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Best games by Crystal Dynamics
15th Feb 2026
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For over three decades, Crystal Dynamics has cemented its legacy as a premier developer of character-driven action-adventure games. While their history includes beloved cult classics like the *Legacy of Kain* series, the studio is most renowned for its masterful stewardship of Lara Croft. With the groundbreaking *Tomb Raider* survivor trilogy, they successfully rebooted an icon for a new generation, delivering a powerful combination of cinematic storytelling, visceral combat, and breathtaking exploration that has defined the modern adventure genre. Our ranking represents our take on the studio's most impactful and well-crafted titles, but every fan has their own favorites. Now it's your turn to settle the score. Use the drag and drop feature on the list below to reorder the games and create your own definitive ranking of Crystal Dynamics' best work. Once you're satisfied with your order, submit it to let us know which adventures you believe stand at the top of their incredible catalog.
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#9.
Tomb Raider III (1998) (2012)
9/15
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This 2012 re-release of Tomb Raider III from 1998 throws Lara Croft into a chilling Antarctic mystery. Thousands of years ago, a meteor's impact sent seismic waves of consequences into the present, and Lara is compelled to follow the breadcrumbs. She'll navigate perilous chasms and confront monstrous entities, showcasing a daring spirit and combat prowess that sets a new benchmark for action-adventure. This intricate journey blends demanding puzzles with exhilarating, fast-paced encounters, all centered around an otherworldly enigma. While the original Tomb Raider III was developed by Core Design, its inclusion here likely refers to a modern re-release or remaster that might feature Crystal Dynamics' involvement in its presentation or accessibility for current platforms. Crystal Dynamics, known for their critically acclaimed reboot trilogy starting in 2013, has demonstrated an exceptional talent for revitalizing established franchises, breathing new life into beloved characters and worlds with sophisticated gameplay mechanics and compelling narratives. Their mastery of action-adventure, evident in their later Tomb Raider installments, makes any significant remaster or re-release bearing their mark a testament to their continued legacy in the genre.
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Tomb Raider (2013)
#11.0Crystal Dynamics delivers a definitive action-adventure experience with the 2013 reboot of Tomb Raider. This iteration masterfully chronicles Lara Croft's harrowing origin, transforming her from an inexperienced survivor into the resilient icon fans know and love. Players are thrust onto a mysterious island, armed with little more than instinct and determination, tasked with unraveling its dark secrets and escaping its grasp. The game's expert pacing, captivating setting, and intense combat, praised by outlets like gamesradar+ and Destructoid, create a truly memorable journey that emphasizes Lara's will to survive and her growth into a formidable adventurer. The Game of the Year Edition further enriches this acclaimed title by including additional content such as the Tomb of the Lost Adventurer, a variety of outfits for Lara, and multiplayer maps and characters, ensuring an even more expansive experience. Tomb Raider's success solidified its place as a triumph for Crystal Dynamics, demonstrating their prowess in re-imagining beloved franchises. Its compelling narrative, combined with challenging environmental puzzles and visceral combat, earned it widespread critical acclaim, with Game Revolution highlighting the strong player-character bond and Game Over declaring it the best reboot on the market. This release stands as a testament to Crystal Dynamics' ability to craft deeply engaging and high-quality gaming experiences.
Rise of the Tomb Raider™ (2016)
#22.0Crystal Dynamics truly outdid themselves with "Rise of the Tomb Raider™ (2016)," a pinnacle of their work and a game that solidifies its place among their best. This installment sees Lara Croft embarking on her most personal and perilous journey yet, venturing into the unforgiving Siberian wilderness in pursuit of the legendary Lost City of Kitezh. The game masterfully blends intense, visceral combat, where players can strategically utilize the environment and craft explosives, with challenging tomb-raiding segments that are larger and more intricate than ever before. From deciphering ancient texts to solving elaborate environmental puzzles, the sense of discovery and adventure is palpable, pushing Lara to her absolute limits against both the hostile elements and the relentless organization known as Trinity. Beyond the thrilling main campaign, "Rise of the Tomb Raider: 20 Year Celebration" offers an exceptional amount of additional content. The new "Blood Ties" chapter allows players to explore the iconic Croft Manor in an immersive VR experience, delving into Lara's past and uncovering a profound family mystery. Furthermore, the game boasts modes like "Lara's Nightmare," where players defend the manor from zombie hordes, and "Co-Op Endurance," a challenging cooperative survival experience. With a wealth of outfits, weapons, expedition cards, and even classic Lara skins, this edition provides an exhaustive and rewarding experience that showcases Crystal Dynamics' dedication to expanding Lara's adventures and refining the action-adventure formula.
