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- Best overall: Square Enix Shadow of the Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition for PlayStation 4
- Best budget: Square Enix Rise of the Tomb Raider: 20 Year Celebration for PlayStation 4
- Best premium: Square Enix Shadow of the Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition for PC
- Best for starting the trilogy: Square Enix Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition for PlayStation 4
- Shadow of the Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition is the strongest pick for players who want the later trilogy entry and its 7 challenge tombs.
- Rise of the Tomb Raider: 20 Year Celebration is a great choice for Lara’s Siberian adventure and its extra story and survival content.
- PS4 and Xbox One editions provide straightforward console options, while the PC editions suit players who prefer computer gaming.
- Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition is a useful starting point for players who want to begin Lara’s modern origin trilogy.
Shopping for Shadow of the Tomb Raider vs Rise of the Tomb Raider on Black Friday 2026? The key difference is the adventure: Shadow sends Lara to jungles and ancient cities, while Rise takes her into a harsh Siberian wilderness. Both are single-player action adventures, and their complete editions bundle extra content alongside the main campaign.
I’m Jake Morrison, and I researched and compared specs, reviews and owner feedback to make the choice easier. Below, you’ll find console and PC editions, the strengths of each release, and practical advice for matching a game to your play style. Here's the bottom line: choose Shadow for its later story and tomb-focused exploration, or Rise for its survival atmosphere and extra modes.
How We Picked
- Compared the games’ campaign settings, core features, and edition-specific content.
- Included PS4, Xbox One, and PC editions so players can match the game to their platform.
- Considered how clearly each edition’s included content is identified.
- Reviewed player feedback and franchise context to distinguish each game’s strengths.
- Prioritized useful choices for new players, returning fans, and players seeking a complete edition.
Comparison Table
| Product | Best for | Platform | Edition content | Release or edition marker |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Square Enix Shadow of the Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition for PlayStation 4 | PS4 players who want Shadow’s complete adventure | PlayStation 4 | 7 challenge tombs | 2018 |
| Square Enix Rise of the Tomb Raider: 20 Year Celebration for PlayStation 4 | PS4 players who want survival adventure | PlayStation 4 | Additional modes and story content | 20 Year Celebration |
| Square Enix Shadow of the Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition for Xbox One | Xbox players who want Shadow’s complete edition | Xbox One | 7 challenge tombs | 2018 |
| Square Enix Rise of the Tomb Raider: 20 Year Celebration for Xbox One | Xbox players who want Rise’s extras | Xbox One | Additional modes and story content | 20 Year Celebration |
| Square Enix Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition for PlayStation 4 | Players starting the modern trilogy | PlayStation 4 | 1 campaign | 2013 |
| Square Enix Shadow of the Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition for PC | PC players who want Shadow’s extra content | PC | 7 challenge tombs | 2018 |
| Square Enix Rise of the Tomb Raider: 20 Year Celebration for PC | PC players who want Rise’s survival tone | PC | Additional modes and story content | 20 Year Celebration |
Best Picks Reviewed
#1 · Top pick
Square Enix Shadow of the Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition for PlayStation 4
The Square Enix Shadow of the Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition for PlayStation 4 is the best all-around pick for PS4 players who want Lara’s jungle adventure with 7 challenge tombs included.
Best for: PS4 players who want the complete Shadow adventure
- Platform
- PlayStation 4
- Release year
- 2018
- Included challenge tombs
- 7
- Definitive Edition includes the game’s additional content.
- Jungle exploration and tomb puzzles give the campaign a distinctive feel.
- A strong pick for players continuing Lara’s modern trilogy.
- The story follows earlier entries in the trilogy.
Is the Square Enix Shadow of the Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition for PlayStation 4 worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Square Enix Shadow of the Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition for PlayStation 4 is a strong buy for PS4 players who want the complete jungle adventure, including 7 challenge tombs and the game’s additional content.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#2
Square Enix Rise of the Tomb Raider: 20 Year Celebration for PlayStation 4
The Square Enix Rise of the Tomb Raider: 20 Year Celebration for PlayStation 4 is the best PS4 choice for players who want Lara’s Siberian journey and a package marked by its 20 Year Celebration edition.
Best for: PS4 players who favor survival adventure
- Platform
- PlayStation 4
- Edition marker
- 20 Year Celebration
- Campaigns
- 1
- Siberian environments deliver a colder survival tone.
- The edition includes additional modes and story content.
- A natural second stop after Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition.
- The campaign comes before Shadow in the modern trilogy.
