Should I play Rise of the Tomb before Shadow?

[Wyvernyx]

I ordered the physical edition of Shadow because I found it for 20$ and I was wondering if I have to play Rise of the Tomb first? I already played the one from 2013 and I kinda liked it.

[Jumping Squirrel]

It would help you to understand the story if you have played Rise of the Tomb Raider before Shadow of the Tomb Raider. The gameplay is relatively similar between the three games, but it is switched up enough that you won't feel bored playing them together. I do feel that Rise is the stronger game of the two though.

[underground-x]

I think, you will enjoy Rise of the Tomb Raider too.

[tanman500]

The story is so jumbled up and tossed around, that you won't understand the story regardless of whether you play Rise or not. You should purchase and play Rise because it's a fantastic game. One of my favorite third person action adventure games on pc. But play whatever game you want first, it doesn't matter.

All the story villains and NPCs are completely thrown out in SOTTR. The only relevance in the story about what happened to Lara's Dad (it's extremely obvious).

[whitecrow]

Yes, it's a continued story and also Rise is the best game of the three.

[Isa_Fuie]

You don't necessarily have to play Rise to get a better understanding of Shadow.

Yes, Shadow carries on from Rise, but the plot in Shadow doesn't heavily rely on details from Rise, other than "We must pursue the baddies from the previous game". That really is just it.

[Ritterkreuz]

Up to you, Both are great games. For me i prefer Shadow of the tomb raider.

[Cryiox]

Rise is a marvelous game. Definitely play it.

[METAL]

as stated by everyone, rise is a sequel to 2013 and will help to understand few points. in one DLC, you will see a face that you encounter in rise.

personally i think rise is the worst of the 3 and far more action driven than tomb raider driven. only played it once. shadow did a much better job and feels like a tomb raider. played it already 3 times and now with all the dlc out, well a 8th seems to be coming, i want to replay the entire game again.