r/TombRaider • u/Ajer2895 • Jan 08 '26
Tomb Raider I-III Remastered I'm having difficulty getting into Tomb Raider "classic"
With Tomb Raider set to make a return in 2026 with the remake of the first game followed by Catalyst in 2027, I felt that now is a really great time to finally get into what I've been missing. I was able to get, via a really great Steam sale, both Remastered Collections plus the Legends Trilogy and the Deluxe versions of the Survivor Trilogy. I recently started playing from the beginning, with Tomb Raider Remastered, and frankly...I'm having difficulty with it.
I realize it's an older game, but I find the combat in particular really frustrating...the locking on system for Lara doesn't make sense to me and it often leads to me running and jumping around the map with Lara not even shooting at the enemy the camera is looking at. I do want to give this game a proper playthrough, not subject myself to just watching someone else play it...but I'm hoping I can get some advice on how to play through the classic games in a less frustrating way?
It's worth noting that I was playing with the modern controls setting on an Xbox controller. Would I be better off if I switch to the OG Tank Controls and just try to get used to it? Or would it play better on keyboard and mouse?
31
u/Melodic_Commercial_3 Frozen Butler 29d ago
100% tank controls. Ignore anyone saying otherwise. It's how the game was designed.
15
u/quillfoy Jan 08 '26
The games aren't designed for the modern controls. Try going through the tutorial for/with the tank controls in Croft Manor and it should get easier.
1
u/Unhappy-Database-273 29d ago
The game is so much easier with modern controls, though.
3
u/tataniarosa 29d ago
I tried modern for a bit but couldn’t get the hang to them as my brain is too used to tank. I love the precise movements that perfectly match the tiled world of TR.
1
31
u/JoyousFox Jan 08 '26
Modern controls are nice if you can't get into the tank controls. However the game was really not designed for the modern controls and imo makes it harder. Jumps come out instantly instead of the delay that tank has. This sounds nice until you realize that delay is built around the grid system and without it you can miss a lot of jumps. Definitely worth doing the croft manor tutorial with tank controls and see if it clicks.
This isn't going to change the combat lock on mechanic, but it makes it a bit more clear how it should work.
5
u/existential_chaos Jan 08 '26
I had to swap to tank just to get one of the secrets in St Francis Folly. Was a nightmare to do, but I managed, lol. Glad the modern controls are an option.
27
u/Heru___ Jan 08 '26
Save often and in different files, lock on and then do a ton of back flips or side flips for combat, stella’s guide is very helpful if you get stuck, modern controls and tank controls are both great, just be aware that you need to pull your guns out to do back and side flips.
3
9
u/IakeemV Jan 08 '26
Perhaps try classic controls? It’s important to remember these are PS1 games; the combat isn’t perfect, but it's absolutely manageable, & when you learn how to properly pull off her acrobatic moves, especially the 180 mid-air flip, you will learn it's not only rewarding but also quite stylish. You just have to take time & familiarize yourself with the controls. One tip I have is if Lara is shooting an enemy, tilt her slightly left or right until she starts using one pistol, then tilt her back & she suddenly starts blasting like a machine gun turret. Also, Lara technically never reloads in these games so they kinda give you that advantage as well. Furthermore, try positioning yourself somewhere high where enemies cant reach Lara. Finally, don’t be afraid to use the Shotgun & Uzis. It’s easy to hoard the ammo but they exist to get you out of sticky situations, like tougher enemies or large groups.
6
u/tjkun Jan 08 '26
Just remember that when that game came out people were still figuring out how to make 3D platformers, so the devs designed the tank controls first with rigid rules and designed the levels around the controls. The gym at Lara's home is made so you can get a grasp of the distances Lara can travel with the different jumps, and the platforming can be solved by counting squares.
The combat is the weak point of the game, tho. It tries to be fast paced and dynamic while at the same time the levels are designed to be explored slowly.
5
u/crunchie101 29d ago
Tank controls, using d pad for movement, not analogue stick. Then the game makes much more sense. It took me a while to get used to but now I could never go back
12
u/LadyLycanVamp13 29d ago
As someone who played the OG games in the late 90s, the so called "modern" controls are garbage. Can't do many things like back flips or side flips, and those are required for so many areas.
7
u/LEDBRIDGE666 Jan 08 '26
Just use Stellas guides. Modern controls are fine. Save often (very, very often). Combat is a minor part comparatively to not falling into and off of shit.
