Top quality levels from level editor

[Larry Daley]

More than 3500 custom games were created by the TR fanbase since the Level Editor was released with Tomb Raider 5 Chronicles, back in 2000. The creators added textures, moves, animations, etc through the years, some custom games are as good as officials. Worth a try. - OyajiBR

They are all easy to download and install

https://www.trle.net/

Badassgamez even said he thought King Arthur Project was better than any official Tomb Raider release. This was before the new remasters of course but many levels are worth checking out.

I know ratings are all over the place, and very subjective, nonetheless here are the levels I have played with a brief comment from myself andthen added to it is a single agreeable review from trle.net from a random reviewer.

(All levels below are highly rated and found in the hall of fame)

Unfinished Business 4: brilliant, really feels like you're in hell

https://youtu.be/l3PqBhT6S8E?si=LNrTp4hf5FcRb79z

"Excellence and perfection in a single game!! Better than this is very hard to imagine!! TR fans can't miss this one!! An Exceptional and Fantastic game. Great atmosphere. Every level brilliantly build with planty details and imagination. The Swamp and The Mausoleum levels are impressive and memorables. Asylum level is about something not from this world (in terms of imagination and creativity)!! All sercrets are well hidden and the story is very well told. Some parts of the game are difficult, (but well designed). Top mark in all categories. Beautiful work. A masterpiece no one should miss. Thanks Bojrkraider!! Thanks Richard!! Thanks Titak!! Thanks Trix!! Found 11 secrets (6 hours to get it to the end)!" - CalrOsario 

Fading Light 2: really good horror themed bunch of levels, very atmospheric and top quality level design

https://youtu.be/9KjTgdDCl-o?si=vdk0XGljVp_tWhEa

"A must to play level...even better than fl1...Gameplay was so good, wanted playing more and more without boring..Levels different and fascinating..The castle is top 5 levels i always remember..tricky secrets, good music, good scenario..Do u need anything else??" - Petaludas (14-Aug-2020)


Experiment Budapest: It was the highest rated level when I first discovered custom level websites, definitely high rated for a reason, fun and perfect difficulty for me.

https://youtu.be/VOAx3mYxItk?si=fR0G7n6ysxqi-X1s

"This is the most varied part of the series, as you go from a Museum to hidden tunnels to a Church. The visual design here reaches near-perfection, with interesting and convincing designs, texturing, lighting and object use. There's basically nothing neglected and it seemingly effortlessly makes new objects and ideas fit in like they were always part of Tomb Raider 4. The visuals culminate in the Church, which remains one of the greatest looking levels made in the engine (to the point it would would almost be worth playing just to take that in even if wasn't excellent elsewhere), with The Jerusalem Project being the only set I can think of with with Church designs that come close.
The gameplay is also full of unique tasks, new object uses and general creativity that few others have come close to, including an interesting difficulty system (although there were some early attempts at it in Alpian Caves) so less skilled players can enjoy the journey anyway without there having to be compromises for players who want a challenge. Some of the tasks and interactions can be a little vague, and level 3 in particular has an irritating amount of forced damage, but the fun segments and constant originality balance that out. That's on top of the further integration of the story elements, and nice use of text hints for puzzles. On a creativity level, I especially like how the Church is essentially a boss rush in a way that it fits the style of the game perfectly and doesn't feel like that at all. This remains the best rated TRLE level of all-time for good reason, and it's a shame we'll probably never get a follow-up (especially as there isn't much of an ending here as it's obviously supposed to lead into something), but Bojrkraider has been semi-active recently so maybe we can at least get something of an epilogue even if we never get the 7~ series The Experiment was supposed to be?" - Mman (09-Jun-2019)

Passage to Mu 4: Excellent and unique alien world design. Had to use a walkthrough a bit for some parts but still very enjoyable.