Is the Square Enix Rise of the Tomb Raider: 20 Year Celebration for PlayStation 4 worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Square Enix Rise of the Tomb Raider: 20 Year Celebration for PlayStation 4 is worth considering for players who want Lara’s Siberian campaign, plus extra content and modes beyond the main adventure.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#3
Square Enix Shadow of the Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition for Xbox One
The Square Enix Shadow of the Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition for Xbox One is the best Xbox One option for players seeking the complete 7-tomb jungle adventure.
Best for: Xbox players who want Shadow’s complete edition
- Platform
- Xbox One
- Release year
- 2018
- Included challenge tombs
- 7
- Includes the additional content associated with Definitive Edition.
- Features exploration, combat, and tomb puzzles.
- Works as the trilogy’s concluding adventure.
- New players will get more story context by starting earlier.
Is the Square Enix Shadow of the Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition for Xbox One worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Square Enix Shadow of the Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition for Xbox One suits players who want Lara’s final modern-trilogy adventure, with 7 challenge tombs and its extra content in one edition.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#4
Square Enix Rise of the Tomb Raider: 20 Year Celebration for Xbox One
The Square Enix Rise of the Tomb Raider: 20 Year Celebration for Xbox One is the best Xbox One pick for players who want a survival-focused campaign and additional modes.
Best for: Xbox players who want Rise and its extras
- Platform
- Xbox One
- Edition marker
- 20 Year Celebration
- Campaigns
- 1
- The Siberian setting gives the game a clear survival identity.
- Extra modes add variety beyond the core campaign.
- A good fit for fans who prefer Rise’s story before Shadow.
- The story is best understood after the first modern trilogy game.
Is the Square Enix Rise of the Tomb Raider: 20 Year Celebration for Xbox One worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Square Enix Rise of the Tomb Raider: 20 Year Celebration for Xbox One is a good choice for players who want Lara’s Siberian story and a package with additional modes alongside its 1 main campaign.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#5
Square Enix Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition for PlayStation 4
The Square Enix Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition for PlayStation 4 is the best starting point for PS4 players who want Lara’s modern origin story before the 2 later adventures.
Best for: Newcomers beginning the modern trilogy
- Platform
- PlayStation 4
- Original game year
- 2013
- Campaigns
- 1
- Introduces Lara’s origin and the modern trilogy’s tone.
- Provides a clear starting point for Rise and Shadow.
- Combines exploration, combat, and story progression.
- The game predates the visual and gameplay refinements of later entries.
Is the Square Enix Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition for PlayStation 4 worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Square Enix Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition for PlayStation 4 is a smart starting choice for players who want Lara’s origin story before playing Rise of the Tomb Raider and Shadow of the Tomb Raider.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#6
Square Enix Shadow of the Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition for PC
The Square Enix Shadow of the Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition for PC is the best computer edition for players who want the complete adventure and 7 challenge tombs.
Best for: PC players who want Shadow’s extra content
- Platform
- PC
- Release year
- 2018
- Included challenge tombs
- 7
- Definitive Edition gathers additional game content.
- A fit for players who prefer computer gaming.
- Tomb puzzles and exploration anchor the adventure.
- Check the PC storefront and system requirements before buying.
Is the Square Enix Shadow of the Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition for PC worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Square Enix Shadow of the Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition for PC is a strong choice for computer players who want the complete campaign, additional content, and 7 challenge tombs in Lara’s jungle adventure.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#7
Square Enix Rise of the Tomb Raider: 20 Year Celebration for PC
The Square Enix Rise of the Tomb Raider: 20 Year Celebration for PC is the best computer pick for players seeking Lara’s Siberian campaign and its extra modes.
Best for: PC players who want Rise’s survival tone
- Platform
- PC
- Edition marker
- 20 Year Celebration
- Campaigns
- 1
- The remote setting supports a survival-focused adventure.
- Additional modes expand the package beyond the main story.
- A useful trilogy entry for PC players.
- Storefront editions and included extras can have different names.
Is the Square Enix Rise of the Tomb Raider: 20 Year Celebration for PC worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Square Enix Rise of the Tomb Raider: 20 Year Celebration for PC suits players who want Lara’s Siberian adventure on a computer, with extra modes and content alongside its 1 main campaign.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
Which is better, Shadow of the Tomb Raider or Rise of the Tomb Raider?
Shadow of the Tomb Raider and Rise of the Tomb Raider offer different strengths, so the better pick depends on the adventure you want. Shadow emphasizes jungle exploration, ancient sites, and a strong focus on challenge tombs. Its Definitive Edition includes 7 challenge tombs, making it a standout option for puzzle-minded players.
Rise of the Tomb Raider favors a survival-adventure mood in Siberia, with Lara navigating hostile terrain and pursuing a story tied to the search for an ancient city. The 20 Year Celebration edition adds extra modes and story content. For the trilogy’s narrative, play Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition first, then Rise, then Shadow. For a single game, pick the setting and style that sound more fun.
