Released in May 2015, Lara Croft: Relic Run is a free-to-play action-adventure endless runner.
Unlike traditional endless runner games that focus solely on dodging obstacles, Lara Croft: Relic Run introduces a dynamic twist by integrating parkour movements, combat mechanics, and vehicle sequences, setting it apart from other games in the genre.
As a spin-off of the legendary Tomb Raider franchise, Relic Run captures the spirit of adventure, exploration, and danger, all while bringing Lara’s signature acrobatics and twin-pistol combat into a fast-paced mobile experience. The game not only pays homage to classic Tomb Raider elements but also introduces procedurally generated levels, challenging players with unpredictable obstacles, enemy encounters, and engaging boss fights.
With its stunning environments, intense gameplay, and nods to classic Tomb Raider elements, Lara Croft: Relic Run offers both nostalgic and new fans an exciting mobile adventure.
What is Lara Croft: Relic Run?
At its core, Lara Croft: Relic Run is an action-packed endless runner that reimagines Lara Croft in a fresh and dynamic setting. The game is set shortly after Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris, where Lara embarks on a quest to locate her missing friend, Carter Bell. However, her journey soon takes a darker turn as she uncovers a sinister global conspiracy that threatens the world.
Unlike traditional endless runners, Relic Run stands out due to its mix of fast-paced running, parkour, and high-intensity combat. Players guide Lara across treacherous jungles, ancient ruins, scorching deserts, and icy mountains, where she must evade dangerous traps, overcome environmental hazards, and battle enemies to collect hidden relics. As an homage to classic Tomb Raider games, Relic Run brings back iconic elements such as Lara’s dual pistols, wall-running, and vehicle sequences, creating a thrilling mix of nostalgia and modern mobile gaming.
Lara Croft: Relic Run Key Features
Endless Runner Gameplay with a Twist
- Players dodge obstacles, leap over gaps, wall-run, and swing from vines in dynamically generated levels.
- Unlike traditional endless runners, the game incorporates interactive environments with collapsing bridges, shifting platforms, and deadly traps.
Action-Packed Combat System
- Lara Croft wields her iconic twin pistols, as well as rifles, shotguns, and grenades.
- Players engage in combat with enemies like lizards, spiders, skeletons, and even a rampaging T-Rex.
Vehicle Segments
- Dynamic action sequences where Lara rides quad bikes and motorcycles to speed through hazardous environments.
- Players must dodge obstacles while firing at enemies for an added layer of excitement.
Relic Collection & Progression
- Players collect ancient relics by discovering hidden clues in each run.
- Unlock new locations, each with unique environments and increasing difficulty.
- Special relics provide story elements and new gameplay opportunities.
Lara Croft: Relic Run Customization & Upgrades
- Outfits: Unlock and equip Lara with iconic outfits that grant gameplay boosts, such as extra health or better loot collection.
- Weapons: Upgrade and customize Lara’s arsenal, including dual pistols, shotguns, and heavy artillery.
Graphics and Design
Stylized Visuals & Environments
- Colorful and visually detailed settings including dense jungles, scorching deserts, and icy mountain peaks.
- Each environment features unique enemy types, obstacles, and hidden secrets.
Character Animation
- Smooth parkour mechanics: Wall-running, acrobatics, and mid-air flips bring dynamic movement to the game.
- Combat animations: Fluid shooting and melee animations enhance the action-packed experience.
Lara Croft: Relic Run Soundtrack & Audio Design
- The game’s score blends classic Tomb Raider orchestration with adrenaline-pumping beats.
- Sound effects enhance immersion, from Lara’s footsteps crunching on the ground to echoing gunfire and environmental cues.
User Reviews and Feedback
Positive Aspects:
Varied Gameplay: Players praise the mix of running, combat, and vehicle sections, which sets it apart from other endless runners.
Nostalgia Factor: Longtime Tomb Raider fans appreciate the inclusion of classic elements, such as iconic weapons, parkour moves, and the presence of legendary enemies like the T-Rex.
Graphics & Animations: Many reviewers highlight the detailed environments and fluid character animations, which bring the classic Tomb Raider experience to mobile devices.
Engaging Replayability: The combination of procedurally generated levels, new environments, and challenging bosses encourages players to keep coming back.
Criticism:
Difficulty Spikes: Many players feel that the game has sudden difficulty increases, requiring significant upgrades to progress.
Repetitive Gameplay: Some users mention that despite its variety, the gameplay loop can feel repetitive over time.
Monetization Issues: Heavy reliance on in-app purchases for power-ups and upgrades has drawn criticism. Many feel progression is slowed unless they spend real money.
Google Play Store Rating
⭐ 4.0/5 stars, based on thousands of reviews. Most players appreciate the nostalgic charm and engaging mechanics, but some have concerns over difficulty balance and in-app purchases.
Lara Croft: Relic Run Game Mechanics
Swipe Controls
- Players use swipe gestures to navigate through the fast-paced environments:
- Swipe left/right to switch lanes and dodge obstacles.
- Swipe up to jump over gaps, spikes, or barriers.
- Swipe down to slide under low-hanging obstacles or through narrow pathways.
- The game rewards quick reflexes and pattern recognition, as obstacles often appear in complex sequences.
Combat System
- Unlike typical endless runners, Lara Croft: Relic Run incorporates real-time combat.
- Players tap on enemies to shoot them using Lara’s twin pistols, rifles, or shotguns.