https://youtu.be/LDLhnTbKLnM?si=87af7fuBScsX_IAG

"City is a good level for begin this new adventure quietly (nice atmosphere, nothing really hard). Citadel (the terrific Arena), Cistern (the most beautiful darker level I've seen at this day), Sanctuary (the ingenious push puzzles) & Temple (the timed runs with the clock, the taurus & eyes buttons), all these levels are awesome and this game earn unquestionably a HOF. Sylvan Lake, 6th level, look big, but the puzzle is short, an intermediate level. Observatory, between the very well hidden Mu mask and the false clue for the Galaxy Puzzle, this latest level really annoying me, I prefer keeping other levels in memory. As always with this author, the design & textures of each level are impressive and the light, this time is not only good, but perfect. Mu Chaka !!" - Jerrod (06-Apr-2010)


Jungle Ruins 3: I love jungle-themed levels and this one was just excellent. Every level
of it I found fun.

https://youtu.be/GgZJFZmBIYc?si=-xcYbyXMrZq_Ix6y

"This amazing level offers breathtaking atmospheres, creative puzzles and lots of exploring which makes for a perfect tomb raiding experience! A definite "must play" for everyone and destined to be in the hall of fame in record time." - LadyCroft (04-Sep-2006)

Hidden Garden NG: Very good overall, nothing much to criticize.

https://youtu.be/8kpISzupi1U?si=I0tb87nWcyoXCNLg

"Another great set of levels from Jon, it does tick every box in my book anyway. Lots of exploring and the hunt for secrets aren't that easy. Great architecture, good atmosphere more than enough pick-ups to get you through. Not that many enemies to slay but some will keep you busy enough especially if you want to use only Lara's trusted guns (although I did use the shotgun for the skeletons). This took me even longer to go through as there are floating islands. Those are not even a pet hate of mine, I just hate them LOL. Keep some saved games at strategic places because sometimes the road you have to follow is not that crystal clear. Have fun though; I for sure had a great time." - Gerty (11-Apr-2016)


Barkhang's Nostalgy: I loved revisiting this location from TR2 and it was fun solving all the puzzles in the monastery. Middle section of the game I found a bit bland though but it wasn't long until you get to the monastery. Beginning was also fun.

https://youtu.be/IOUeC3oRXAM?si=gF05QRJL2w_AnTsb


"I had somewhat expected a remake of the original Barkhang Monastery level to be featured along the way, but while part of the original design is there, it's a brand new level on its own and is accompanied by three introductory levels, in which Lara journeys through the snowy mountains to get there. The initial cave level felt slightly dark, not dark enough to require a flare but enough to get a bit tiresome on the eyes, but afterwards it clears up. The mountainous valley was beautiful with a thick white fog, really helped set the mood. The monastery itself has been expanded upon and you're now tasked with finding eight prayer wheels (plus four dragons for a secret Chalice), but from start to finish I found this to be a lot of fun. Definitely worth checking out. 2h10min, 16 secrets. 09/22" - Treeble (18-Sep-2022)

A Time Odyssey: Didn't finish it in the end, but I really enjoyed the city level near the beginning of the game. As a fan of city levels it was really fun trying to explore all around and figure out what to do.

https://youtu.be/rjZ6yCabh_A?si=PuCjkf0O6shFkMtX

""A Time Odyssey" is one of those levels (IMHO) in which you just want to relax and enjoy the gorgeous atmosphere created by the builder. Not very challenging, yet not that plain. It has its moments now and then, but it's mostly a typical tomb raiding. What makes it so special, is the design of the levels. I personally love when a level is big and overwhelming, because you can totally feel that you are next to Lara exploring Pompeii or Dayport. And don't let me get started with the first one (Somewhere, sometime): simply stunning design!!!! Also, kudos for attention to the details! It seems that Trix had made some research, to make sure that everything is "placed" correctly as far as time and place is concerned. Last but not least, Selene has written one of the best walkthroughs ever!! Everything is thoroughly analysed and depicted, reassuring players that there are no mistakes so they can just sit back and relax. I really enjoyed playing this one, so thank you Trix (and Selene) for perfectly doing your jobs. A MUST PLAY!!" - mary-jane (05-Apr-2015)

Frozen Past: The first custom level I played until the end, a very fun, though a bit short ice-themed level. Perfect difficulty level for me.

