Tomb Raider Survivor trilogy

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The Tomb Raider Survivor Trilogy is the second reboot of the Tomb Raider game series, which began with the release of Tomb Raider in 2013. This trilogy rewrites Lara Croft’s story from the very beginning.

The trilogy also changes the gameplay of the Tomb Raider series by introducing survival elements. The games include collectible resources that players need to upgrade weapons and tools. Each game adds something new, such as additional skills and features. Each title also focuses on the myths and legends of specific regions, like Japanese, Eastern European, and South American. This gives each game its own unique atmosphere.

In addition to the games, there are also comic books that tell the stories set between the events of the games. An animated series called Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft, is also set to be released on October 10, 2024, with its events taking place after the third game.

In the games, you can find or craft carious equipment, such as a climbing axe, as well as four different weapons: a bow, a pistol, a rifle, and a shotgun. The games also feature a variety of skills that players can purchase by earning skill points through gameplay. These skills can significantly change your playstyle, making your character stronger and granting new abilities.

The player must solve puzzles, fight enemies using various weapons, and navigate through different environments to progress in the games. While the games focus on the story, players can also complete side quests and collect various items. Some collectibles may reveal the history of the regions and the people who once lived there.

Tomb Raider

Tomb Raider was released for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and Windows on March 5, 2013. An enhanced version was released for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One in January 2014, and for Windows in April 2024. It is the tenth game in the overall Tomb Raider series and the first installment in the Survivor Trilogy. The game follows Lara Croft on an expedition to uncover the lost kingdom of Yamatai.

In the game, Lara Croft can use Survivor Instincts, a feature that highlights the direction the player needs to go and marks interactive objects in the environment. This ability is present in all the games of the Survivor Trilogy and receives upgrades and improvements in each new installment. You can also acquire various pieces of equipment that help with traversal and are essential for progressing through the game.

The game features a multiplayer mode where players can fight alongside or against each other. It also offers downloadable content (DLC), including various multiplayer maps and cosmetic outfits that do not affect gameplay.

A screenshot of the Base Camp menu from the Tomb Raider game.

Story

(Warning: This article contains spoilers)

The story begins aboard the Endurance, a ship carrying a small group of researchers searching for the lost kingdom of Yamatai, once ruled by Queen Himiko, the Sun Queen. According to legend, Himiko possessed mysterious powers that allowed her to control the weather. The researchers decide to explore the Dragon’s Triangle, a region from which no ship has ever returned.

A powerful storm strikes the ship, causing it to wreck and leaving the survivors stranded on an island. It’s revealed that the island is inhabited by people who worship Queen Himiko. The island is, in fact. Yamatai. Lara tries to call for help and climbs a radio tower, successfully sending out a distress signal. However, when a rescue plane arrives, a storm suddenly appears out of nowhere and strikes the plane with lightning.

Lara learns that the violent Solarii Brotherhood has kidnapped Sam and plans to use her in a mysterious fire ritual. Determined to save Sam, Lara sets out on a rescue mission, battling her way through the Solarii forces. She also receives help from other Endurance survivors. Along the way, Lara encounters more of the island’s strange mysteries and secrets, including massive samurai soldiers known as the Oni. She later discovers that they were once part of the Stromguard, Queen Himiko’s ancient army.

a Screenshot of the game Tomb Raider, where the character Lara Croft stands on a hill while turned away from the camera.

Lara discovers that the mysterious “fire ritual” was used to choose the successor of the Sun Queen as part of the Ascension ceremony. Sam manages to contact Lara and warns her that the Solarii plan to put her through the ritual, which will burn her alive if it fails. Sam survives the ritual, revealing her as Himiko’s chosen successor. Lara fails to rescue her from the Solarii and is forced to flee. The island is under a curse that traps everyone there, and this same power also keeps the Stormguard warrior alive.

Lara reunites with the other survivors on the island’s coast, where they have built a boat to escape. Following the trail of a World War II-era Japanese military expedition that had been studying the storms, Lara discovers an ancient tomb along the shoreline. Inside, she finds the remains of the Stormguard General, who reveals in his final message that Himiko’s chosen successor had committed suicide to prevent the transfer of Himiko’s power, leaving Himiko’s soul trapped in her own corpse after death. Lara realizes that the “Ascension” is a ritual meant to transfer Himiko’s soul into a new host, destroying the host’s soul in the process.

a Screenshot from the Tomb Raider game, where the character Lara Croft stands looking away from the camera in a foggy environment.

After fighting her way through the Queen’s guards, Lara reaches the top of the monastery just in time to see the Solarii begin the Ascension ritual. She battles through both Solarii and Stormguard forces and manages to stop the ritual. Himiko’s soul is released from her decaying body, and the island’s curse is lifted. The skies clear, the storm fade, and the survivors are finally able to leave the island. However, Lara realizes that there are still many mysteries left in the world, and she’s not ready to go home just yet.

