Shadow of the Tomb Raider brought Lara Croft’s origin story in the Survivor Trilogy to a close. Developed by Eidos-Montréal and published by Square Enix, the 2018 action-adventure game sent players deep into the Amazon rainforest to avert a Maya apocalypse. It sharpened the stealth mechanics and delivered the largest, most intricate tomb puzzles in the rebooted series.
For anyone who missed the initial launch, the Definitive Edition now bundles the complete experience. This update includes all post-launch story content, new gear, and technical refinements. Whether you are playing on PC, PlayStation, or Xbox, the game offers a dense, atmospheric journey that emphasizes survival and consequence.
This guide covers everything from the core game and its Definitive Edition to platform performance, walkthrough resources, and whether it holds up in 2025.
What is Shadow of the Tomb Raider?
It is the third and final mainline entry in the Survivor Timeline, following the 2013 reboot and Rise of the Tomb Raider. Players control Lara Croft as she races to stop a cataclysm she inadvertently unleashed. The game blends third-person shooting, stealth takedowns, and environmental puzzle-solving across sprawling hub areas.
September 14, 2018
Eidos-Montréal / Square Enix
PC, PS4, Xbox One (BC on PS5, Xbox Series X/S)
Standard, Digital Deluxe, Definitive Edition
Key Insights
- Shadow of the Tomb Raider closes Lara Croft’s origins arc in the Survivor Trilogy, offering the most refined stealth and puzzle gameplay in the series.
- The Definitive Edition is the recommended purchase for new players, bundling all seven DLC tombs and weapons.
- PS5 players get a free 60fps performance boost via backward compatibility; no native PS5 version is available.
- System requirements are moderate: a GTX 1060 / RX 480 is enough for 1080p high settings.
- Mixed critical reception – praised for tombs and set-pieces, criticized for story pacing and limited exploration compared to Rise.
- Main story length is approximately 13 hours, with completionist runs reaching 24 hours or more.
Snapshot Facts
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Genre | Action-adventure, third-person, stealth, puzzle |
| Setting | Peru, Mexico, and the Amazon rainforest; Maya-Apocalypse theme |
| Protagonist | Lara Croft |
| Engine | Foundation Engine (in-house) |
| Sales | Over 4 million units by December 2018 |
| Notable DLC | ‘The Forge’, ‘The Pillar’, ‘The Nightmare’ tombs; each adds story missions and outfit rewards |
| Current Price | Definitive Edition ~$19.99 (often on sale) |
| Steam Deck | Verified as “Playable” |
| Metacritic (PC) | 77 |
| Metacritic (PS4) | 75 |
Does Shadow of the Tomb Raider have a PS5 upgrade?
No native PS5 application exists for Shadow of the Tomb Raider. The game runs on Sony’s latest console solely through backward compatibility. This means it plays the PS4 code, but with measurable improvements.
Performance on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S
On PS5, the game targets a smooth 60 frames per second at a checkerboard 1440p resolution. The Xbox Series X/S similarly benefits from the One X Enhancement, delivering 60fps gameplay with significantly reduced loading times compared to the original console generation.
While no native patch exists, the PS4 and Xbox One versions run at a smooth 60fps on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S respectively through backward compatibility.
PC System Requirements and Ray Tracing
The PC version has moderate requirements, comfortably running at 1080p high settings on a GTX 1060 or RX 480. Official ray tracing is not supported in the standard build, though some mods can enable limited ray tracing effects.
Can I play it on Xbox Series X/S?
Yes, it is backward compatible and runs at 60fps with improved loading times via the Xbox Series X/S One X Enhancement. For a deeper look at how backward compatibility works on current consoles, see our performance analysis.
What is included in the Definitive Edition of Shadow of the Tomb Raider?
Released in November 2019, the Definitive Edition is the ultimate package. It includes the base game, all seven previously released DLC tombs, and the Croft Fitness outfit. Stella’s guide confirms that owners of the base game plus the Season Pass received the Definitive Edition upgrade for free. The Season Pass was subsequently replaced by the Definitive Edition Extra Content bundle.
Standard vs. Definitive Edition
The Steam Store: Definitive Edition page describes it as the complete experience. The Standard Edition only contains the base game. The Definitive Edition adds graphical upgrades, all story DLCs, new weapons, and outfits. It is primarily aimed at people who have not previously played the game.
Are the DLCs worth it?
Yes, they add substantial story missions, challenging tombs, and unique rewards that expand the core narrative. The Definitive Edition includes all of them at a budget price.
How Long Does It Take to Beat?
The main story takes approximately 13 hours. Completionist runs, which include all challenge tombs, collectibles, and DLC missions, can take between 24 and 30 hours.
How does Shadow of the Tomb Raider compare to Rise of the Tomb Raider?