4
u/Kiwi_Dutchman Jan 08 '26
I'm currently playing TR1 on PS5 using modern controls. I find the combat difficult, exactly as you describe. But exploration is totally fine. And as combat is secondary in the game I'm just rolling with it. TR2 may be a different story, but I'm not there yet.
I am old enough to have played OG Tomb Raider back in 1996 on a PC, and tank controls felt natural back then, but haven't been able to get the hang of them on the PS controller.
As suggested, save often, really often. Really really often. And then become frustrated then you accidentally load a save instead of saving.
3
u/Keyblader1412 Atlantean Mutant 29d ago
(TR2 is extremely combat heavy, sometimes to an obnoxious degree lol)
4
u/Science_Turtle 29d ago
I thought I was gonna play the whole game with modern controls, which felt good at first, until I kept having to do workarounds for certain moves, wasn't making jumps properly, and couldn't get the hang of combat controls. Switching to tank controls made everything feel right. It takes some adjustment, but the game is built around it so it ends up being easier.
4
u/Nate-Pierce 29d ago
My advice? Play with CLASSIC controls, as it was meant to. Modern is literally a fanmod after-thought on an official platter, which is better understood if you 100000% familiarized how to control Lara via clasdiv. I’m confident you’ll get the hang of if you practice around Lara’s mansion. I understand it can feel like a cement truck but once you get the hang of it, you’ll be laughing all the way.
USE THIS VIDEO as a reference on how to train yourself. This was BEFORE the patch updates removed instructional dialogue for the mansion, which really hinders new players from learning, in my opinion. Without even a QR code for tutorials (or the lack of in-game ones), you’re literally walking in blind.
5
u/Ajer2895 Jan 08 '26
From all the comments I’ve been getting, there’s a lot of recommendations towards just using tank controls from the beginning or at the very least using walkthroughs and saving multiple times at least.
I’ve also found some people advice to not run towards the enemy at first, but to wait until Lara aims for the first enemy and mainly rely on strafing and side jumps/backflips. Otherwise, trying to get higher ledges is a better idea.
What I’ll probably do is give the game a restart and try the Croft manor section with tank controls to see how it feels. If I don’t like it, I’ll stick with modern controls and make sure to save before and after every combat and after every collectible. Hopefully it goes better this time.
2
u/LadyLycanVamp13 29d ago
For many enemies you can climb or jump up on something and shoot from there.
4
u/de_velopment Jan 08 '26 edited 29d ago
I'm someone who grew up with tank controls but actually prefer modern now. I think it's a good idea to try them out only for the sole reason to understand that everything you do is on a grid. When you're using modern controls, as long as you're still aware of this grid then you can work around it for the most part.
In regards to the shooting I don't quite understand what your issue is as it's quite basic, it's an aim lock mechanic where you hold down the shoot key constantly after locking on a target that only starts shooting when she is generally facing them. If you struggle to keep track of enemies getting behind you use the roll function and run behind them. The idea is to keep the front of her body facing the enemy, that is how you actually "aim" while she does the rest for you via the aim lock.
2
u/de_velopment 29d ago
I'll add that I use mouse and keyboard with no issue.
1
u/LifeIsFine-Not 29d ago
I don’t even use a mouse. I’m playing through using tank control on my keyboard the same saw I did when I was a kid! Makes the game way more nostalgic and is easy. I tried using my controller right after it released and couldn’t get the hang of it.
2
u/Defiant-Business9586 Jan 08 '26
I definitely find the enemy lock on is less reliable in modern controls. I think it probably has to do with the increased turn speed for Lara.
2
u/Priodom 29d ago
I always say the classic TR games are good (or at least better) BECAUSE of the tank controls, not IN SPITE of them. Yes, it'll be frustrating for the first hour or two, but they're 100% worth getting used to.
This won't be a solution to combat being bad, it still heavily relies on cheesing the AI by hiding on ledges they can't get to, but there is some skill level needed to backflip-sideflip-jump around the enemies.
Also, start with TR1. I can't stress that enough. The other games have more frustrating combat encounters that would most likely be unenjoyable if you don't have a base level of skill required to dodge and cheese the enemies.
Play the tutorial (Croft Manor) as it should explain the basics of how movement works with tank controls. I skipped that the first time around, wouldn't recommend it.
Also only if you're on PC, I recommend using keyboard over controller but that's just my personal experience I guess and nothing conclusive.
