Fans of Lara Croft, the daring British archaeologist who’s been swinging from cliffs and solving ancient puzzles since 1996, have something big to celebrate. Aspyr and Crystal Dynamics have officially brought physical editions of Tomb Raider I-III Remastered to stores, making it easier than ever to add these iconic games to your collection. As of today, players can grab the collection for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5 at major retailers.
This latest remastered trilogy offers fans the opportunity to revisit or experience for the first time Lara Croft’s original adventures, now with polished new visuals and smoother mechanics. The trio of games include Tomb Raider (1996), Tomb Raider II (1997), and Tomb Raider III (1998), each packed with their respective expansions, and all rebuilt to run harmoniously on modern consoles.
What’s Fresh for Lara Croft Veterans and Newcomers
If you’ve grown up with Lara Croft in her classic form, you’re in for a treat. The remastered editions go beyond just slapping a new coat of paint on these beloved titles. These versions have been given a thoughtful graphical overhaul without messing with the core gameplay fans hold dear. The visuals, while refreshed, retain a retro charm—whether you’re navigating snow-covered Tibetan ruins or the lush jungles of India, every location feels more vibrant but still gives you that satisfying nostalgic punch in the chest.
Beyond the improved graphics, the developers have fine-tuned the controls to fit the comfort levels of today’s consoles. Anyone who’s wrestled with the original tank-like movement mechanics of the ‘90s knows this is a big deal. Lara’s movements now feel much smoother, but she hasn’t lost that sense of weighted realism that made the original adventures so gripping. For the veterans who might have memorized every tricky jump from 25 years ago, these enhanced controls should feel like a homecoming—just a little easier to get through.
Bonus Content and Why It’s Worth Picking Up
In addition to the main campaigns, the remastered collection comes with the expansions that were previously released for each game. Whether it’s “Unfinished Business” from Tomb Raider I or “The Golden Mask” from Tomb Raider II, these add-ons flesh out Lara’s journey with additional tombs, challenges, and collectibles. It’s great for players looking to squeeze every drop of adventuring goodness from the whole package.
Digital versions are, of course, available on platforms like Steam, GOG, and the Epic Games Store, but for those who prefer to proudly display their game library on the shelf, these new physical editions feel like a proper tribute to Lara’s legacy.
Why Physical Editions?
While digital purchases dominate the industry now, something about owning physical copies of games—especially classics like Tomb Raider—offers a tangible connection to gaming history. Many older gamers remember the joy of opening a game box, admiring the artwork, and holding the discs. Crystal Dynamics clearly understands this, and the release of physical editions comes as a nice throwback to a time before the world moved to cloud saves and downloads.
For collectors, this remastered trilogy is more than just a set of games; it’s a love letter to a character who helped define the action-adventure genre. With vibrant packaging, it’s a must-have for fans who’ve been following Lara from her days of blocky polygons to the more realistic Croft of today.
Looking Forward
If you’re new to the series or a player who somehow missed out on Lara’s early escapades (blasphemy!), this remastered collection is an excellent entry point. It showcases the games in their best light with improvements that make those tricky puzzle-laden tombs a more enjoyable (and visually stunning) challenge.
Ready to take on the world as Lara Croft again? Or maybe for the very first time? Head over to your local retailer and grab a copy, or if physical isn’t your style, you can find the digital versions on Steam, GOG, or Epic Games.
Quick Tips for Tomb Raider Newbies:
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Save Often: Each of the original trilogy games can be punishing, especially with tricky platforming sections or sudden enemy attacks. Make use of the quick saves frequently!
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Exploration is Key: If you’re stuck, the solution most often lies in checking every nook and cranny of your environment. Lara’s world is full of hidden paths and secrets.
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Master Timing on Jumps: Lara’s older movement system was built around precision jumps. Don’t rush through sections; line up your jumps carefully to avoid unnecessary deaths.
With all of this packed into one remastered collection, it’s never been a better time to pick up a torch and raid some tombs.
