Does Tomb Raider Definitive Edition Have Multiple Endings?
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The short answer is: No, Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition does not have multiple official endings. While the original 2013 Tomb Raider had a quirky, unintended alternate ending due to a Day 1 patch issue, the Definitive Edition streamlines the experience to have a single, intended conclusion. This means that no matter how you play through Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition, you’ll arrive at the same final cutscene after the credits, depicting Lara’s transformation into the Tomb Raider. This ending focuses on her growth throughout the game, her first use of dual pistols, her saving her friend, and ultimately, her escape from Yamatai, solidifying her identity as the adventurer we know and love. The Definitive Edition’s primary focus was to refine the original experience, adding enhanced visuals, and making it a smooth and polished playthrough with a singular, consistent ending.
The “Unintentional” Alternate Ending of the Original Tomb Raider
It’s important to clarify the confusion. The original Tomb Raider (2013) did, technically, have two endings. However, the “second” ending wasn’t a deliberate game feature, but rather a glitch that occurred if the Day 1 patch wasn’t installed. This “unofficial” ending would trigger if you played the base, unpatched version of the game, watched the credits, and proceeded to the final cutscene. The Definitive Edition eliminates this unintended alternate ending altogether. This ensures a consistent narrative experience across all players, so there are no variations in the main ending. Therefore, while talking about the original release can lead to some players’ confusion about multiple endings, the Definitive Edition offers only one.
Why the Definitive Edition Focuses on One Ending
The developers’ decision to have one singular ending in Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition demonstrates a commitment to a clean, focused narrative. This unified ending ensures all players experience Lara’s journey the same way, highlighting her transformation from a young, inexperienced survivor to a confident adventurer. This ending shows her briefly using dual pistols, saving her best friend, and safely escaping Yamatai. This is a critical moment in the franchise, and providing a singular, consistent conclusion allows for the series’ future direction to be much clearer and more definitive. By making sure all the players get this specific ending, the developers made sure that all players understood how Lara became the character we know and love.
Understanding the Goal of the Definitive Edition
The purpose of the Definitive Edition was not to introduce new story paths or alternate conclusions. Instead, its focus was squarely on enhancing the visual quality and adding all downloadable content into a comprehensive package. This involved boosting the resolution to native 1080p, improving textures and lighting, and incorporating all seven DLC challenge tombs, as well as additional weapons, outfits, and skills. This emphasis on presentation and content rather than branching storylines reinforces why the game only has a single, definite ending. The goal is to provide the best version of Lara’s origin story.
Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition – A Focused Narrative
In summary, while the original Tomb Raider had a brief period where a second ending could be found, the Definitive Edition is designed with a single, intended conclusion. This conclusion serves as a key point in Lara’s journey, marking the beginning of her career as the iconic Tomb Raider. By removing the unintended ending, the developers ensured a uniform experience for all players. This move is consistent with the vision of creating a refined, visually impressive edition of Lara’s critically acclaimed origin story. It’s a game about a definitive moment in time for Lara, and the Definitive Edition reflects that with a singular ending that’s meant to highlight her transformation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Tomb Raider Definitive Edition?
Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition is a remastered version of the 2013 Tomb Raider game. It features improved graphics, runs in native 1080p resolution, and includes all previously released DLC, such as all seven DLC challenge tombs, downloadable weapons, outfits, and skills. It’s a comprehensive package designed for newer consoles.
Is the Definitive Edition of Tomb Raider a remake?
The Definitive Edition is primarily a remaster, not a complete remake. It enhances the existing game with improved visuals and all previously released DLC, but does not alter the core gameplay or storyline.
What kind of improvements does Tomb Raider Definitive Edition feature?
The main improvements include higher resolution (1080p native), enhanced textures, improved lighting effects, and the integration of all DLC. The gameplay remains the same as the original release but feels smoother and looks more impressive on newer hardware.
How many tombs are there in Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition?
There are a total of seven tombs in Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition, all of which are included as part of the game’s DLC content.
How long does it take to complete Tomb Raider Definitive Edition?
The main campaign for Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition takes around 13 hours to complete. However, for 100% completion, which includes finding all collectibles and exploring all optional tombs, you should expect to spend approximately 41½ hours.
What is the difference between Tomb Raider and Rise of the Tomb Raider?
Tomb Raider (2013) is Lara’s origin story, showing her transformation into the Tomb Raider, and has a very focused, survivalist feel. Rise of the Tomb Raider (2015), on the other hand, is more expansive, taking Lara to Siberia and focusing on her continuing development as a seasoned adventurer. Rise of the Tomb Raider also features significantly upgraded graphics and more challenging puzzles.
Does the order of playing Tomb Raider games matter?
While there are connections between some games, it’s not critical to play all Tomb Raider games in chronological order. The 2013 Tomb Raider, Rise of the Tomb Raider, and Shadow of the Tomb Raider form a trilogy with a progressing story, and are best played in order. Other games like the original series aren’t required to understand the storylines of this newer trilogy.
Is the original Tomb Raider storyline connected to the newer one?
The original series of Tomb Raider games (starting in 1996) has its own storyline, which is different from the newer survivor trilogy beginning in 2013. The newer games are intended to be a reimagining of the character and her origins, with a different continuity.
Which Tomb Raider game has the best graphics?
Rise of the Tomb Raider is often cited as having the best graphics in the series. It pushes the technological limits of the hardware at the time of its release. However, each game has its visual strengths and unique aesthetic appeal.
Is Shadow of the Tomb Raider Definitive Edition extra content or the full game?
Shadow of the Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition is not extra content for another game. It is a complete game that comes with the base game and all of its DLC. It’s an all-encompassing package for that specific entry.
Does Shadow of the Tomb Raider Definitive Edition include all DLC on disc?
Yes, Shadow of the Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition includes all of its downloadable content already on the disc. This means you won’t need to download additional content.
How many endings does the original Tomb Raider (2013) have?
The original Tomb Raider (2013) technically has two endings, one of which was due to a glitch related to not installing the Day 1 Patch. However, the Definitive Edition corrects this, offering only the intended ending.
Does Shadow of the Tomb Raider have a removed ending?
Yes, there was an alternate post-credit scene for Shadow of the Tomb Raider that was ultimately removed. This alternate scene included elements such as Lara’s dual pistols and a letter from Natla, connecting it more strongly with the original games.
Why was Tomb Raider 2 cancelled?
The cancellation of Tomb Raider 2 was due to a number of factors including creative differences, a large budget, and issues with MGM rights. This is unrelated to the video games, and refers to a potential film sequel.
Is the Tomb Raider DLC worth it?
The Tomb Raider DLC content usually includes challenge tombs, which provide additional puzzles and gameplay challenges as well as outfits and weapons. For players who enjoy these aspects, the DLC is generally considered worth the purchase. The Definitive Edition includes all of this content.