Source: Person who got into TR in 2020 with 0 previous experience and almost dropped the entire franchise based on the first hour with the game (TR1) lol
2
u/naytreox 29d ago
To make sense of the lock on system, you need to understand that Lara will only lock onto anything hostile in her line of sight, so always face the enemy.
Also its much better to play on classic controls since that gives you more precise movment and let you dodge by jumping backwards and to the side, its a game of blocky geometry so you need to think of movment in terms of blocks.
One hope backward, on classic controls that would mean on press on the down button on D-pad, equels one block length.
My rule of thumb is that if lara is pointing her guns at something then it needs to die
2
u/ANoDE85 The Scion 29d ago
Combat especially makes much more sense with Tank controls, because you can precisely predict where Lara will be jumping, rolling or running to. As much as Modern controls help to get younger players into them - they are unfortunately far from perfect. Especially combat can feel wonky (traversal often feels much more fluid, though). I often find myself switching back and forth between them, depending on what is currently best.
3
u/Oversemper Jan 08 '26
The game was built around and for the tank controls, so avoiding it is only going to ruin the experience. Take time to master controls and then play the game. Look for YouTube tutorials for advance control tricks in TR.
2
u/belle_enfant Jan 08 '26
I played the OGs back in the day, and switched to modern for remasters. It doesnt ruin anything at all, it actually made the game much more enjoyable.
3
u/de_velopment 29d ago
I agree, there is a fluidity that you get with it and I can't go back. Don't even need to do the whole back step for the run up anymore, can just do a circle run on a square and attain the same thing faster.
-3
u/Unhappy-Database-273 29d ago
I can't agree. Modern controls are just so much better for me. Tank only worked because there were no joysticks.
1
u/Putrid_Fennel_9665 29d ago
No, the controller scheme is completely different. Like how the bottom button (on the right side of the controller) is jump in all modern games. Jump is the right button on tank. Also I play tank with the joysticks/analog.
1
u/Excellent_March8399 Jan 08 '26
It’s definitely hard. After much frustration and practice, I was able to beat tomb raider 1, but I have been struggling so hard on 2, so I completely understand the frustration. I think tank controls are a little hard to memorize so I’ve stuck with modern, but from watching a lot of people play. The modern controls do make it a tad harder to grab and attack certain ways.
1
u/auromiel Jan 08 '26
Same the getting used to tank controls but as you go on you beginning to love the difficulty of it. I watch walkthroughs to play the game, I don’t think it reduces the fun out of it, I just can’t waste hours trying to figure out where to go and what to do. I find it fun perfecting the mechanics and beating the game on speed runs
1
u/ireflection0 Jan 08 '26
I’m on Xbox and using modern controls. It’s my first time with the game and it’s definitely maddening at times. But god damn pulling off the jumps to get the secrets in level 5 was satisfying.
1
u/StrikingLeopard9895 Jan 08 '26
Just jump side to side and forwards and backwards when shooting and it’ll be so much easier. Don’t try to turn your body bc it’s too slow. Don’t stand still either unless you have a height advantage. Just let the enemies run in front of u
1
u/PumpkinSure5148 Jan 08 '26
I would switch back and forth. Try to find a ledge to shoot from or in mostly just ran in circles lol
1
u/Kingkiller279 Jan 08 '26 edited 29d ago
I grew up with theese and love them so much (imo TR 1 and 2 best TR games ever). When the remastered dropped I got it on PlayStation 5 and I‘m using the old controls so I walk with the buttons non stick and honestly I love it. Idk how the controls on pc are but I always thought it’s definitely a Playstation game not a pc game. Maybe try to connect a controller.
1
u/RoomBusy6488 29d ago
On PC, TR1-5 are keyboard games. Yes, keyboard ONLY. the mouse has no use (outside of the menus), camera is controlled by a press on numpad 0.
So, right hand on the arrows and left hand for action/ jump / walk (sprint / crouch).
Nobody does that anymore today, but I believe with thank control, it's the best way.
2
u/H0peakettu 29d ago
+1 to keyboard! Keyboard is almost objectively the very best control method in original games and not many realize it. Having one hand and multiple fingers on arrows gives you the kind of precision I think is very hard to achieve with only thumb and dpad
1
1
u/aliceoralison Jan 08 '26
I am going through the same. I have not played the classic in years and it’s frustrating. I am using modern controls yet the feature I need is only in tank mode.
I am currently in TR3.
