Is the New Tomb Raider Trilogy a Prequel? Exploring the Reboot and Its Place in the Franchise
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
The short answer is a resounding no. The recent Tomb Raider trilogy, consisting of Tomb Raider (2013), Rise of the Tomb Raider (2015), and Shadow of the Tomb Raider (2018), is not a prequel to the original Tomb Raider games or any previous established storylines within the franchise. Instead, this trilogy serves as a reboot of the entire Tomb Raider universe, retelling Lara Croft’s origin story and setting her on a new path. It’s a complete reimagining, designed to attract both new players and long-time fans by offering a fresh perspective on Lara’s journey.
The reboot trilogy focuses on Lara’s formative years and her transformation from a young, inexperienced woman into the hardened adventurer we know and love. It doesn’t attempt to build upon the narrative established in the older games; rather, it starts anew, offering a unique and self-contained narrative arc. So, while the original games show a seasoned Lara exploring the world, the reboot trilogy shows how she became that seasoned adventurer. Think of it as a completely separate timeline within the Tomb Raider canon.
A Deep Dive into the Reboot Trilogy
The Survivor Trilogy: A New Beginning
The reboot trilogy, often referred to as the “Survivor trilogy,” is a major departure from the previous Tomb Raider games. The gameplay was updated to include cover mechanics, stealth elements, and RPG-like character progression, along with a darker, more survival-focused narrative. This shift in tone and gameplay made the reboot a success and showed that the franchise could still evolve. It moved away from simply finding ancient relics and focused on Lara’s personal struggle to overcome challenges and understand her own capabilities.
Tomb Raider (2013) acts as the origin story, showing a young and somewhat naive Lara shipwrecked on a mysterious island. Here, she’s forced to survive, honing her combat skills and pushing herself to her limits. Rise of the Tomb Raider (2015) sees Lara venturing into Siberia, pursuing her research into immortality and continuing on her journey. Lastly, Shadow of the Tomb Raider (2018) has Lara in the jungles of South America, trying to stop an apocalypse and taking on more dangerous situations.
Why it’s Not a Prequel
The key thing to remember is that the reboot trilogy isn’t trying to lead into the original games. Instead, it offers an alternative origin for Lara Croft. The original games show a fully-formed adventurer from the start, while the reboot trilogy follows her from her inexperienced first adventure through to a more confident and skilled Tomb Raider. It’s not a chronological precursor; it’s an entirely new origin story. The rebooted Lara goes through unique experiences that are specific to the Survivor trilogy and never happened in the original storyline.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
To further clarify the nature of the new Tomb Raider trilogy and its relationship to the rest of the franchise, here are 15 frequently asked questions:
1. Are the New Tomb Raider Games Connected?
Yes, Tomb Raider (2013), Rise of the Tomb Raider (2015), and Shadow of the Tomb Raider (2018) are all connected. They form a single cohesive story arc, known as the Survivor trilogy.
2. Do I Have to Play the New Tomb Raider Games in Order?
For the best understanding of the story, it is recommended to play them in order. However, each game can stand alone, and you can jump into the middle of the trilogy and still understand what’s happening. However, you’ll get the most out of it by playing in the correct sequence to understand Lara’s journey.
3. What is the “Survivor Trilogy” all about?
The Survivor trilogy focuses on Lara Croft’s origin story and her transformation into a seasoned adventurer. It highlights her struggles, personal growth, and her journey to embrace her destiny as the Tomb Raider.
4. Are the Original Tomb Raider Games Connected to the Reboot Trilogy?
No, the original Tomb Raider games (from 1996 onwards) and the reboot trilogy are separate continuities. The reboot trilogy starts a whole new timeline with a new origin for Lara.
5. Is Tomb Raider (2013) a reboot of the series?
Yes, Tomb Raider (2013) is considered the beginning of the reboot series. It completely re-imagines Lara’s backstory and sets her on a new trajectory.
6. Which Tomb Raider game is the first in the reboot trilogy?
Tomb Raider (2013) is the first game in the reboot trilogy, starting the new storyline.
7. How many Tomb Raider reboots have there been?
There have been three reboots of the series. The first was the Legend Trilogy, the second, the Survivor Trilogy and in development as of writing is a new game also titled Tomb Raider but it will also be a refresh of the whole franchise.
8. Is Tomb Raider Anniversary a prequel?
Tomb Raider Anniversary is a remake of the original 1996 Tomb Raider and falls within the Legend trilogy timeline, but not the Survivor Trilogy.
9. How many Tomb Raider games are canon?
Within each continuity (Original, Legend and Survivor trilogies), all of the games are considered canon within their respective series, but the different timelines are not considered as canon with each other.
10. Are the stories in the original Tomb Raider games connected?
Yes, the original games (Tomb Raider 1 through Angel of Darkness) do have an overarching story, with a narrative connecting most of them.
11. Are the Legend trilogy games connected?
Yes, Tomb Raider: Legend, Tomb Raider: Anniversary, and Tomb Raider: Underworld are all connected and form a continuous storyline.
12. Is the new Tomb Raider game coming out a sequel to Shadow?
The new Tomb Raider game, simply titled Tomb Raider, is not a direct sequel to Shadow of the Tomb Raider. It is considered a new refresh to the series and the start of a new story.
13. Is the gameplay of the new Tomb Raider trilogy different from previous games?
Yes, the gameplay in the reboot trilogy has been significantly revamped, introducing new mechanics like crafting, cover-based combat, and RPG-like skill upgrades. This is a big change from the classic puzzle-focused exploration of the original games.
14. Does the Tomb Raider trilogy include DLC?
Yes, each game in the reboot trilogy has downloadable content that expands the story and gameplay experience.
15. Why is the new Tomb Raider a soft reboot?
The new Tomb Raider game will be a soft reboot because it is starting a new story that isn’t connected to the reboot trilogy. While it features the same character, it intends to offer a fresh start.
Conclusion: A New Era for Lara Croft
The new Tomb Raider trilogy is not a prequel, but rather a bold and successful reboot of the iconic series. It provides a compelling origin story for a new generation of fans while retaining the core elements of adventure and exploration that make Tomb Raider so beloved. The trilogy is a standalone storyline, but its success proves that Lara Croft will continue to be a leading character within the gaming world for many years to come.