If you're thinking about playing Rise of the Tomb Raider, you're in the right place. In this review, I'll cover everything you need to know before you start.
I've spent hours with this game, and I want to give you an honest look at what works and what doesn't.
We'll go over the story, gameplay, graphics, and how it compares to other games in the series. I also played this on PS4, so I'll share how it holds up on older hardware.
This rise of the tomb raider review is written for real players who want straight answers, not fluff.
Is Rise of the Tomb Raider Still Worth Playing in 2026?
Yes, it absolutely is. The game has aged well and still holds its own against modern titles.
If you're a new player, expect a strong mix of action, exploration, and light puzzle solving. The world feels real, and the pacing keeps you moving.
You can play it on PC, Xbox, or PS4. All versions run well, though the PC version gives you the most visual options.
Returning players will find the replay value in optional tombs, collectibles, and challenge missions. There's always something to do off the main path.
What Makes Rise of the Tomb Raider Better Than Tomb Raider 2013?
The sequel takes everything from the first game and does it better, from Lara's growth to the world around her.
A More Confident Lara Croft
In the 2013 game, Lara was a survivor learning on the fly. In Rise of the Tomb Raider, she's more certain of herself. She has a clear goal, and she pursues it with focus.
Her emotions feel real. She struggles with self-doubt but pushes through. That inner conflict makes her feel like a person, not just a game character.
Fans often prefer this version of Lara because she feels grown. She's not just reacting to danger. She's chasing something she believes in.
Improved Gameplay and Exploration
The tombs are better in this game. In 2013, they felt short and easy. Here, they take more time and thought. The puzzles use the environment well, and finding them feels rewarding.
The world is more open. You can return to areas, hunt animals, gather resources, and complete side missions. Stealth works better too.
You can hide in bushes, take enemies out silently, and move through areas without being seen. Combat feels more tactical than before.
Rise of the Tomb Raider Story Review
The story brings big themes and strong locations, though it doesn't always surprise you.
The Search for the Divine Source
The story begins in Syria, where Lara searches for a clue about the Divine Source. This leads her to Siberia, where most of the game takes place.
The main enemy is Trinity, a powerful organization that wants the Divine Source for its own reasons.
Their obsession with immortality drives the conflict. The story deals with themes like faith, loss, and the cost of chasing something too hard.
Lara's father believed in the Divine Source, and his legacy pushes her forward.
Does the Story Hold Up Today?
The story has strong moments, especially the emotional beats tied to Lara's father. The relationship between Lara and her friend Jonah adds warmth to an otherwise cold setting.
That said, some twists are easy to see coming. The villain doesn't get much depth. But the overall story is solid.
It's not groundbreaking, but it serves the game well and keeps you invested from start to finish.
Rise of the Tomb Raider Gameplay Review
The gameplay is where this game shines, offering tight combat, good puzzles, and satisfying progression.
Combat, Stealth, and Survival Mechanics
The bow is still the best weapon in the game. Silent shots let you clear rooms without raising alarms. Headshots feel sharp and satisfying. Guns are available but feel secondary to the bow.
Crafting plays a big role. You hunt animals for resources and gather plants for healing. You can make bombs, poison arrows, and other tools on the fly.
The upgrade system lets you put points into combat, survival, or bows. I focused on bow upgrades early, and it made a big difference.
Tombs and Puzzle Solving
The tombs are the highlight. Each one has a physics-based puzzle that requires you to think before you act.
Some use water, fire, or moving platforms. None of them are too hard, but they all feel satisfying.
Finding tombs is optional, but they give you special abilities that help in the main game. I always made time for them.
The hidden ruins and secret paths make the world feel like there's always more to see.
Graphics, Performance, and World Design
The game looks great even today, with detailed environments that pull you into every scene.
Visuals and Atmosphere
The snow in this game still impresses. Lara's hair moves in the wind. Her clothes get wet and dirty.
The environments shift between open snowfields and tight underground ruins. The lighting in the tombs is especially good.
Syria feels warm and dusty. Siberia feels cold and heavy. The contrast between locations keeps the game from feeling repetitive.
Cinematic cutscenes blend well with gameplay. The world feels built with care.
PS4 Tomb Raider Rise of the Tomb Raider Review
On PS4, the game runs smoothly most of the time. Frame rate holds at 30fps in the standard mode. The visuals are sharp, and load times are short.
There are minor issues. Enemy AI can act oddly at times. Enemies sometimes ignore you when they shouldn't.
Occasional small glitches pop up, but nothing that breaks the experience. On newer PS5 or PC hardware, these issues are even less noticeable.
Rise of the Tomb Raider vs Shadow of the Tomb Raider
Both games are strong, but they focus on different things, making the comparison worth a closer look.
Which Game Has Better Gameplay?
Rise of the Tomb Raider wins on balance. Shadow has harder tombs and more stealth focus, but the overall feel is less fun.
Combat in Shadow feels slower. In Rise, everything clicks together better.
Shadow has larger areas and better puzzle design in spots. But Rise feels more complete as a total package.
If you want a game that balances combat, stealth, and exploration equally, Rise is the better pick.
Which Tomb Raider Game Should You Play First?
Start with Tomb Raider 2013 if you want the full story. Rise of the Tomb Raider is the second game, and some story details carry over.
If you skip the first game, you can still follow Rise. But playing in order makes Lara's growth more meaningful.
Shadow is the weakest of the three in terms of fun, though it wraps up the story. For replay value, Rise offers the most to do after the credits roll.
Tips Before Playing Rise of the Tomb Raider
A few smart choices early on will save you time and make the game more enjoyable throughout.
- Get the Survivalist skill early and upgrade your bow first for better range and more resources.
- Learn the Dodge Kill skill as it works well against tough and heavy enemies.
- Always enter optional tombs since they give the best special abilities in the game.
- Use Survival Instincts to highlight nearby items and hidden chests when you feel stuck.
- Hunt animals often and keep crafting supplies ready before heading into large fights.
Conclusion
Rise of the Tomb Raider is a strong action game that still holds up in 2026. The tombs are fun, Lara feels real, and the world is well built.
The story has some weak spots, but the gameplay carries it well. Minor AI glitches exist, but they don't hurt the experience much. I enjoyed every hour I put into it, and I think you will too.
If you've played it before or just picked it up, I'd love to hear what you think. Drop a comment below and share your take on the game.
And if this review helped you decide, share it with a friend who might be on the fence. Check out our other game reviews for more honest takes just like this one.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to finish Rise of the Tomb Raider?
The main story takes around 12 to 15 hours. If you go for full completion with tombs and collectibles, expect closer to 20 to 25 hours.
Is Rise of the Tomb Raider harder than Tomb Raider 2013?
It is slightly more challenging. Enemies are smarter, and resources require more effort to gather. But the game offers multiple difficulty settings, so you can adjust based on your skill level.
Can you play Rise of the Tomb Raider without playing the first game?
Yes, you can follow the story without playing Tomb Raider 2013. The game gives enough context. But playing the first game first helps you appreciate how much Lara has grown.
Is the PS4 version of Rise of the Tomb Raider worth buying?
Yes, it runs well and looks good on PS4. There are some minor frame rate drops and AI issues, but nothing that makes the game unplayable. It's a solid version of the game.
How does Rise of the Tomb Raider compare to Shadow of the Tomb Raider?
Rise is more balanced in terms of combat, stealth, and exploration. Shadow has harder puzzles but slower combat. Most players find Rise more enjoyable overall as a complete experience.
