Are you a fan of Lara Croft’s daring escapades but looking for something new to play? The world of action-adventure gaming is vast, and there are plenty of titles that capture the essence of what makes Tomb Raider so enjoyable.
Whether you’re drawn to the exploration, puzzle-solving, or narrative depth, this guide will introduce you to eight games that offer experiences similar to Tomb Raider.
#1. Uncharted Series: The Cinematic Treasure Hunter
The Uncharted series, developed by Naughty Dog, is often hailed as the spiritual successor to Tomb Raider. Starring the charismatic Nathan Drake, these games offer a perfect blend of exploration, puzzle-solving, and cinematic action sequences.
#Key Features:
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Stunning, exotic locations
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Intriguing historical mysteries
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Engaging characters and storytelling
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Mix of platforming, combat, and puzzle-solving
The series begins with “Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune,” but many consider “Uncharted 2: Among Thieves” to be the standout title. Each game in the series builds upon the last, offering increasingly spectacular set pieces and refined gameplay mechanics.
For more games that capture the spirit of Uncharted, check out our list of games like Uncharted.
#2. Horizon Zero Dawn & Horizon Forbidden West: Post-Apocalyptic Exploration
Guerrilla Games’ Horizon series offers a unique twist on the action-adventure formula, setting players loose in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by robotic creatures.
#What You’ll Love:
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Vast, beautiful open world to explore
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Engaging combat against various mechanical beasts
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Crafting and RPG elements
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Strong female protagonist (Aloy)
Both “Horizon Zero Dawn” and its sequel “Horizon Forbidden West” offer compelling narratives that unravel the mysteries of their world. The gameplay combines elements of stealth, archery, and trap-setting, providing a satisfying challenge for Tomb Raider fans.
Discover more games that share similarities with this unique franchise in our games like Horizon Zero Dawn article.
#3. Assassin’s Creed Series: Historical Adventures
While the Assassin’s Creed series has evolved over the years, recent entries like “Origins” and “Odyssey” share many similarities with modern Tomb Raider games.
#Standout Features:
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Historically rich open worlds
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Tomb exploration and puzzle-solving
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Mix of stealth and combat gameplay
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RPG elements and skill trees
“Assassin’s Creed: Origins,” set in ancient Egypt, is particularly reminiscent of Tomb Raider with its focus on exploring ancient ruins and uncovering lost secrets. “Odyssey,” set in ancient Greece, expands on these elements with an even larger world and more RPG mechanics.
If you’re looking for more games that blend history and action like Assassin’s Creed, explore our list of games similar to Assassin’s Creed.
#4. The Last of Us Series: Emotional Storytelling Meets Survival Action
While “The Last of Us” and its sequel may seem like a departure from Tomb Raider’s formula, they share a focus on character-driven narratives and intense action sequences.
#Why Tomb Raider Fans Will Enjoy It:
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Emotionally gripping storytelling
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Tense survival gameplay
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Mix of stealth and combat
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Detailed, atmospheric environments to explore
The Last of Us series excels in creating memorable characters and heart-wrenching moments, while still delivering satisfying gameplay that will feel familiar to Tomb Raider fans.
For more games that offer intense, narrative-driven experiences, see our games like The Last of Us compilation.
#5. God of War (2018): Mythological Action-Adventure
The 2018 reboot of God of War reimagines the series as a more narrative-focused action-adventure game, drawing comparisons to modern Tomb Raider titles.
#Key Elements:
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Rich Norse mythology setting
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Satisfying combat system
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Puzzle-solving and exploration
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Strong character development
Like the recent Tomb Raider games, God of War (2018) focuses on telling a more grounded and emotionally resonant story while still delivering epic action sequences and challenging puzzles.
While the full God of War experience is best on console, mobile gamers can get a taste of the action with God of War for Android.
#6. Prince of Persia Series: Acrobatic Platforming
The Prince of Persia series, particularly the 2008 release, offers gameplay that will feel familiar to fans of classic Tomb Raider games.
#What to Expect:
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Fluid, acrobatic movement
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Time manipulation mechanics
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Environmental puzzles
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Open world design (in the 2008 version)
While the series has been dormant for some time, the existing games offer a unique blend of platforming, puzzle-solving, and combat that captures the essence of what made early Tomb Raider games so engaging.
#7. Far Cry Series: Open World Action in Exotic Locations
The Far Cry series, particularly entries like Far Cry 3 and 4, offers expansive open worlds filled with action, exploration, and compelling narratives.
#Standout Features:
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Large, diverse open worlds
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Mix of stealth and action gameplay
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Crafting and survival elements
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Engaging storylines and memorable villains
While the first-person perspective differs from Tomb Raider, the emphasis on exploration and navigating hostile environments will feel familiar to fans of Lara Croft’s adventures.
For more games that capture the essence of Far Cry’s open-world action, check out our list of games similar to Far Cry.
#8. A Plague Tale: Innocence: Stealth and Puzzle-Solving in a Historical Setting
For those who enjoy the puzzle-solving and stealth aspects of Tomb Raider, A Plague Tale: Innocence offers a unique and engrossing experience.
#Key Elements:
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Focus on stealth gameplay
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Engaging puzzle design
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Strong narrative focus
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Historical setting (14th century France)
While not as action-heavy as Tomb Raider, A Plague Tale: Innocence delivers on atmosphere, storytelling, and challenging gameplay that will appeal to fans of Lara Croft’s more cerebral adventures.
#Conclusion: Your Next Adventure Awaits
Whether you’re drawn to Tomb Raider for its exploration, action, puzzles, or storytelling, these eight games offer experiences that capture different aspects of what makes Lara Croft’s adventures so compelling.
From the cinematic set pieces of Uncharted to the open-world exploration of Horizon Zero Dawn, there’s something here for every Tomb Raider fan looking for their next great gaming experience.
For those who enjoy cooperative gameplay, you might also want to explore games like A Way Out for more unique gaming experiences to share with a friend.
#FAQ
Q: Are these games available on all platforms? A: While many of these games are available on multiple platforms, some (like Uncharted) are exclusive to PlayStation. Check the availability for your specific gaming system.
Q: Do I need to play these series in order? A: For story-driven series like Uncharted or The Last of Us, playing in order can enhance the experience. However, many of these games can be enjoyed as standalone experiences.
Q: Which game is closest to the classic Tomb Raider experience? A: The Prince of Persia series, particularly the earlier titles, captures much of the platforming and puzzle-solving elements that defined classic Tomb Raider games.
Q: Are there any free alternatives that offer a similar experience to Tomb Raider? A: While not free, some budget-friendly options include older titles in these series when they go on sale. Additionally, some platforms offer subscription services that include these games.
Q: How do these games compare to Tomb Raider in terms of difficulty? A: Difficulty varies between games and can often be adjusted. Generally, these games offer a similar level of challenge to modern Tomb Raider titles, with a mix of combat, exploration, and puzzle-solving.