb Raider Experience
The 2013 reboot, simply titled Tomb Raider, acts as Lara’s origin story. It chronicles her transformation from a naive young archaeologist into a hardened survivor. This journey profoundly shapes her motivations and personality in Rise of the Tomb Raider.
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Character Development: Witnessing Lara’s initial struggles and triumphs in Tomb Raider (2013) gives context to her unwavering resolve and resourcefulness in the sequel. You’ll better understand why she’s so driven to uncover ancient secrets and face seemingly insurmountable odds.
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Relationship with Jonah: Jonah Maiava, Lara’s loyal friend and confidant, is introduced in Tomb Raider (2013). Playing the first game allows you to witness their bond develop, making their interactions in Rise of the Tomb Raider more meaningful. Skipping the first game means you’ll understand that Jonah is Lara’s friend, but you’ll miss the foundational experiences that forged their unbreakable relationship.
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Setting the Stage for the Survivor Trilogy: The events of Tomb Raider (2013) directly lead into the narrative of Rise of the Tomb Raider. The trauma and experiences from the first expedition fuel Lara’s desire to understand her father’s research and prove his theories about immortality.
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Understanding Trinity: Although the organization Trinity becomes a central antagonist in Rise of the Tomb Raider, the seeds of their involvement are planted in the 2013 game. While Rise of the Tomb Raider will certainly introduce Trinity to players who have not engaged with the reboot, a much more informed player is one who has knowledge of the organization prior to playing the eleventh installment of the franchise.
Rise of the Tomb Raider: A Solid Standalone Experience
Despite the advantages of playing Tomb Raider (2013) beforehand, Rise of the Tomb Raider is designed to be relatively accessible to new players. The game provides sufficient exposition to grasp the main storyline and Lara’s motivations without requiring prior knowledge. The sequel provides enough backstory through flashbacks and dialogue to understand Lara’s relationship with her father, her drive to uncover the truth behind his research, and the impact of her previous adventure on Yamatai.
Shadow of the Tomb Raider and the Complete Survivor Trilogy
For those considering playing the entire Survivor trilogy, which also includes Shadow of the Tomb Raider, playing the games in order is highly recommended. Shadow of the Tomb Raider builds directly upon the events and character arcs established in the previous two games. As the final chapter of Lara’s origin story, Shadow of the Tomb Raider assumes players have a strong understanding of her motivations, relationships, and the ongoing conflict with Trinity. Playing out of order would significantly diminish the impact of the narrative and character development throughout the three games.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What order should I play the Tomb Raider games in for story purposes?
The recommended order for the Survivor trilogy is:
- Tomb Raider (2013)
- Rise of the Tomb Raider (2015)
- Shadow of the Tomb Raider (2018)
This order follows Lara Croft’s origin story and character development chronologically. For the original series, playing in release order is generally recommended, as each game builds upon the lore and characters established in the previous installment.
2. Can I skip Tomb Raider (2013) and still enjoy Rise of the Tomb Raider?
Yes, you can, but you’ll miss out on important context and character development. Rise of the Tomb Raider provides enough information to understand the main plot, but playing Tomb Raider (2013) first enhances the overall experience.
3. Will I be confused if I play Rise of the Tomb Raider without playing Tomb Raider (2013)?
You might feel a little lost regarding some character relationships and Lara’s past experiences, but the game does a decent job of filling in the gaps.
4. Is Rise of the Tomb Raider a direct sequel to Tomb Raider (2013)?
Yes, it is a direct sequel. It continues Lara’s story after the events on Yamatai in Tomb Raider (2013).
5. Do I need to play Rise of the Tomb Raider before Shadow of the Tomb Raider?
Absolutely! Shadow of the Tomb Raider is the conclusion to the Survivor trilogy, and its story heavily relies on the events and character development in both Tomb Raider (2013) and Rise of the Tomb Raider.
6. Is Rise of the Tomb Raider worth playing?
Absolutely! Rise of the Tomb Raider is widely considered one of the best entries in the Tomb Raider series, offering a compelling story, challenging puzzles, and stunning visuals. It offers a solid balance of action, exploration, and tomb raiding.
7. How long does it take to beat Rise of the Tomb Raider?
The main story takes around 13-14 hours to complete. Achieving 100% completion can take upwards of 35 hours or more.
8. What are some essential tips for playing Rise of the Tomb Raider?
- Raid the Tombs: Don’t ignore the optional tombs! They offer valuable skills and upgrades.
- Hunt for Resources: Crafting is essential for survival, so hunt animals and gather resources whenever possible.
- Upgrade Your Gear: Visit the Supply Shack to buy essential upgrades for your weapons and equipment.
9. Is Rise of the Tomb Raider an open-world game?
While not a fully open-world game, Rise of the Tomb Raider features large, interconnected environments with plenty of opportunities for exploration and side quests.
10. What is the 20 Year Celebration edition of Rise of the Tomb Raider?
The 20 Year Celebration edition includes the base game, all previously released DLC, and additional content such as a new story chapter (“Blood Ties”) and support for PlayStation VR.
11. Is Rise of the Tomb Raider harder than Tomb Raider (2013)?
Many players find Rise of the Tomb Raider to be more challenging than Tomb Raider (2013), with more complex puzzles and tougher enemies.
12. What makes Rise of the Tomb Raider stand out from other Tomb Raider games?
Rise of the Tomb Raider is praised for its stunning graphics, engaging story, challenging puzzles, and improved combat mechanics. It’s considered a high point in the series.
13. Is Jonah a significant character in the Tomb Raider games?
Yes, Jonah is a very important character to Lara, especially in the rebooted trilogy. His loyalty and friendship are crucial to Lara’s survival and emotional well-being. You can explore the role of storytelling and character development further by visiting the Games Learning Society and learning more about how video games impact education.
14. What is Trinity’s role in Rise of the Tomb Raider?
Trinity is a powerful and secretive organization seeking to exploit ancient artifacts for their own nefarious purposes. They serve as the main antagonists in Rise of the Tomb Raider.
15. Should I play the older Tomb Raider games before the Survivor trilogy?
While the older Tomb Raider games are classics, they are not directly connected to the Survivor trilogy. You can enjoy them independently of the rebooted series. The earlier games are less story intensive, and far more focused on the puzzle aspect of tombs.
In conclusion, while you can play Rise of the Tomb Raider without playing Tomb Raider (2013), doing so will enrich your experience and provide a deeper understanding of Lara Croft’s journey and her relationships. However, Rise of the Tomb Raider stands on its own as a worthy game!