Lara Croft has explored some truly stunning locations that blur the lines between myths and truths. We present to you 10 destinations that captivated our attention with their impeccable visual design. 

Coastal Village – Tomb Raider III 

Lara arrives on the South Pacific Island of Kuru in search of the meteorite artifact, the Ora Dagger. She swims through coral reefs teeming with colorful fish before reaching a sandy beach surrounded by small waterfalls. The setting is stunning; gentle waves roll in, and the sun, touching the horizon, paints the sky a beautiful golden color. Moving inland, the vegetation thickens, blending with locally constructed structures that conceal deadly traps. 

Barkhang Monastery - Tomb Raider II

Located in Tibet, the Barkhang Monastery houses a sacred object called the Talion, which has been protected by the namesake monks for centuries. The monastery is a beautiful spectacle nestled within the mountainous landscape. Lara explores the complex in search of praying wheels to open a passage to the Catacombs of the Talion. The monastery is a vibrant place, beautifully decorated with religious and mythological imagery. The most common symbols found within the monastery are the eyes of Buddha and the endless knot. The monks welcome Lara as long as she remains friendly.

Paititi – Shadow of the Tomb Raider 

Paititi was built in order to protect the Silver Box of Ix Chel. The Paititians traveled halfway across the continent, enduring hardships, starvation, and wars. In spite of all that, they managed to push on, and created something amazing. Several outsiders arrived at Paititi during this period. Some, like Manko, led his people to safety, and others, like Lopez and Trinity, arrived to exploit the people. Trinity has ruled Paititi for centuries as the Cult of Kukulkan, but, sooner or later, every dark secret is brought into the light. Lara discovers the Lost City and is taken by Unuratu and her rebellion to their base. Paititi appears flourishing with life but conceals many secrets... 

Shipwreck Beach – Tomb Raider (2013) 

After escaping from the Solarii, Lara finally reunites with the remaining Endurance crew on Shipwreck Beach. The beach serves as a final resting place for ships ranging from wooden galleons to modern battleships, a testament to how long Himiko has been stranding ships on Yamatai in search of a new vessel for her soul. It's an astonishing sight, but also a sobering one, revealing just how many people have found themselves in Lara's shoes.

The Lost City – Rise of the Tomb Raider 

The Lost city of Kitezh was built by the Prophet's followers after they fled Constantinople, fearing persecution. Lara discovers Kitezh and learns that its end was violent. The Prophet's Deathless Army, seeking to safeguard the Divine Source from falling into enemy hands, deliberately triggered an avalanche in the surrounding mountains. The enemies along with many citizens of the city were killed, and most of Kitezh was entombed within the glacier. Much of the city remains intact, showcasing the brilliance of the Prophet's architects. 

The Hall of Seasons – Tomb Raider: The Angel of Darkness 

Lara discovers an ancient tomb deep beneath the Louvre designed to safeguard an artifact called the Obscura Painting. The Hall of Seasons is intricately designed, following the classic Tomb Raider formula where Lara explores four different rooms to obtain Elemental Crystals needed to unlock the door to the sub-basement engine room. After activating the engine, which elevates certain platforms in the center of the room, Lara must climb to the top of the hall where she encounters not only the Obscura Painting but also its protector, Brother Obscura. The center of the hall is adorned with a beautiful calendar depicting astrological signs, along with buttons bearing elemental symbols that correspond to the symbols found above the surrounding doors. 

Ghana – Tomb Raider: Legend 

There's something extremely captivating about grand waterfalls concealing ancient ruins. Lara herself jokes that if everything else fails, she could start a postcard business. Upon uncovering the entrance, Lara explores the stunning yet perilous ruins, brimming with traps designed to deter intruders from venturing further.

Egypt – Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation 

Set in Egypt, Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation features many visually stunning locations. Core Design crafted this game to offer the ultimate Tomb Raiding experience, introducing interconnecting levels that Lara revisits multiple times. It would be unfair to single out one level as the best locale, given the abundance of visual highlights such as the Temple of Karnak, Sacred Lake, and Coastal Ruins, among others. In Egypt, where the color palette is dominated by oranges and yellows, the presence of a water source provides a striking visual contrast and offers a refreshing break amidst the hot Egyptian sands and ancient ruins. 

The Lost Valley – Tomb Raider (1996), Tomb Raider: Anniversary 

The Lost Valley is arguably the most iconic level of the franchise, captivating fans' attention since 1996. Lara encounters a rushing river that culminates in a majestic waterfall concealing the entrance to the Tomb of Qualopec. The presence of a pond at the base of the waterfall suggests abundant life near the water source, which quickly proves true as Lara enters the lush and vibrant valley inhabited by Raptors and the infamous T-Rex. Lara also discovers ruins and caves scattered throughout the valley. The Lost Valley features vibrant colors of foliage, along with the sounds of wildlife, contributing to the valley's captivating atmosphere. 

Coastal Thailand – Tomb Raider: Underworld 

Lara's quest for Thor's Gauntlets takes her to Coastal Thailand, where she must scale a cliff to reach the Bhogavati temple complex. Who could forget the moment Lara first spots the ruins peeking out of the dense jungle, accompanied by a gorgeous soundtrack? This level stands out as one of the most visually stunning locations in the franchise, offering vibrant jungle scenery and introducing interactive foliage. The overgrown ancient ruins, with earthy tones and a deep green color palette, provide a captivating environment to explore. In Tomb Raider: Underworld, Lara showcases her most athletic abilities yet, with a vast array of moves that make exploration even more engaging. 

What are some of your favorite Tomb Raider Locales? Sound off on social and let us know!  

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Video Games

Tomb Raider (1996)

Tomb Raider II

Tomb Raider III

Tomb Raider I-III Remastered

Tomb Raider IV: The Last Revelation

Tomb Raider: The Angel of Darkness

Tomb Raider: Legend

Tomb Raider: Anniversary

Tomb Raider: Underworld

Tomb Raider (2013)

Rise of the Tomb Raider

Shadow of the Tomb Raider