Lara Croft GO for Windows

A fresh take on tomb exploration

Lara Croft GO reinvents the classic Tomb Raider experience as a premium puzzle-adventure. Rather than high-octane combat, the game emphasizes methodical exploration and carefully planned moves. You shepherd Lara through ruined halls and chambers, piecing together the legend of the Queen of Venom while negotiating environmental hazards and clever brainteasers.

How the game plays

The action unfolds on a tiled grid: each square is a potential step toward safety or a cleverly disguised snare. Movement is turn-based, so every step invites planning and consideration of timing. Enemies and obstacles—ranging from venomous snakes and prowling lizards to massive arachnids—are woven into puzzles that require you to manipulate levers, avoid traps, and use shifting platforms to progress across 40 distinct stages.

Story told through place and mood

Rather than relying on spoken lines or cutscene dialogue, the narrative is communicated through level design, lighting, and environmental detail. This minimalist storytelling leans into Lara’s archaeological background, letting atmosphere and visual clues reveal the history and mystery of the Queen of Venom.

Level design and pacing

Stages are generally well constructed, with a gentle but steady difficulty ramp that introduces new mechanics over time. As you advance, puzzles grow more elaborate, adding layers of complexity that keep the experience engaging without becoming overwhelming. The overall tempo favors reflection and deliberate choices over reflex-driven play.

Touch controls: a small downside

The game’s swipe-based controls work for the most part, but quick changes of direction can sometimes feel slightly imprecise. This can be frustrating in moments that demand tight timing, though it doesn’t substantially diminish the title’s core puzzle appeal.

Who should play this

If you enjoy slow-burn, strategy-oriented puzzle games with strong visual design and nonverbal storytelling, this is a rewarding pick. Players expecting the original series’ gunplay and rapid action should be prepared for a quieter, more contemplative experience.

Other puzzle-oriented picks

• Monument Valley 2 — Elegant, architecturally minded puzzles with calming presentation (paid).
• The Room series — Tactile, object-based enigmas that emphasize observation and invention (paid).
• Hitman GO: Definitive Edition — A similarly stylized, board-like stealth puzzle experience featuring deliberate, turn-based movement (paid).