Shadow of the Tomb Raider (2018): The Review

Overview

Shadow of the Tomb Raider brings Lara’s origin trilogy to a close with a darker, more introspective tone and a stronger focus on exploration and tomb raiding. Set against the lush, deadly backdrop of the Peruvian jungle, the game emphasizes stealth, puzzle-solving, and immersion. While it offers some of the best tombs in the series and a haunting atmosphere, uneven pacing and a less engaging narrative hold it back from greatness.

Score: 7.5 out of 10

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The Positives ✅

Shadow of the Tomb Raider shines brightest when it leans into what made the reboot trilogy special, and this time, it truly masters its tombs. The challenge tombs are easily the best in the trilogy, featuring layered environmental puzzles that are both cerebral and rewarding. They’re steeped in mystery and soaked in atmosphere, making every discovery feel hard-earned and satisfying.

The game’s visual presentation is absolutely stunning, with lush South American jungles, sun-drenched temples, and haunting underground ruins brought to life through meticulous detail and lighting. That natural beauty is matched by a rich soundscape, where ambient wildlife, ancient chants, and tense combat cues weave together to immerse you fully in Lara’s world.

Gameplay-wise, there's a refined focus on stealth and traversal. New mechanics like mud camouflage and silent takedowns make sneaking through enemy camps genuinely thrilling, while expanded climbing tools and underwater sequences elevate exploration and verticality. These additions give Lara more freedom and fluidity than ever before, perfect for a game about survival, discovery, and descent.

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The Negatives ⚠️

While Shadow of the Tomb Raider excels in atmosphere and exploration, its storytelling stumbles under the weight of its own ambition. Lara’s emotional arc and the apocalyptic stakes are compelling on paper, but the execution feels uneven, key moments rush by without landing, and the primary villain lacks the presence or depth to leave a lasting impact.

The pacing also falters early on. The opening hours drag, bogged down by exposition and limited action, making it harder to get hooked right out of the gate. And despite some solid stealth additions, the core gameplay doesn’t evolve meaningfully from Rise of the Tomb Raider, which makes certain sections feel overly familiar.

That sense of repetition also creeps into the side content. While some optional missions are worthwhile, a chunk of the collectibles and side quests feel like filler, padded more for length than narrative or gameplay value. It’s not enough to derail the adventure, but it does chip away at its momentum.

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The Experience 🎮

Shadow of the Tomb Raider shines brightest when it embraces the quiet: the rustle of leaves in dense jungle undergrowth, the echoing drip of water in ancient tombs, the stillness before a jaguar attack. It’s a more contemplative, somber finale to Lara’s origin trilogy, trading bombastic set pieces for moody exploration, eerie ambiance, and an internal struggle that feels more grounded than ever. This isn’t a game constantly chasing spectacle, it's one that lets you breathe, explore, and get lost in its world.

While the story’s execution wavers, and the action leans more familiar than fresh, there's a rich reward for players who value immersion and environmental storytelling. Tomb design is at its peak, and the stealth elements finally feel purposeful. It took me roughly 30 hours to complete, including a fair amount of side content and tomb raiding. And while the journey isn't perfect, it's a satisfying and atmospheric farewell to this chapter of Lara’s life.