A screenshot from the Tomb Raider game, where the character Lara Croft stands in a ruined hall full of golden statues.

Rise of the Tomb Raider

Rise of the Tomb Raider was released for Xbox 360 and Xbox One in November 2015, for Windows on January 28, 2016, and for PlayStation 4 on October 11, 2016. The game follows Lara and her friend Jonah on an expedition to Siberia, where they search for the legendary city of Kitezh, while a paramilitary organization called Trinity seeks to uncover the city’s secret to immortality.

The game places a strong focus on the story, exploring Lara’s past and her family history.

A screenshot of the equipment menu from the Rise of the Tomb Raider game. The equipment is on the left side and the character Lara Croft is on the right.

The game features four weapon types, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. You can also acquire even more types of gear than in the previous game. This adds more depth and variety to the gameplay.

The game includes significantly more downloadable content, such as new gameplay modes, areas, outfits, and weapons. Some outfits are also available without DLC. Certain outfits provide gameplay bonuses, like protection against specific types of damage. Other outfits also change Lara’s appearance, for example making her look like she did in the classic Tomb Raider games. This is a fun addition for players who enjoyed the original titles.

A screenshot of the outfit selection menu from the Rise of the Tomb Raider game where the outfits are on the left and the character Lara Croft is on the right.
A screenshot of the outfit selection menu from the Rise of the Tomb Raider game, where the character Lara Croft wears the outfit that makes her look like she did in the 1997 game.

Story

(Warning: This article contains spoilers)

Lara has begun investigating the research of her late father, Lord Croft. Ana, Lord Croft’s former partner, warns Lara how his obsession with ancient mysteries led him to take his own life. Ignoring the warning, Lara travels to Syria to explore ruins in search of the Prophet of Constantinople’s tomb. There, she is interrupted by Trinity, an ancient religious order that has evolved into a paramilitary organization. While escaping, Lara spots a symbol she recognizes from her father’s writings. She learns about an artifact known as the Divine Source, which is said to grant immortality. After arguing with her friend Jonah Maiava about whether the artifact truly exists, a trinity agent breaks into the Croft Manor and steals the book, prompting Lara and Jonah to set off for Siberia in pursuit.

A screenshot from the game Rise of the Tomb Raider, featuring Lara Croft in the foreground, firing a bow in a snowy landscape.

While climbing an icy mountain, Lara and Jonah are separated during an avalanche. Trinity manages to capture Lara, and she discovers that Ana is working with Trinity. Ana is suffering from a terminal illness, and she hopes the Divine Source will cure her. Lara manages to escape with a man named Jacob.

Jacob leads Lara to a village situated in a valley, which holds more secret that it first appears. Lara helps the villagers and in return, receives their aid in fighting against Trinity. Jacob warns her that the Divine Source is not what she expects, but Lara continues her search nonetheless.

A screenshot from the game Rise of the Tomb Raider, featuring the character Lara Croft in the middle of a village.

Lara searches for the Atlas, an artifact that can reveal the location of Kitezh. Jacob’s daughter, Sofia, warns her about the Deathless Ones, immortal soldiers who protect the city. Lara reunites with Jonah, and begins following the path shown by the Atlas. When she returns to the village, Trinity steals the Atlas.

Lara starts traveling toward the city of Kitezh through underground tunnels, while Trinity drills a path through thick ice. Lara discovers the truth about the Divine Source. Anyone who looks upon it gains immortality at the cost of their soul. Inside the city, Lara has to battle both Trinity forces and the Deathless Ones. In the end, she succeeds in destroying the Divine Source and stopping Trinity’s plans while putting an end to the Deathless Ones.

A screenshot of the Rise of the Tomb Raider game, featuring the character Lara Croft standing in front of a ruined city in an icy landscape.

Two weeks later at Croft Manor, Lara and Jonah plan their next expedition. Lara vows to continue exploring the world’s mysteries and to stop Trinity’s schemes.

The downloadable content (DLC) features shorter side stories and additional game modes. The game does not have a multiplayer mode, but some of these DLC’s can offer similar experiences.

Baba Yaga: Temple of the Witch. Lara helps a village girl find her grandfather. Baba Yaga is based on a Slavic folk tale. The story takes place during the main game and functions like a side quest. These side stories are accessible only from the main menu and are not affected by the main game’s progress.

Cold Darkness Awakened: Lara investigates an abandoned Soviet bunker taken over by Trinity. Trinity accidentally released a virus that turns people into zombie-like creatures. The virus was intended to make Soviet soldiers stronger, but something went wrong. Lara’s mission is to rescue the bunker’s captives and destroy the virus.

Blood Ties: Lara investigates the secrets of Croft Manor to find proof that she is the rightful heir to the estate.

Lara’s Nightmare: Lara battles enemies and tries to find the manor’s key in a nightmare.

Shadow of the Tomb Raider

Shadow of the Tomb Raider was released for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Windows on September 14, 2018. A Definitive Edition was also released in November 2019, which includes all downloadable content. The game follows Lara and Jonah on their journey to Mexico to stop Trinity’s plans.