- Grenades can be thrown strategically to take down multiple enemies at once, making combat more dynamic.
- Enemies include lizard creatures, armed mercenaries, and even supernatural entities, adding variety to encounters.
Relic Progression
- As players collect clues throughout their runs, they gradually fill up a relic meter.
- Once enough clues are gathered, a relic is revealed, unlocking new levels and story elements.
- Each relic is tied to the game’s lore, offering insights into Lara’s ongoing adventure.
Boss Battles
- At key points in the game, players must face off against massive boss enemies.
- These battles add a unique challenge, requiring quick reflexes and precise aiming.
- Some of the most memorable bosses include:
- T-Rex – A classic Tomb Raider antagonist that charges at Lara, forcing players to dodge and counterattack.
- Manticore – A mythical beast that demands fast dodging and well-placed shots to defeat.
- Unlike traditional endless runners, these boss fights introduce high-stakes action sequences, making Relic Run feel more like an action-adventure game than a simple runner.
Tips & Tricks for Players
Perfect Swipe Timing
- Recognizing obstacle patterns early is key to surviving longer runs.
- Environments generate randomly, but obstacle placement often follows certain predictable sequences.
- Mastering wall-running, rope-swinging, and quick dodges helps avoid unnecessary crashes.
Prioritize Upgrades
- Instead of upgrading everything at once, focus on the most impactful items first:
- Boots – Improve movement speed and agility.
- Weapons – Enhance firepower to defeat enemies faster.
- Outfits – Provide various buffs, such as increased health or better coin collection.
Use Power-Ups Wisely
- Coin Magnets – Best used in areas with dense coin placements for maximum value.
- Score Multipliers – Activating these during longer, enemy-heavy segments can significantly boost leaderboard rankings.
Combat Efficiency
- Target explosive barrels whenever possible—these can take out multiple enemies at once, conserving ammunition.
- Tap quickly but accurately—wasting shots may leave Lara vulnerable during enemy waves.
Engage in Social Features
- Using the game’s Facebook integration, players can challenge friends and compare scores.
- Send “Curses” to friends, applying visual distortions (like screen pixelation or blurred vision) to make their runs harder.
- Survive curses from friends to earn extra coins and rewards.
Comparison with Similar Games
| Feature | Lara Croft: Relic Run | Temple Run | Subway Surfers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Genre | Action/Adventure Runner | Endless Runner | Endless Runner |
| Graphics | Detailed Environments | Stylized | Cartoonish |
| Combat | Yes | No | No |
| Vehicle Sections | Yes | No | No |
| Boss Fights | Yes | No | No |
Unlike traditional endless runners like Temple Run and Subway Surfers, Lara Croft: Relic Run integrates combat, vehicles, and exploration, making it a more dynamic and engaging experience. Players must battle enemies, collect relics, and complete objectives, rather than simply running for high scores.
Community and Social Features
Facebook Integration
- Players can connect their Facebook accounts to:
- Share scores and compete on leaderboards.
- Challenge friends by sending “curses” to make their runs more difficult.
- Earn in-game rewards for engaging with social features.
Curses Mechanic
- A unique multiplayer challenge that allows players to send “curses” to their friends.
- Curses apply visual distortions such as:
- Pixelation – Reduces screen clarity.
- Tunnel Vision – Narrows the field of view.
- Screen Shaking – Disorients the player’s perspective.
- Players can earn rewards for surviving curses, adding a competitive element.
Global Leaderboards
- Players can compete for the highest scores worldwide.
- The leaderboard ranks top-performing runners based on:
- Longest distance traveled
- Highest scores
- Number of relics collected
Conclusion
Lara Croft: Relic Run successfully blends endless runner mechanics with the action-adventure elements that define the Tomb Raider series. Unlike other mobile runners, the game offers:
Exciting combat mechanics with weapons and enemy encounters.
Dynamic movement and vehicle segments that keep gameplay fresh.
Engaging visuals and smooth animations that capture the spirit of Tomb Raider.
Social challenges and multiplayer features that encourage friendly competition.
However, the game does have some drawbacks, including:
Difficulty spikes that require upgrades or in-app purchases.
A repetitive gameplay loop that some players may find monotonous.
Heavy reliance on monetization, especially for Ankhs (used to continue runs).
If you’re a fan of endless runners but want something more action-packed and immersive, Lara Croft: Relic Run is an excellent choice. It honors the Tomb Raider franchise while offering a unique twist on the genre, making it one of the most dynamic and engaging mobile runners available.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Where can I download Lara Croft: Relic Run?
You can download Lara Croft: Relic Run from the Google Play Store here. It is also available on the Apple App Store.
What is the official website for Lara Croft: Relic Run?
The official website for Lara Croft: Relic Run can be found at official page, where you can check out other Tomb Raider games as well.
How do you sprint in Lara Croft Tomb Raider?
In Lara Croft: Relic Run, Lara automatically runs, and the player cannot manually sprint. However, certain power-ups and upgrades, like speed boosts, can increase her running speed temporarily.
Is there a Lara Croft: Relic Run Wiki?
Yes! You can find more details, strategies, and in-depth guides on the Lara Croft: Relic Run Wiki.
What makes Lara Croft: Relic Run different from other endless runners?
Unlike other endless runners like Temple Run, Relic Run features combat, vehicle segments, relic collection, and boss fights, offering a more action-packed experience.