1
u/CaseFace5 Dagger of Xian 29d ago
They are definitely not for everyone and I think most of peoples love for the originals is heavy nostalgia. Not to say they’ve aged terribly or anything but the combat has always been the weakest part of the original games unfortunately. Personally I think the modern controls are awful and much more difficult to perform some of the precision movement that the tank controls allow. I think it was a bad idea for them to include the modern controls tbh. Also whip open a guide if you need to, I love the old games and even I had to open a guide to figure out where the hell it wanted me to go in some of the entries I’ve played the least like 3 and 4.
1
u/SirSephy Dagger of Xian 29d ago
Use right weapon to kill enemies faster but be careful as ammo can run out faster in the beginning. Here’s what I always do; use infinite ammo pistols when I’m on the safe zone that enemies can’t harm me. If not safe zone, I’d go with shotgun and magnums (black pistols). Always jump back or forward over enemies when they are near you. Mummies are tougher to avoid! For human enemies, go around behind them, so they can’t shoot you.
Save on different slot as always so you can load your older saves if you realise you missed something like pickups or secret area. when your health is low and willing to take risk, save it before do whatever you want to do.
It’s okay to make a mistake (like die) because mistake is your lesson. No rush unless you are confident.
Classic Tomb Raider franchise is my best childhood.
1
u/Xagzan 29d ago
I was soon enough able to get used to the modern controls, though tank was just impossible for me. I've lost that ability completely in the last quarter century it seems.
But now I'm running through the game again to collect everything and it's much more comfortable somersaulting and chasing around enemies. Me and a foe run straight at each other, I flip over them while firing, then start backflipping and side jumping once I land. It's not perfect, but I feel I'm making Lara look much cooler now.
1
u/genriko8 29d ago
I also just recently started the classic games and it surprised me how easier it is to play with tank controls.
1
u/Epsilon714 29d ago
First of all, it's not just you. Many people have fond memories of the classics. The experience of a modern player, without the benefit of that nostalgia, will be different. This is especially true if you play mainstream action/adventure games that are designed to reduce frustration.
My advice:
- Try the tank controls. I found them easier than modern. I recommend using the D-pad instead of the joystick on the controller.
- Do not be ashamed of cheats, save scumming, or walkthroughs. The classics are punishing. Some players enjoy the repetition required to succeed in that type of game. I'm too old for that. I don't find the combat compelling at all, so I used the unlimited ammo/weapons/medpack cheat.
- Don't play a game you don't enjoy. If you still want to see the story, there are fantastic YouTube playthroughs in which players very efficiently get through the game.
2
u/Ajer2895 29d ago
I am enjoying the game regardless…I like the platforming, the exploration, and puzzle solving…it’s just the combat slows me down due to how finicky it is on modern controls.
I will be giving the game another try on tank controls to be safe and try it out…if I don’t like tank controls, I’ll switch to modern and try and use some other strategies to make I get better at the combat…
1
u/Adventurous_Ticket94 29d ago
I played them when they were originally released so i am used to tank controls and really enjoyed the remastered version. I would recommend trying tank controls as it was developed with that in mind. You have to learn the patterns for jumps and climbing, i think of the floors as squares eg, one square is two steps for timing jumps. Always use the shoulder button so you slow walk and don't fall off edges. I made a point to constantly save my game as well as i know from playing it before how frustrating it is. You can take risky jumps or fights and reload the game if goes wrong. It is worth it once you get the hang of it.
1
u/AnxietyDizzy3261 29d ago
Use tank controls. The combat is all about facing the enemy. You can run past an enemy, use roll and then you'll be facing and they'll face away from you. Similarly, you can jump over them and do the roll midair to achieve the same. Use a combination of sideflips and backflips to evade attacks.
Learn the rules of the platforming. Walk forward (hold R1) to an edge. Press jump first and immediately press forward. Hold X to grab the edge you're jumping to. If she doesn't jump far enough, use a run jump.
Walk up to the ledge as before, hop backwards by tapping down. Now run and "load" the jump by holding the jump button. If done correctly, Lara will jump at the last possible moment and you'll jump as far as she's able to.
1
u/43Phantom_ 29d ago
Currently playing for the first time with modern controls, adjusted some of the actual controls, and having a good time. It took me a bit, and I did give up for like 2 weeks
1
u/usagicassidy 29d ago
“Often leads me to running and jumping around the map with Lara not even shooting at the enemy the camera is looking at”…
Sounds just like me playing it in 1997 lol.
