Which Tomb Raider Game is the Longest?
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The question of which Tomb Raider game boasts the longest play time is a common one among fans of the iconic series. While individual experiences can vary based on play style and completion goals, the title that consistently emerges as the lengthiest in the franchise is Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation. This game, released in 1999, offers an expansive adventure that significantly surpasses many of its counterparts in terms of pure gameplay hours. Specifically, Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation averages around 17 hours when focusing solely on the main objectives. For completionists aiming for a 100% run, this figure can escalate to a substantial 23½ hours. The game’s complex level design, vast environments, and numerous secrets contribute to its reputation as the longest Tomb Raider experience. This stands in contrast to many other entries in the series, which often clock in at fewer hours for both main story completion and full completion. The sheer scale and scope of Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation make it a truly immersive and time-consuming adventure for dedicated Tomb Raider enthusiasts.
The Ranking of Longest Tomb Raider Games
While The Last Revelation takes the crown for sheer playtime, here’s a brief overview of some of the other Tomb Raider games mentioned in the article, ranked by their average main story length:
- Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation: ~17 hours ( ~23.5 hours for 100% completion)
- Tomb Raider (1996): ~15.5 hours ( ~20 hours for 100% completion)
- Rise of the Tomb Raider: ~13.5 hours (~35 hours for 100% completion)
- Tomb Raider (2013): ~11.5 hours
This ranking demonstrates that the older titles, particularly Tomb Raider (1996) and The Last Revelation, tend to be more time-consuming for main story completion than the more recent reboot series, even with the impressive scope of Rise of the Tomb Raider.
Tomb Raider FAQs
1. Which Tomb Raider game is considered the hardest?
Many fans agree that Tomb Raider 3 is the most challenging game in the series, and some even consider it one of the hardest games of all time. Its level design is often described as working against the player, requiring high levels of precision, patience, and problem-solving.
2. What is the recommended order for playing Tomb Raider games?
The suggested story order for the Tomb Raider games is:
- Tomb Raider (2013)
- Rise of the Tomb Raider (2015)
- Shadow of the Tomb Raider (2018)
- 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)
3. Does the order in which you play Tomb Raider games actually matter?
Not really. There isn’t an overarching story that connects all the games. The reboot trilogy, consisting of Tomb Raider (2013), Rise of the Tomb Raider, and Shadow of the Tomb Raider, is the only sequence with interconnected narratives. The only major recurring element across the games, particularly in the newer trilogy, is the organization Trinity. Additionally, Jonah, introduced in the 2013 game, is also present in Shadow of the Tomb Raider.
4. How long does it take to beat the original Tomb Raider?
When focusing only on main objectives, the original Tomb Raider (1996) takes approximately 15½ hours to complete. Achieving 100% completion, including exploration and finding all secrets, could take around 20 hours.
5. How long is Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation?
As noted before, focusing on the main objectives will take about 17 hours. For those looking to achieve 100% completion, expect to spend around 23½ hours. This duration is why it stands as the longest in the series.
6. Why are the older Tomb Raider games considered so difficult?
The older Tomb Raider games are known for their challenging riddles, traps, and traversal challenges. These games are designed for players to learn through trial and error. The focus on exploration, coupled with unforgiving platforming, increases the difficulty considerably compared to modern games.
7. Which Tomb Raider game is the easiest for beginners?
Several games are good starting points for new players, including:
- Tomb Raider (1996)
- Rise of the Tomb Raider (2015)
- Tomb Raider 2 (1997)
- Tomb Raider (2013)
These games offer a more forgiving learning curve and less frustrating exploration.
8. Which Tomb Raider game has the best graphics?
Rise of the Tomb Raider is often cited as having the best graphics in the series. The game features incredibly detailed environments, stunning visuals, and advanced character models, making it a visual highlight for the franchise.
9. Which Tomb Raider game is considered the best overall?
The Tomb Raider (2013) reboot is frequently hailed as the best overall game in the series. It revitalized the franchise by completely rewriting Lara Croft’s story and offering fresh gameplay mechanics. This title introduced a more character-driven narrative that resonated with both new and long-term fans.
10. How much storage space does Shadow of the Tomb Raider require?
Shadow of the Tomb Raider needs approximately 40 GB of storage space.
11. How long does it take to complete Rise of the Tomb Raider?
Focusing on the main objectives, Rise of the Tomb Raider takes around 13½ hours to finish. Completing all aspects of the game can take up to 35 hours.
12. Why is Tomb Raider rated as a 15 (in the UK)?
Tomb Raider is often rated as suitable for ages 15 and up due to its themes of violence and weapon use. Although some scenes could be disturbing for younger viewers, it is considered more appropriate for teenagers than children. Parental guidance is often suggested for children between the ages of 13 and 15.
13. How long is Tomb Raider Legend to complete?
Tomb Raider Legend is one of the shorter games in the series and can be completed in under 4 hours, especially if you focus on the main story. Even when collecting all secrets, it’s generally a fairly quick experience.
14. How large is the download size for Tomb Raider (2013)?
The game size for Tomb Raider (2013) is generally around 12 GB.
15. How was Lara Croft resurrected in Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation?
In Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation, Lara was originally “resurrected” by a shaman named Putai, who is not actually seen in the game. The shaman presumably thought the world needed more artifact hunters. This resurrection is mostly a plot device to continue the series.