Tomb Raider 2013

Tomb Raider PC is a third-person action-adventure reboot built around exploration, cinematic survival, ranged combat, stealth, environmental puzzles, and Lara Croft's transformation from inexperienced archaeologist into a capable survivor. Current PC storefronts generally present the complete package as Tomb Raider Game of the Year or Tomb Raider GOTY, rather than simply Tomb Raider. ([store.steampowered.com](https://store.steampowered.com/app/203160/Tob_Raider/?l=english&utm_source=openai))

The game was developed by Crystal Dynamics, with Nixxes associated with the PC version and Eidos-Montreal credited for additional development work. It remains a single-player-focused adventure on GOG, while Steam and Epic listings retain the original competitive multiplayer component. ([store.steampowered.com](https://store.steampowered.com/app/203160/Tob_Raider/?l=english&utm_source=openai))

A survival-focused action-adventure loop

Lara begins stranded on a dangerous island after an expedition goes wrong. The campaign moves between tightly directed set pieces and interconnected areas where you can search for relics, documents, salvage, GPS caches, and optional tombs.

The main loop combines third-person shooting, traversal, stealth, scavenging, and environmental interaction. Lara uses a bow, pistol, rifle, and shotgun, while different weapons support quiet takedowns, precision shots, close-range attacks, or direct firefights.

Movement is deliberately accessible rather than simulation-heavy. Lara climbs marked surfaces, jumps between ledges, uses ropes and climbing tools, and navigates hazards through a mixture of direct control and cinematic sequences. The result is a fast-paced adventure with more emphasis on momentum than on old-school precision platforming.

Combat encounters usually give you several options. You can use cover and headshots, hide in vegetation, ignite enemies with fire, or move around the arena to attack from a better angle. Later upgrades expand Lara's combat choices without turning the game into a full role-playing system.

Progression, exploration, and optional tombs

Skill progression divides Lara's development into combat, hunting, and survival-oriented abilities. Skill points unlock improvements such as more efficient scavenging, stronger attacks, better ammunition handling, and expanded utility during exploration.

Weapon upgrades use salvaged resources found throughout the island. Improving the bow, rifle, pistol, and shotgun changes their handling and utility, giving exploration a practical purpose beyond collecting achievements.

Base camps act as progression hubs. From them, Lara can spend skill points, modify weapons, fast-travel between discovered locations, and return to earlier areas after gaining equipment that opens new routes.

The optional Challenge Tombs are the clearest connection to traditional Tomb Raider design. These compact puzzle spaces focus on switches, fire, wind, platforms, and environmental timing rather than extended combat. Their rewards make them worthwhile detours for players who prefer problem-solving to shooting.

Exploration is structured around semi-open hubs rather than a completely open world. The campaign has a strong linear spine, but optional collectibles and revisitable locations create a useful mastery loop for completionists.

Game of the Year content and edition differences

The current Game of the Year Edition includes the core adventure alongside the Tomb of the Lost Adventurer, six single-player outfits, eight multiplayer maps, and four multiplayer characters. This is the most complete standard PC package associated with the reboot. ([store.steampowered.com](https://store.steampowered.com/app/203160/Tob_Raider/?l=english&utm_source=openai))

Edition naming varies by storefront. Steam uses Tomb Raider Game of the Year, Epic presents Tomb Raider GAME OF THE YEAR EDITION, and GOG uses Tomb Raider GOTY. These names refer to the complete edition rather than a new sequel or a separate reboot. ([store.steampowered.com](https://store.steampowered.com/app/203160/Tob_Raider/?l=english&utm_source=openai))

There is an important difference between the PC storefront packages. Steam and Epic advertise multiplayer features, while GOG explicitly identifies its version as a single-player-only experience with no multiplayer content or functionality. Players buying for the campaign will find the same core adventure, but competitive multiplayer expectations should be checked against the chosen storefront. ([store.steampowered.com](https://store.steampowered.com/app/203160/Tob_Raider/?l=english&utm_source=openai))

Who should play Tomb Raider on PC?

This is a strong fit for players who want a story-led action game with third-person combat, stealth options, climbing, collectible hunting, and optional puzzle rooms. It works particularly well for players who prefer a focused campaign with enough exploration to reward revisiting familiar areas.

The game is also a good entry point for newcomers to Lara Croft. Its controls are more modern and forgiving than the classic games, and its progression systems explain the basic rhythm of combat, traversal, and exploration without requiring prior series knowledge.