Shadow of the Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition (2018)
#33.0Experience the culmination of Lara Croft's origin story in Shadow of the Tomb Raider Definitive Edition, the ultimate way to witness her transformation into the legendary adventurer. This comprehensive package includes the critically acclaimed base game, all seven challenging DLC tombs, and every piece of downloadable content, from weapons and outfits to skills. Praised as "the strongest entry in the trilogy" by GamesRadar+, this edition offers an "arrestingly beautiful" world that is "crisp, addictive, and deeply satisfying." Dive into an "unforgiving jungle setting," master advanced traversal for "dark and brutal tombs," and uncover a hidden city in the largest hub space ever seen in the series. Shadow of the Tomb Raider stands as a testament to Crystal Dynamics' evolution as developers. It showcases their mastery of cinematic storytelling, intricate puzzle design, and exhilarating action gameplay, building upon the foundations laid by the previous reboot titles. The studio's commitment to refining Lara's character arc and expanding the scope of her adventures is evident in every aspect of this release, making it a cornerstone of their impressive catalog. The Definitive Edition provides an unparalleled journey, allowing players to fully immerse themselves in Lara's most challenging and defining moment.
Tomb Raider I (1996) (2012)
#44.0Embark on a legendary quest with Lara Croft in *Tomb Raider I (1996)*, a foundational adventure meticulously remastered for a modern era. Witness Lara, a fearless adventurer, tasked with a perilous mission: to retrieve the scattered fragments of the ancient Scion artifact. Her extraordinary acrobatic prowess is on full display as she navigates treacherous landscapes, seamlessly blending running, jumping, swimming, and climbing. Each meticulously crafted 3D world unfolds as a testament to her journey, inviting players to explore, solve intricate puzzles, and master platforming challenges within a fluid, real-time environment. Lara's pursuit of the Scion's origins and mystical powers leaves behind only depleted tombs and spent ammunition, a hallmark of her relentless dedication. While *Tomb Raider I* itself was originally developed by Core Design, its inclusion on a list celebrating Crystal Dynamics' best is a testament to the studio's profound impact on the franchise's resurgence. Crystal Dynamics revitalized the iconic series with their later entries, such as *Tomb Raider: Legend*, *Tomb Raider: Anniversary* (a remake of the original), and the critically acclaimed reboot trilogy, demonstrating an exceptional understanding of Lara Croft's enduring appeal and modernizing her gameplay and narrative with masterful execution. Their stewardship ensured the continuation of Lara's legacy, injecting fresh life and innovative gameplay into the Tomb Raider universe, solidifying the series' place in gaming history.
Lara Croft GO (2016)
#55.0Lara Croft GO reimagines the iconic Tomb Raider experience as a stylish, turn-based puzzle adventure. Players guide Lara through a beautifully realized, ancient world filled with intricate ruins and hidden secrets. Each stage presents a series of challenging puzzles, demanding careful planning and tactical movement to overcome deadly traps, menacing enemies, and environmental hazards. The journey culminates in unraveling the myth of the Queen of Venom, all while enjoying lush visuals and a captivating soundtrack. The Steam version enhances the experience by providing unlimited hints and unlocking all outfits from the outset, allowing players to focus solely on the strategic puzzle-solving and exploration. While Crystal Dynamics is renowned for its action-packed Tomb Raider reboots, Lara Croft GO stands out as a brilliant testament to their versatility and creative vision. This departure from the series' typical third-person shooter format demonstrates a deep understanding of what makes Lara Croft compelling: her intelligence, resourcefulness, and adventurous spirit. By translating these core traits into a compelling puzzle framework, Crystal Dynamics proves their ability to craft engaging gameplay across different genres. The game's success and critical acclaim solidify its place among the studio's best, showcasing their capacity for innovation and their commitment to delivering high-quality gaming experiences that resonate with long-time fans and newcomers alike.