Shadow of the Tomb Raider shifts the series emphasis more toward stealth and survival horror than its predecessor. The tomb puzzles are significantly larger and more complex. However, it received criticism for a weaker narrative structure and more linear level design compared to Rise of the Tomb Raider.
For the best narrative experience, play Tomb Raider (2013) first, then Rise of the Tomb Raider, and finally Shadow of the Tomb Raider.
Metacritic scores for the two games are not directly compared in available sources. General consensus places Rise higher in overall score, but Shadow excels in tomb design.
When was Shadow of the Tomb Raider released?
The game had a carefully staged rollout, from its announcement to the final Definitive Edition package. Here is the sequence of key events:
- March 2018: Game announced by Square Enix.
- September 14, 2018: Worldwide release on PC, PS4, and Xbox One.
- November 2018: First DLC challenge tomb released.
- March 2019: Final DLC tomb released.
- November 2019: Definitive Edition launched.
- November 2020: Backward compatibility confirmed on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S.
- July 2021: Added to Xbox Game Pass.
- 2023: Verified as “Playable” on Steam Deck.
Does Shadow of the Tomb Raider have a native PS5 version or ray tracing?
There is some confusion regarding the game’s status on modern hardware. Here is what is confirmed and what remains uncertain.
Established Information
- Playable on PS5 via backward compatibility with a 60fps performance mode.
- The Definitive Edition includes the base game plus all DLC.
- Developed by Eidos-Montréal.
Information That Remains Unclear
- A native PS5 version or full remaster has not been announced as of 2025.
- Official ray tracing is not supported on PC; only ambient occlusion enhancements via mods are possible.
- Crossplay is not supported between any platforms.
What is the story and setting of Shadow of the Tomb Raider?
The story follows Lara Croft as she races to prevent a Maya apocalypse triggered by a relic she recovers. The narrative takes her from the jungles of Peru to the hidden cities of Mexico and the vast Amazon rainforest. It is a darker entry in the series, focusing heavily on the psychological consequences of Lara’s relentless pursuit of knowledge and artifacts. The game serves as the final chapter in the Official Tomb Raider Website series timeline, wrapping up the origins story that began in the 2013 reboot.
What do the critics and sources say about Shadow of the Tomb Raider?
The game received a wide range of critical analysis upon release. Below are key statements from major sources.
“Shadow of the Tomb Raider is a 2018 action-adventure game developed by Eidos-Montréal and published by Square Enix. As the sequel to Rise of the Tomb Raider, it is the third and final installment in the Survivor Timeline.”
“Shadow of the Tomb Raider focuses more on Lara’s psychological state and the consequences of her actions. It’s a competent if not spectacular conclusion to the origin story.”
— IGN Game Hub and Review (2018)
“As Lara Croft races to save the world from a Maya apocalypse, she must become the Tomb Raider she is destined to be.”
— Steam Store Description
Is Shadow of the Tomb Raider worth playing in 2025?
Yes. The Definitive Edition offers exceptional value, combining a solid 13-hour campaign with hours of additional DLC content. While it lacks a native next-gen upgrade, the 60fps boost on modern consoles makes it a smooth experience. For fans of action-adventure games, it remains a compelling and visually impressive title. For a detailed item-by-item breakdown, refer to Stella’s complete Shadow of the Tomb Raider guide and the TombRaiderGirl comprehensive walkthrough.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Shadow of the Tomb Raider free?
No, it is a paid game. It has been included in subscription services like Xbox Game Pass periodically.
Does Shadow of the Tomb Raider support crossplay?
No, the game does not offer crossplay or cross-save between different platforms.
Is Shadow of the Tomb Raider a good game for newcomers?
It is the third game in the Survivor trilogy, but the story can be understood standalone. Starting with Tomb Raider (2013) is recommended for narrative continuity.
What is the best order to play the Survivor trilogy?
Tomb Raider (2013) → Rise of the Tomb Raider → Shadow of the Tomb Raider.
How long is Shadow of the Tomb Raider?
Main story takes about 13 hours. Completionist runs can take up to 24–30 hours.
Does Shadow of the Tomb Raider have ray tracing?
No official ray tracing support. The PC version uses standard rendering without native ray tracing.
What are the main differences between the Standard and Definitive Edition?
The Definitive Edition includes the base game, all 7 DLC tombs, new weapons, outfits, and graphical upgrades.
Are the DLCs for Shadow of the Tomb Raider worth it?
Yes, they add substantial story missions, challenging tombs, and unique rewards that expand the core narrative.
For players looking for 100% completion, several excellent resources exist. GameFAQs Definitive Edition Guides lists 13 guides for the PS4 version. TrueAchievements Walkthrough offers a full game walkthrough specifically for achievement hunting. YouTube PS5 Gameplay shows the PS4 version running via backward compatibility on PS5.
Daniel Mercer is Business & Economy Correspondent at RegionalReport.co.uk, covering regional business news, local economy, employment, retail and property.