https://youtu.be/k2KZQDDTV8g?si=SjEjejQEMdXsiNcK

"This is just a cool simple TRLE. In Antarctica Lara must take on Alien Predator Enemies. Swim through Freezing water. Find keys and Secrets. Place Oceanic Masks to operate Jewels on a Giant statue and Complete 2 Blood Offerings. Killing Giant Wasps and Spiders and the Finale killing the Final Alien Boss. Great little TRLE! Definitely worth a Play Through !! Killer Gameplayz" - Killer Gameplayz (13-Aug-2016)

Aqua Sanctuary:
Epic level though a bit short. Definitely a must-play though.

https://youtu.be/uJVWIAO3bVU?si=Mtq5QCw8pjnziSUl

"First of all, the design and aesthetics of this level are absolutely first class. The Aqua sanctuary in an architectural sense looks amazing (Is Mr XY an architect who moonlights as a level designer?). Texturing and lighting are also faultless. In terms of gameplay, the game consists of a large open area containing various puzzles and platforming challenges that eventually open a final boss area. I found the difficulty level good - the puzzles had me scratching my head for a while but I eventually pulled through. The torch puzzle in particular was very well executed. I had to check the walkthrough only once (Which I hate doing) because I did not realize you could side jump over the spike trap in front of one of the gems. Apart from that its all very intuitive. If you're looking for an action packed romp this probably isn't for you, it's much more of a relaxed, exploratory raid that will have you working your brain. It's very good." - Passalaqua (26-Jan-2021)


Feel free to add any levels you like that you have played or to discuss anything about custom levels

[webcider]

damn dejavu?

[Larry Daley]

Sorry I forgot to add I have also played:

Knights of Terafosia
Pretty interesting architecture and locations here as you explore a unique place. To be honest the water level opening is one of my favourites of all customs.

https://youtu.be/5vTl-y1cGBI?si=LW7HaX-mm7WiUqvy

"Pascal has brought us a brilliant adventure here. Three closely interlinked levels that you travel back and forth between a number of times. You start in Algara's Mansion, then onto the Balance Towers and then onto the Water Tank before finishing up in the Balance Towers. The surroundings are beautifully crafted and the gameplay is varied and involving and has Lara solving fun puzzles, dealing with hordes of enemies and avoiding traps. I finished in 3 hours and 9 minutes. You'll have a good time here." - Ryan (09-Oct-2016)

[Larry Daley]

Check out these two:
https://youtu.be/TSrLcplxd1o?si=3MjwSqT7CPO29mLo

https://youtu.be/yTU_KNE4ktQ?si=ZatACwGhw_NerbTs

[Lanzagranadas]

It would be amazing to get a TRIV-V remaster, with the level editor and some of these custom levels added as free DLC. Of course, provided that the authors are ok with it. And I asume there would be some guidelines to follow and quality checks for them to be elligible.

[Larry Daley]

True.

Jade Empire

"Be amazed by the beauty of this long adventure set in the Far East, which incorporates the author's BtB2006 level and expands it into a world of its own. "

https://youtu.be/3m2ryMSo8_Q?si=tqp4V7XGvuBTrpsT

[•OyajiBR•]

I've played some wonderful TRLE games, including Jade Empire back in the 2000s.

Shattered Memories - it's a nightmare with stages of TR1 and TR2 all mixed. The creator made a great narrative, you're in the mansion and jump in the water, suddenly you're in the Maria Doria ship, then you get out of water and see yourself in the Lost Valley, etc.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SGlRAnRfU8A

Templar Archives - it starts exactly at TR2 level 2 (Venice), but instead of going through the sewers you find a passage through the opposite rooftops to a new area and a passage to a lost templar cathedral. Chilling ambients, cool puzzles and traps, very good.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x1ruUJw0B_4

[Larry Daley]

I've always wanted to play Coyote Creek 2 how is it

[Hollow_Fang]

I wish they would re-release The Level Editor with modern tools and conversion for old to new remaster versions, and At this point I'd be willing to pay another $20 as DLC price for it to be made!
Fans could now use AI to make voiced mod's with new outfits locations and stories! They could even Have monthly Add on Content and new features as DLC !