LARA CROFT AND THE TEMPLE OF OSIRIS™ (2014)
#66.0*Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris* plunges players into a thrilling cooperative adventure set in the treacherous deserts of Egypt, serving as the acclaimed sequel to *Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light*. This entry uniquely marks Lara Croft's debut in a four-player cooperative experience, allowing players to team up as Lara, rival treasure hunter Carter Bell, and the imprisoned gods Horus and Isis. Together, they must brave ancient tombs, battle mythical creatures and underworld deities, solve intricate puzzles, and overcome deadly traps to defeat the malevolent god Set. The dynamic Egyptian setting is brought to life with stunning visuals, featuring environmental changes that reflect the unfolding narrative. Success hinges on collaboration, but a competitive edge drives players to claim treasure and powerful artifacts, leading to both shared victories and individual glory. Crystal Dynamics truly demonstrated their versatility and commitment to expanding the Lara Croft legacy with *Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris*. By shifting to a top-down perspective and introducing robust cooperative gameplay, they offered a fresh and engaging take on the beloved franchise, proving their ability to innovate beyond the established action-adventure formula. The blend of classic arcade-style action with strategic co-op mechanics, coupled with a compelling narrative and a visually rich environment, solidified its place as a standout title. This game showcased Crystal Dynamics' talent for crafting diverse and high-quality experiences within a single iconic character's universe, making it a worthy addition to their best works.
Tomb Raider II (1997) (2012)
#77.0The second installment in the Tomb Raider series, this reimagining invites you to join Lara Croft as she travels across the globe on a perilous quest. Her mission: to retrieve the legendary Dagger of Xian before it can be seized by nefarious forces who would wield its immense power. This ancient artifact is whispered to grant its possessor the terrifying might of a fire-breathing dragon, a power too dangerous to fall into the wrong hands. Prepare for a global adventure filled with ancient ruins, treacherous traps, and a race against time. While this particular release marks a later re-release, its inclusion speaks to the enduring legacy of the original *Tomb Raider II* and its foundational impact on Lara Croft's adventures. The original game, developed by Core Design, set a high bar for action-adventure gameplay and narrative, qualities that Crystal Dynamics would later build upon with their own iconic entries. This 2012 iteration serves as a testament to the strength of the *Tomb Raider II* design, showcasing the intricate level design, challenging puzzles, and thrilling combat that made Lara a household name, and hints at the high standards Crystal Dynamics would strive to meet and exceed in their own contributions to the franchise.
Hitman GO: Definitive Edition (2016)
#88.0Hitman GO: Definitive Edition masterfully reimagines the stealth-action franchise as a captivating turn-based strategy puzzle game. Players guide Agent 47 through meticulously crafted, diorama-like levels, navigating fixed spaces on a grid to outwit guards, deploy iconic tools like distractions and disguises, and ultimately eliminate targets. This award-winning experience demands strategic foresight, challenging even seasoned Hitman enthusiasts with its elegantly designed puzzles and stylish, freeze-frame environments filled with secret passages and formidable adversaries, each with distinct and perilous behaviors. While Crystal Dynamics is primarily known for its action-adventure titles like the Tomb Raider series, Hitman GO's presence on a list of their best games signifies a remarkable diversification of their portfolio. It showcases their ability to adapt a beloved intellectual property into a completely different genre with exceptional quality. The game’s polished presentation, deep strategic gameplay, and innovative approach to puzzle design demonstrate a creative ambition and technical proficiency that aligns with the high standards expected from Crystal Dynamics, proving their talent extends far beyond their flagship action franchises.