The game expands on nearly every aspect compared to the previous title. It features even more weapons, along with a wide variety of new gear and outfits. Weapons and equipment can be upgraded. The skill system has also been revamped. Some abilities can only be unlocked as the story progresses.

A screenshot of a bow from the Shadow of the Tomb Raider game.
A screenshot of the outfit selection menu from the Shadow of the Tomb Raider game, where the outfit menu is on the left and the character Lara Croft is on the right.
A screenshot of the skill menu from the Shadow of the Tomb Raider game, where the skills are on the left and the character Lara Croft is crouching on the right.

Story

(Warning: This article contains spoilers)

Months after the events of the previous game, Lara and Jonah have decided to stop Trinity’s operations. They track Trinity’s forces to Cozumel, Mexico. They discover a temple containing the Dagger of Chak Chel and clues to a hidden city. The temple walls are adorned with murals depicting lx Chel’s Silver Box and warnings of the Cleansing, a Mayan apocalypse that will culminate in an eternal solar eclipse.

Ix Chel is the goddess of the moon in the Mayan culture. Chak Chel is possibly either another aspect of lx Chel or a completely different figure. Together they represent birth and death, life and destruction, as well as the moon and its various phases.

Despite the warnings, Lara takes the dagger to keep it out of Trinity’s hands. However, Trinity’s forces find Lara, and their leader, Pedro Dominguez, reveals that by taking the dagger, Lara has triggered the Cleansing. Dominguez manages to seize the dagger from Lara and plots to combine it with the silver box to gain the power to reshape the world in his image. Lara and Jonah escape through a sudden tsunami, signaling the beginning of the apocalypse. Lara insists they must find the hidden city before Trinity, but Jonah wants to help the tsunami survivors.

The next day, they follow Trinity’s forces to the Amazon by plane, but another cataclysm, a violent thunderstorm hits their plane, causing them to crash in the Peruvian jungle. As they navigate through the jungle, they discover Paititi, the hidden city depicted in the murals. While exploring the area, Lara learns more about the dagger and the silver box. The dagger acts as a key to the silver box. Combining them would grant the powers of the Kukulkan, which can stop the Cleansing.

A screenshot of the game Shadow of the Tomb Raider, where the character Lara Croft stands in a jungle village.

Lara rescues a little boy, Etzli, whose mother happens to be the queen of the city, Unuratu. However, the city is controlled by the Cult of Kukulkan, which is allied with Trinity. The leader of the Cult of Kukulkan is revealed to be Dominguez. He was born on Paititi and was named Amaru. His brother, Sayri, was the king of Paititi and Unuratu’s husband. Sayri died during a hunting trip amid a famine. More about their past can be discovered through various writings found throughout the game.

Paititi is the largest area in the game and contains many side missions and explorable locations.

A screenshot from the Shadow of the Tomb Raider game, where the character Lara Croft stands in the front of a city.

Unuratu leads Lara to the silver box, but the box is missing. Lara suspects that the cult has already taken it. Lara and Unuratu attempt to steal the silver box back, but Unuratu is captured. Lara also encounters the game’s mysterious creatures, the Yaaxil, guardians of the silver box.

While rescuing Unuratu, Lara discovers that the silver box was taken centuries ago by Andres Lopez, a Trinity envoy during Spain’s conquest of South America. Dominguez/Amaru believes that the outside world will eventually find and conquer Paititi. He wants to use the combined power of the Dagger of Chak Chel and the Silver Box of lx Chel to protect Paititi.

A screenshot from Shadow of the Tomb Raider game, where the character Lara Croft stands in the middle of a city.

While searching for clues about the silver box’s location, the cult finds Lara and Unuratu. After escaping, Lara sets out to find the silver box together with Jonah.

Exploring a nearby embassy, Lara and Jonah follow clues left by Lopez. They find Lopez’s tomb and the silver box, but Amaru stops them and steals the box. Amaru leaves Lara and Jonah to survive a third cataclysm, an earthquake that causes a landslide and awakens a nearby volcano.

A screenshot from the game Shadow of the Tomb Raider, where the character Lara Croft stands at the front of buildings.

Back in Paititi, Lara and Jonah help the newly crowned Etzli to attack and disrupt the Kukulkan cult’s ceremony. The Yaaxil and their leader, Crimson Fire, join Lara and assist in the assault.

Amaru begins the Cleansing, but after a long and challenging final battle, Lara manages to stop it. She promises Amaru to keep Paititi safe.

A few days later, Lara is helping with the reconstruction of the city of Paititi, while Jonah is planning a vacation. After the ending credits, we see Lara back at Croft Manor, planning her next adventure. She states that her purpose is not to uncover the world’s mysteries, but to protect them.

Downloadable content adds new weapons, outfits, and areas that test the player’s skills. Side stories run alongside the main story and expand the game’s narrative.