Players seeking the deliberate platforming, complex switches, and unforgiving trap layouts of the older games may find this reboot more combat-heavy and cinematic. For that alternative, classic Tomb Raider exploration in the I-III Remastered collection offers a much more puzzle-driven interpretation of Lara's adventures.

The game is not a cooperative campaign. Its story is designed for one player, and the multiplayer content found in some PC editions is a separate competitive mode rather than a way to play Lara's journey with a friend.

PC features, controls, and presentation

The PC version supports keyboard and mouse as well as gamepads. Official PC documentation confirms gamepad play, while the Steam listing includes full controller support, Steam Cloud, achievements, trading cards, Family Sharing, and Remote Play features. ([feralinteractive.com](https://www.feralinteractive.com/en/faqs/tombraider/latest/steam/?utm_source=openai))

One of the signature PC features is TressFX Hair, a real-time hair simulation technology developed through the game's AMD collaboration. It is a presentation feature rather than a gameplay system, but it became one of the most recognizable differences between this PC release and earlier versions. ([ir.amd.com](https://ir.amd.com/news-events/press-releases/detail/218/amd-and-crystal-dynamics-collaboration-thrusts-gamers-into-one-of-the-most-realistic-pc-gaming-experience-ever-with-the-launch-of-tomb-raider?utm_source=openai))

The Steam version requires agreement to a third-party EULA and uses Steam platform features. The GOG release is DRM-free and does not require activation or an online connection to play, making it the clearest option for players who prioritize an offline installation. ([store.steampowered.com](https://store.steampowered.com/app/203160/Tob_Raider/?l=english&utm_source=openai))

Language support is broad on Steam, with interface and subtitles across multiple European and Asian languages and full audio available in several major languages. GOG also lists English, German, Spanish, French, Italian, Dutch, Polish, Brazilian Portuguese, Czech, Russian, Arabic, Traditional Chinese, and Korean text support. ([store.steampowered.com](https://store.steampowered.com/app/203160/Tob_Raider/?l=english&utm_source=openai))

The presentation leans into harsh weather, dangerous terrain, injury, and cinematic camera work. These choices support the survival-origin angle, although the underlying structure remains a polished action-adventure rather than a resource-starvation survival game.

How it compares with later and older Tomb Raider games

The reboot places more weight on gunplay, scripted action, stealth arenas, and character progression than the classic entries. Its optional tombs are compact diversions, while the campaign prioritizes forward momentum and dramatic set pieces.

Later games expand the reboot's exploration and crafting systems. Players who want a broader hub structure, more extensive tombs, and a larger set of survival mechanics can continue with the larger exploration loop of Rise of the Tomb Raider: 20 Year Celebration.

Players who prefer darker environments, stealth-focused encounters, and more elaborate tomb challenges may also enjoy the trap-heavy jungle exploration of Shadow of the Tomb Raider. The 2013 reboot remains the most direct starting point for the modern trilogy because it establishes Lara's new combat and traversal foundation.

Tomb Raider PC FAQ

What is the current PC storefront name?

Current storefront listings use Tomb Raider Game of the Year, Tomb Raider GAME OF THE YEAR EDITION, or Tomb Raider GOTY. These are complete-edition names for the reboot commonly referred to as Tomb Raider 2013.

Does the Game of the Year Edition include the DLC?

Yes. The listed package includes the Tomb of the Lost Adventurer, six single-player outfits, eight multiplayer maps, and four multiplayer characters. ([store.steampowered.com](https://store.steampowered.com/app/203160/Tob_Raider/?l=english&utm_source=openai))

Does Tomb Raider have story co-op?

No. The main campaign is single-player. On storefronts that retain it, multiplayer is a separate competitive mode and does not allow two players to complete Lara's story together.

Does the GOG version include multiplayer?

No. GOG describes its release as a single-player-only experience without multiplayer content or functionality. Steam and Epic list multiplayer features separately, so the storefront version matters if that mode is important to you. ([gog.com](https://www.gog.com/en/game/tomb_raider_goty?countryCode=VG¤cyCode=USD&utm_source=openai))

Can Tomb Raider be played with a controller on PC?

Yes. The PC version supports gamepads as well as keyboard and mouse, and Steam lists full controller support. ([feralinteractive.com](https://www.feralinteractive.com/en/faqs/tombraider/latest/steam/?utm_source=openai))

Is Tomb Raider a survival game?

It is best described as a cinematic action-adventure with survival themes. Lara scavenges resources, hunts, upgrades weapons, and survives hostile environments, but the game does not use a full hunger, thirst, or open-ended survival-sandbox structure.