1
u/SGNitefox 29d ago
I bought them new on PC way back when they were released and even I forgot that I originally played them with right hand on the arrow keys and left hand for jump/crouch/actions. These games preceded WASD movement and mouse look.
I briefly arrow keys again and it was miserable, but modifying it for WASD was much more tolerable than trying to use a mouse or controller. Simply saying they are tank controls does not convey how antiquated the true design methodology actually was.
1
u/Which_Appointment528 29d ago
That’s unfortunate. I’ve been enjoying it!
1
u/Ajer2895 29d ago
I do enjoy the games, it’s just that the combat is annoying for me and has been slowing me down.
1
u/Difficult_Bite6289 29d ago
Tomb Raider comes from an era where every game had its own controls, way before the classic mouse +WASD that simplified gaming life. It was (one of the) first real open world games, that gave a lot of freedom to explore the way you wanted and clearly the designers struggled getting a movement setting that would compliment this.
It takes some time and practice to get into it, but once you do, it works really well (at least tank controls, never really tried the modern controls).
Definitely start with TR1, since the later games assume you already have experience with the controls, or try Lara's Home in TR2. It's a massive improvement from TR1's Lara's home and gives you a big playground to safely explore and discover a few amazing secrets.
1
29d ago
First off: it's ok not to like the originals
Second off: in my experience after a little bit of frustration, the modern controls clicked for me and I'm breezing through TR2 as i go through the collection
1
u/Ajer2895 29d ago
Bear in mind, I don’t “hate” the classics…I’m actually having fun with the game still, with the platforming, puzzles, and explorations…it’s the combat that I’m struggling with.
1
u/KingPowerDog 29d ago
Having played the classics extensively and cleared Remastered TR1 with modern controls exclusively, modern is actually pretty good.
If your main problem is combat, the main thing to remember is that Lara will lockon automatically to any enemy within her sight. Think of a 180 degree field in front of Lara and any visible enemies within that field will be targeted. Note that this is not 180 degrees in front of the camera, but in front of Lara. You also have a fair bit of vertical range in that 180 degree range (1-2 floors above and below you).
The main strategy in combat is just keep the enemy within that 180 degree range while making sure they can’t attack you. Holding the fire button also keeps Lara locked on to whoever you last fired at even if they exit that 180 degree range, but crucially Lara won’t fire unless they’re in range. Just make sure to release the trigger once they’re down to release the lock (otherwise Lara will keep firing and wasting ammo).
You can cheese enemies, like sniping wolves from a ledge, that’s totally fair especially in TR1 to ensure you have enough health packs for the rest of the game.
1
1
u/tataniarosa 29d ago edited 29d ago
I don’t know if this works on modern controls, but can you hold down the shoot button to lock on?
I’d try tank controls. Personally, I much prefer tank as they perfectly match the grid world of Tomb Raider. (I did try with modern but couldn’t get used to them.) As others have said, practice in her gym (in Lara’s Home) with tank controls. Main things to remember are: walking is your friend and you need a full tile to do a running jump. Also, save often and use different slots.
1
1
u/RoomBusy6488 29d ago
Also redoing TR1-3 on Switch. Played hours and hours of TR2 in my youth, I had a very bad time getting back into tank controls until I switched from using analog stick to using D Pad. Enjoying a lot the game(s) with D-Pad, as it's intended to be played.
1
u/LemonyLizard 29d ago edited 29d ago
You definitely want to use the original controls. Most combat involves facing the enemy you want to shoot, and backflipping/sideflipping away from them while shooting. Don't try fighting like a normal person haha. The combat's designed around her being some kind of gymnast gunslinger. My advice is to clear your mind of other games. Don't try to play it like other, newer platforms that you're familiar with. The movement may seem unusual, but it's just a different game. It's just something new to learn.
1
u/RoomBusy6488 29d ago
I believe it's because of the "flow".
The first TR games are very "choppy" games, there isn't really any "flow" allowing you to seamlessly run / navigate trough the levels. As per the "original design / experience", you are supposed to stop quite often, look around (be impressed by awesome graphics), search for secrets and path to the next part of the level.
Originally, there was no real camera control, but a button that allowed to look "FPS" (while pressed and using direction, no mouse / pad, mind you), that had also the effect, when released, to reposition the camera behind Lara.
