Zip is one of Lara Croft’s key allies; First appearing in Tomb Raider: Chronicles during the Classic Era of the Tomb Raider series, and later in Tomb Raider: Legend and Tomb Raider: Underworld as Lara’s tech expert. 

In Tomb Raider: Chronicles, Zip is highly skilled in computing. He became the youngest ever employee of Von Croy Industries (VCI) before setting up his own surveillance company. His computing interests weren’t always appreciated by the U.S. government, as he regularly hacked into FBI networks just because he could. This pastime eventually led to him becoming the youngest ever ex-employee of VCI. As a disgruntled ex-employee, he eagerly jumped at the chance to work with Lara.

Zip assisted Lara during her infiltration of VCI to retrieve the Iris artifact, guiding her through a headset from his surveillance van, which was packed with computers and equipment and parked near the VCI building. Their interactions could best be described as cheeky. 

In Tomb Raider: Legend, Zip is Lara’s right-hand man and tech expert. Always in contact with Lara via her headset, he is able to instantly provide her with a wealth of information by accessing various electronic resources and online databases. In his spare time, he tinkers with electronics, developing new technology that might prove useful to Ms. Croft in the field. 

In addition to being a savvy purveyor of all things “geeky,” Zip is also a distinguished chef who has worked in some of the best kitchens in Northern Europe. 

Zip returns in Tomb Raider: Underworld, continuing his role as Lara’s tech expert. However, tragedy strikes when Amanda sends Lara’s Doppelgänger to retrieve the Wraith Stone from Croft Manor. The Doppelgänger destroys the Manor and kills Alister, leading Zip to mistakenly believe that Lara was responsible due to the Doppelgänger's resemblance to her. He accuses Lara of being indifferent to Alister's death when she informs him she will continue her search for Thor’s Hammer. However, he soon steps back and resumes his supporting role once he realizes that helping Lara is the best way to avenge Alister’s death. 

Love Tomb Raider lore? Check out some of our recent Lore features to learn more about Lara’s past adventures!

• Tomb Raider: Underworld - Thor's Gauntlets, Belt, and Hammer

• Tomb Raider: Underworld - Thralls

• Tomb Raider: Legend - The Unknown Entity

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Tomb Raider V: Chronicles

Tomb Raider: Legend

Tomb Raider: Underworld