Tomb Raider

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Tomb Raider is an action-adventure video game franchise featuring the archaeologist-adventurer Lara Croft. Known for exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat, the series has become one of the most iconic gaming franchises, spawning numerous games, films, and media adaptations.

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IP Overview & Key Facts

IP Key Facts

Essential information and quick stats.

Full Name

Tomb Raider

Format

game

Release Year

1996

Current Status

Active franchise with ongoing releases

Country of Origin

United Kingdom

Original Work

game

Genre

action-adventure, archaeology, exploration, puzzle, adventure, female protagonist, survival

Story, World & Core Themes

Explore the narrative, setting, and ideas that shape Tomb Raider.

Story

High-level synopsis and narrative focus.

World

Setting, cultures, and distinctive elements.

A world where ancient myths are real and history is hidden in treacherous tombs. From the jungles of Peru to the frozen peaks of Siberia, Lara explores intricate ruins filled with deadly traps and puzzles, often discovering that legendary artifacts hold world-altering power.

Themes

Core ideas and recurring motifs.

Exploration & Discovery, Survival, The Weight of Legacy, Obsession, Science vs. Supernatural, Isolation.

Cultural Impact Timeline

High-level milestones showing Tomb Raider's global influence.

Creation Background

Created to showcase 3D graphics capabilities and feature a strong female protagonist

Cultural Impact

Pioneered female protagonists in action games, influenced adventure game design

Legacy

One of the most recognizable video game characters and franchises in history

Major Milestones

1996: Original Tomb Raider released,1997-2003: Classic Core Design era,2001: First film adaptation with Angelina Jolie,2006-2008: Crystal Dynamics takes over,2013: Franchise reboot with origin story,2015: Rise of the Tomb Raider,2018: Shadow of the Tomb Raider completes reboot trilogy,2018: Alicia Vikander film reboot

Awards

Multiple Game of the Year awards,Character design awards,Technical achievement awards

Key Characters

Meet representative characters from Tomb Raider.

Lara Croft

“I make my own luck.”

The iconic protagonist, a British archaeologist and adventurer who explores ancient tombs and ruinsView Profile

Jonah Maiava

“We're all we've got, Lara.”

A former cook and ship's mechanic who becomes Lara's most trusted ally.View Profile

Jacqueline Natla

“You can't kill me, I'm immortal!”

One of the three legendary rulers of Atlantis and the CEO of Natla Technologies.View Profile

Explore all Tomb Raider characters

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Lara Croft?▼

Lara Croft is a fictional British archaeologist and adventurer, known for her intelligence, athleticism, and dual pistols. She is one of the most iconic video game characters of all time.

What is the 'Survivor Trilogy'?▼

It refers to the rebooted series (Tomb Raider 2013, Rise of the Tomb Raider, Shadow of the Tomb Raider) that explores Lara's origins, showing her transformation from a novice to a hardened survivor.

Why did they remove the dual pistols in the reboot?▼

The reboot focused on survival realism and bow mechanics. However, dual pistols were teased at the end of the 2013 game and are expected to return in future unified timelines.

Who is Winston?▼

Winston Smith is Lara's loyal butler at Croft Manor. He is famously known for being locked in the freezer by players in the classic games (Tomb Raider II and III).

Is Tomb Raider connected to Indiana Jones?▼

While inspired by Indiana Jones, Tomb Raider established its own identity with a focus on platforming, puzzles, and a female protagonist, though both share the 'pulp adventure' genre DNA.

What is Trinity?▼

Trinity is an ancient, secretive military order and the primary antagonist organization in the Survivor Trilogy, seeking to control the world through supernatural artifacts.

Are the movies canon to the games?▼

Generally no. The Angelina Jolie films were loosely based on the classic era, while the Alicia Vikander film adapted the 2013 reboot. The upcoming Amazon series may try to unify timelines.

What is the 'Unified Timeline'?▼

It is the current direction for the franchise, aiming to merge the events of the Core Design era (Classic), Crystal Dynamics' first era (Legend), and the Survivor Trilogy into one cohesive history.

How many Tomb Raider games are there?▼

There are over 12 main line games, plus numerous spin-offs like 'Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light' and mobile titles like 'Lara Croft GO'.

Did Lara Croft really have a nude code?▼

No. The infamous 'Nude Raider' cheat was a myth (and later a fan-made patch), but it never existed in the official game code, despite rampant schoolyard rumors in the 90s.

Official & Related Links

Find official resources and trusted references to learn more.

Official Website

Visit Official Site

Twitter

@tombraider

Facebook

TombRaider

Instagram

@tombraider

Youtube

Tomb Raider Official

Characters Page

https://www.enjoyip.com/franchises/tomb-raider/characters

Works Page

https://www.enjoyip.com/franchises/tomb-raider/works

Collectibles Page

https://www.enjoyip.com/franchises/tomb-raider/collectibles

Experiences Page

https://www.enjoyip.com/franchises/tomb-raider/experiences

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Filming Locations

IP Navigation

Tomb Raider

IP Overview & Key Facts

IP Key Facts

Story, World & Core Themes

Cultural Impact Timeline

Key Characters

Frequently Asked Questions

Official & Related Links

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