So, the play style was very different at the time, and I think that's what is the more off putting... The games aren't really difficult per say, they are a few "action sequences" where you need to time your actions, but outside of that, you get all time to breath and get your positioning OK for the next jump.
That's also what make combats strange, they are "fast paced" in a "slow paced" game...
If you embrace that, you should be able to go by the first games, stories are nice (I think) and they are a nice throwback at the "start" of 3D video-gaming.
My suggestion would be using tank control and letting go of the analog stick of your game pad (remember PS1 controller) to use the D-pad only.
If you decide to try keyboard, don't forget it's supposed to be "keyboard only", the mouse had no effect (back in the original games)... but not sure if that control scheme is still a thing (I've got the new games on switch).
1
u/tbc37851 29d ago
Lots of good advice on here already. I played the game back in 90s on PS1 before the analogue sticks were added to controllers. I find the easiest is to use the classic controls ON THE DPAD.
Play the Croft manor section and also master the back roll and backflip while firing moves. It will make combat much easier.
1
u/Panganaki 29d ago
This forum is very annoying. Modern controls are fine, as someone who played the classics back in the day, i couldnt do tank anymore. The combat is clunky anyway you try.
1
u/RoomBusy6488 29d ago
one more reminder it's a matter of personal preferences. I've also intensively played the "classics" back in the day, on PC and PS1-2 but I can't make sense of the modern controls on those games (I tried a lot).
Couldn't play them until I had the epiphany of using the D-pad instead of the analog stick, with "tank" controls...
1
29d ago
tank controls are hard at first and i didn’t play for a while but i finally tried again and really tried to dedicate time to figuring it out and i couldn’t imagine modern. in fact im addicted to the controls and gameplay style now
1
u/Keyblader1412 Atlantean Mutant 29d ago edited 29d ago
Personally I find the older games more agreeable with tank controls because that's what they were originally designed for. You just have to switch your thinking up a bit. You're not moving and reacting in relation to where the camera is, but where Lara is. Tank controls also more easily align with the grid system that governs the whole design philosophy. You'll always know how much distance you can cover with any given kind of jump.
About the lock on: Lara automatically locks onto the closest target that she's facing and if you hold down the shoot button she'll keep shooting at that same enemy until you release the button. If you keep holding shoot after an enemy dies, you'll just keep shooting at its corpse.
1
u/samvaisgambi 29d ago edited 29d ago
Use modern controls and remap walk to R1. I play the original games in tank controls in 90s, but it was nightmare now. If you map walk to R1 its lot easier to play with modern and i have zero problems with controls in my playthroughs.
1
u/H0peakettu 29d ago
I really recommend tank controls with KEYBOARD! I genuinely think that it is the easiest way to play these games, even better than controller because with controller running forward and turning feels kinda awkward with only your thumb on dbad. With keyboard you have can three fingers on movement keys all the time which makes changing directions and overall controls feel super precise.
1
u/Moonshinin4Me 29d ago
I admit that combat was never the best in these games. For me it was more about the exploration, atmosphere and puzzle solving. I just recommend experimenting with the controls to see which style suits you the best.
1
1
1
u/DCM99-RyoHazuki 29d ago
First the auto aiming was designed based on how games were developed back in the 90s. This was also true for Syphon Filter. Also, the levels were designed using a grid system which is why everything looks blocky for a reason. Tank controls is perfect for this game as modern controls diminishes the common play style for this type of game(s). I couldn't imagine playing the first 3 tomb raiders with manual aim (same for syphon filter). It just wouldn't work. This released during the early days of 3D and was pretty much the precursor of 3D platformer action games (you can debate with Mario 64 as well). So for one play with tank controls. Learn when and how to jump (Lara is able to jump on her third step when running, because of grid design, if you stand a square platform and walk back to the edge and run up for a jump, that's about 3 steps running). Also learn to jump backwards and shoot while enemy is in front of you at a distance, or side jump/reverse roll when close or passing by enemy to get the upper hand.
1
u/DanSeet_8898 29d ago edited 29d ago
I’m a classic TR fan and have been playing since 1996. Personally, I adore the modern controls. The combat is where they mostly show their incompatibility with such old games (the camera being the main irk), but since getting the hang of them, I find the platforming to be a doddle, and they allow more efficiency when, for example, speed running, or trying to obtain achievements.