Tomb Raider III (1998) (2012)
#99.0This 2012 re-release of Tomb Raider III from 1998 throws Lara Croft into a chilling Antarctic mystery. Thousands of years ago, a meteor's impact sent seismic waves of consequences into the present, and Lara is compelled to follow the breadcrumbs. She'll navigate perilous chasms and confront monstrous entities, showcasing a daring spirit and combat prowess that sets a new benchmark for action-adventure. This intricate journey blends demanding puzzles with exhilarating, fast-paced encounters, all centered around an otherworldly enigma. While the original Tomb Raider III was developed by Core Design, its inclusion here likely refers to a modern re-release or remaster that might feature Crystal Dynamics' involvement in its presentation or accessibility for current platforms. Crystal Dynamics, known for their critically acclaimed reboot trilogy starting in 2013, has demonstrated an exceptional talent for revitalizing established franchises, breathing new life into beloved characters and worlds with sophisticated gameplay mechanics and compelling narratives. Their mastery of action-adventure, evident in their later Tomb Raider installments, makes any significant remaster or re-release bearing their mark a testament to their continued legacy in the genre.
Tomb Raider IV: The Last Revelation (1999) (2012)
#1010.0In *Tomb Raider IV: The Last Revelation*, Lara Croft stumbles upon the imprisoned Egyptian god Set, inadvertently unleashing him upon the world and fulfilling an ancient prophecy. The fate of humanity rests on her shoulders as she embarks on a perilous quest across Egypt to re-seal the evil deity. This installment sees Lara facing her old nemesis, Werner Von Croy, and navigating intricate puzzles and deadly traps within the sprawling Egyptian landscape. It's a thrilling race against time, packed with twists and turns that push Lara's courage and ingenuity to their limits in a bid to prevent Armageddon. While *The Last Revelation* was originally developed by Core Design, its inclusion in the "Best games by Crystal Dynamics" list stems from the fact that Crystal Dynamics later acquired the *Tomb Raider* franchise and produced subsequent, highly successful titles. Their stewardship revitalized the series, and while this particular entry predates their direct involvement in its development, its legacy and the foundational elements it established are undeniably part of the rich tapestry that Crystal Dynamics later built upon, making it relevant to an appreciation of their overall contribution to the franchise's enduring appeal.
Legacy of Kain: Defiance (2012)
#1111.0Legacy of Kain: Defiance places players in the dual roles of the formidable vampires, Kain and Raziel. As Kain, an almost divine being, and Raziel, a spectral harbinger of death, you wield legendary blades against a tapestry of conflict and betrayal. Their intertwined journeys are driven by a desperate quest to uncover their destinies and thwart the ancient powers poised to plunge their world into an unending night of damnation. This title stands as a testament to Crystal Dynamics' prowess in crafting compelling narratives and engaging gameplay. Defiance masterfully weaves together the rich lore of the Legacy of Kain universe, showcasing the studio's ability to evolve beloved franchises. Its innovative dual-protagonist system, combined with satisfying combat and intricate plotlines, cemented its place as a highlight in Crystal Dynamics' impressive portfolio of titles.
Tomb Raider VI: The Angel of Darkness (2003) (2012)
#1212.0Lara Croft finds herself embroiled in a shadowy conspiracy following a string of gruesome murders that lead her to a mysterious Alchemist with ancient ties and a secret cabal of powerful figures. Framed for the death of her mentor, Werner Von Croy, Lara is forced to become a fugitive. The police are in pursuit, but her true target is the Alchemist, drawing her into a perilous realm of deception, bloodshed, and a quest for retribution. It's up to Lara to dismantle this unholy alliance and prevent them from unleashing their formidable powers upon an unsuspecting world. *Tomb Raider: The Angel of Darkness* represents a bold, albeit flawed, departure for the franchise, marking Crystal Dynamics' inaugural foray into the iconic series. Despite its technical shortcomings and a somewhat convoluted narrative, the game showcased Crystal Dynamics' ambition to evolve Lara Croft and the *Tomb Raider* formula. They introduced new gameplay mechanics and a darker, more mature tone, attempting to reinvent the character for a new generation of consoles. While not a perfect debut, it laid the groundwork for their subsequent successes, demonstrating their willingness to experiment and their potential to deliver compelling *Tomb Raider* experiences, ultimately earning its place among their notable contributions.
Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 2 (2001) (2012)
#1313.0Step back into the shadows of Nosgoth as Raziel, the fallen seraph, in *Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 2*. This continuation of the saga sees you flung through time, a phantom in the annals of Nosgoth's history, perpetually hunting Kain. Your quest will unearth the forgotten lore of ancient races, the insidious corruption that blighted the Pillars, and the grim truth behind the vampire extermination. To survive and uncover these truths, you'll need to master an arsenal of evolved Soul Reaver enhancements and unlock powerful new physical abilities and relics. These tools will be crucial for interacting with the environment, revealing hidden passages, and confronting a bestiary of formidable foes, including relentless vampire hunters, fanatical Sarafan warrior-priests, elusive spectral spirits, and terrifying extra-dimensional demons. The game's immersive gothic world, brought to life with intricate architecture and environments, is complemented by a captivating narrative, masterful voice acting, and seamless transitions between realms. Effortlessly shift between the spectral and material planes in real-time, a vital mechanic for accessing areas once beyond your grasp. *Soul Reaver 2* stands as a testament to Crystal Dynamics' mastery in crafting narrative-driven action-adventure games. While known for their later work with Lara Croft, this title showcases the studio's early prowess in developing atmospheric worlds and compelling character arcs. The intricate storyline, deep lore, and sophisticated gameplay mechanics, particularly the realm-shifting ability, demonstrate an ambition and execution that set it apart. It represents a pivotal point in the studio's history, highlighting their talent for weaving engaging plots with innovative gameplay, establishing a foundation for the high standards they would continue to uphold in subsequent titles.
Tomb Raider V: Chronicles (2000) (2012)
#1414.0In *Tomb Raider V: Chronicles*, Lara Croft's supposed demise sends ripples of grief through her inner circle. Gathered at the atmospheric Croft Estate amidst a somber, rain-swept setting for a memorial, her closest confidantes find solace in sharing tales of her legendary adventures. Within the hallowed halls of the Croft Mansion's study, these poignant recollections unveil previously untold exploits, painting a richer, more intimate portrait of the indomitable archaeologist. While *Chronicles* was developed by Core Design, its inclusion on a "Best games by Crystal Dynamics" list highlights a critical period of evolution for the *Tomb Raider* franchise. Crystal Dynamics, after taking over the series, successfully revitalized Lara Croft's adventures, bringing a fresh perspective and a renewed sense of action and exploration. The narrative techniques and character depth explored in *Chronicles*, even if not their creation, laid groundwork that Crystal Dynamics would later build upon, demonstrating an understanding of what makes Lara Croft a compelling figure. This title represents a foundational step in the lineage of games that would ultimately define the modern *Tomb Raider* experience under Crystal Dynamics' stewardship.
Blood Omen 2: Legacy of Kain (2013)
#1515.0In *Blood Omen 2: Legacy of Kain*, players step into the tattered boots of Kain, a vampire lord betrayed and cast down centuries prior. Awakening to find his legacy shattered and his kind on the brink of extinction, Kain embarks on a relentless quest for vengeance. Armed with a brutal arsenal of bladed weapons and a mastery of dark, supernatural abilities like berserk and stealth, players will guide Kain through a grim, gothic world teeming with dangerous foes. His insatiable thirst for power and retribution fuels his every move as he seeks to dismantle the conspiracy threatening the land he aims to reclaim. This title stands as a testament to Crystal Dynamics' early prowess in action-adventure game design. While known for later franchises, *Blood Omen 2* showcases the studio's talent for creating compelling narratives, character-driven stories, and satisfying combat mechanics within dark, atmospheric settings. The game’s blend of visceral melee combat and unique vampiric powers, coupled with its intricate plot and richly detailed environments, demonstrates a strong foundation for the studio's subsequent successes and solidifies its place among their best offerings.
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