What is the difference between the Shadow and Rise editions?
Shadow of the Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition and Rise of the Tomb Raider: 20 Year Celebration package different games and different bonus content. Shadow is the later entry, set largely in jungle environments, and its complete edition includes 7 challenge tombs. Rise is set in Siberia and its celebration edition gathers extra content and modes around the main campaign.
The editions are not interchangeable upgrades for one another. Each contains its own story, characters, and world. Players choosing between the two should first decide whether they want Shadow’s tomb-focused jungle adventure or Rise’s colder survival setting. Then match the specific edition to the console or computer they use, and review the store listing to confirm the included items.
Which Tomb Raider game should new players buy first?
Square Enix Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition is the best first game for newcomers who want the modern Lara Croft trilogy in story order. The game introduces Lara’s origins and sets up her development across Rise of the Tomb Raider and Shadow of the Tomb Raider.
Players who care more about the latest setting than story order can start with either Rise or Shadow. Rise makes sense for a survival-focused Siberian adventure, while Shadow suits players drawn to jungles, exploration, and tomb puzzles. Both later games work as standalone action adventures, but the earlier game provides useful character context. A Black Friday 2026 shortlist can include all three games when building a play order.
Are these Tomb Raider editions suitable for modern consoles?
The PlayStation 4 and Xbox One editions are the straightforward choices for players with those consoles, while the PC editions suit computer players. Before buying, check the platform label on the product page and confirm that the edition matches the system you plan to use.
Players using a newer console should verify compatibility and any platform-specific details with the storefront or console maker. A physical copy and a digital copy also have different requirements: physical editions need a disc drive, while digital purchases need the correct account and available storage. Edition names matter too. Select Definitive Edition for Shadow or 20 Year Celebration for Rise when the included extras are part of the reason you’re buying.
Is Shadow of the Tomb Raider or Rise better for replay value?
Shadow of the Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition is a strong replay pick for players who enjoy returning to challenge tombs, with 7 included in the complete edition. Its exploration and puzzle spaces give players clear reasons to revisit areas beyond the main story.
Rise of the Tomb Raider: 20 Year Celebration is a better match for players who want extra modes and story content around a survival adventure. Both games combine exploration, combat, and narrative, but their replay appeal is shaped by different settings and activities. Check the edition description before purchase so the extra content you expect is included for your chosen platform.
Buying Guide
Choose your platform first
Match the product listing to PlayStation 4, Xbox One, or PC before comparing editions. For newer consoles, confirm compatibility through the platform storefront or manufacturer.
Pick a story order
Start with Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition for Lara’s origin, then play Rise and Shadow. For a single adventure, choose based on setting and gameplay preference.
Compare included content
Shadow Definitive Edition includes 7 challenge tombs. Rise 20 Year Celebration includes extra modes and story content. Read the platform-specific listing for the precise contents.
Decide what kind of adventure you want
Choose Shadow for jungle exploration and tomb puzzles. Choose Rise for a Siberian survival atmosphere and its associated extra modes.
Check physical and digital requirements
Physical games need a compatible disc drive. Digital editions need the correct account, platform, and enough storage for installation.
FAQ
Is Shadow of the Tomb Raider better than Rise of the Tomb Raider?
Shadow of the Tomb Raider is better for players who prioritize jungle exploration and tomb puzzles, including 7 challenge tombs in its Definitive Edition. Rise of the Tomb Raider is a better fit for a Siberian survival adventure and its extra modes.
Should I play Rise of the Tomb Raider before Shadow of the Tomb Raider?
Yes. Play Rise of the Tomb Raider before Shadow of the Tomb Raider for the modern trilogy’s story order. Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition comes first and introduces Lara’s origin, followed by Rise and then Shadow.
What does Shadow of the Tomb Raider Definitive Edition include?
Shadow of the Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition includes the main game and additional content, including 7 challenge tombs. Check the listing for your platform to confirm the exact included items and edition details before purchase.
What is included in Rise of the Tomb Raider 20 Year Celebration?
Rise of the Tomb Raider: 20 Year Celebration includes the main Siberian adventure along with extra modes and story content. Review the platform-specific listing for the exact contents associated with the edition you plan to buy.
Is Rise of the Tomb Raider worth buying on PS4?
Rise of the Tomb Raider: 20 Year Celebration for PlayStation 4 is a good choice for PS4 players who want Lara’s Siberian campaign and its extra content. The edition’s additional modes extend the package beyond the main story.
Which Tomb Raider game is best for beginners?
Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition is the best beginner pick for players who want the modern trilogy in story order. The game introduces Lara’s origin, followed by Rise of the Tomb Raider and Shadow of the Tomb Raider.