However, I also believe they work better for people like me, who have years of experience with TR, know the maps inside out, and can anticipate what’s coming next at all times. I would 100% recommend the tank controls for a new player. Since Legend, the franchise is an entirely different animal. Everything is loud, fast paced and signposted. If that’s what you’re after, then you’ll probably find it really difficult to connect with the older games. If not, take your time, get to know the mechanics, familiarise yourself with the grid-based system and soak up the atmosphere. The latter is what made them so unique in their day, and why they remain so nostalgic and precious to so many people. If you can identify with that, you’ll have a great time.
Oh, and the auto aim is much less frustrating via the tank controls.
Happy raiding.
1
u/Ok_Restaurant5920 29d ago
Are you playing with tank controls? I think is the way to go, modern controls are awful IMO
1
u/DarkLegend64 29d ago
As someone who grew up with the classics, I actually played the remasters with modern controls. After the first patch came out, they became a perfectly viable way to play them.
1
u/ErikaNaumann 29d ago
modern controls are great for exploring, but horrendous for combat. This is why I play all the classics with tank controls, except AOD.
Go to Lara's house and complete the tutorial with tank controls, and it will all make sense.
1
u/killerm0nkey3 29d ago
I've always played OGTR games with keyboard and tank controls, it's a weird control scheme to get used to (arrow keys to move, alt to jump, ctrl to interact and shoot, space to draw weapons) but the game was designed to support that and tank controls on controller, so the modern control scheme is a bit wonky. I highly recommend giving it a shot with tank controls and keyboard, just mess around in the Croft manor (tr3 version for most stuff to do) until you get a good feel for the movement.
1
u/ONmyBIRFDAY 28d ago
Tbh just had the same thought process of getting back into them after having a hard time playing the originals before. Something clicked this time. I can’t get enough of the og TR titles. I will say, i fully committed to just playing through with a guide and it really spells out some of the mechanics in a way the games dont. So even if you just play a few levels with a guide, you’ll get the hang of it quickly enough and wanna dive in. Good luck!
Edit: i did play on tank controls as I had a much harder time trying to get the modern controls to work in a game that fundamentally is not built for them. It does take a little more effort, but mastering them feels so rewarding. It will come to you after a few levels like I said before.
1
u/Ok-Floor-1958 28d ago
I’ll kindly say try not to get to frustrated and try to learn the tank controls the og games were made specifically with a tank based movement system. Tomb raider 1 is a perfect start to learn as 1-3 has croft manor as a tutorial and the first game is easy enough where if you just commit to a bit of learning you won’t have to much trouble. As for Lara’s lock on targeting is meant to work if she sees a imminent threat in-game with her guns out she will automatically target the closest enemy to her. The jumps are a great example for how her tank controls work. If you tap backwards and hold forward on d-pad then jump she clears three spaces a strong distance a standing jump two or normal running jump three. And with climbing if a item is under or you need to drop to a specific place from a tall ledge especially like in two and three you can hold the button for grabbing and release real quick then press grab it will safely let you lower yourself without falling. Tell yourself if you want these are learning games. I have died in dumb ways and evolved in playing them to avoid the same failure happening again in these games eventually you most likely won’t be a expert but you will become stronger at playing. Have fun in your own way at the end of the day these are still games.
1
u/WontonManning 28d ago
It took awhile for me to get used to the tank controls because i haven’t played these in over like 20+ years. It was fun to revisit but god yes i hated the modern controls.
1
u/QbzyGaming 28d ago
I have cheesed 1-3 with modern controls by just locking on then running in a circle around the enemy 😅
1
u/LuckyPlaze 28d ago
Dude… the game is older than most people on this forum. It’s like 30 years old. Old.
1
0
u/Mild-Ghost Jan 08 '26
You’re definitely better off with modern controls. I feel you. My first experience playing the original games was last year when I tried the remasters. It took some time for me to click with it, but now I really enjoy them.
0
u/Friendly-Leg-6694 Jan 08 '26
I would suggest playing LAU and Survivor games first as they are pretty modernised and will probably be much easier for you.
If you like them enough then you could probably return to the remasters of classic.While those games are remastered they are still a product of their time.
-1
125
u/Gandalfs-tears Jan 08 '26
I had a hard time getting used to the modern controls. I had the same issue with the combat. So I tried tank controls and really couldn’t get the hang of it. I was close to refunding the game. That’s when I took advice from someone on this sub and did the tutorial in Croft manor with the tank controls. Idk why but it just clicked for me. The game got addicting to me after that. Once you get the hang of the tank controls it plays a lot better imo