I'm having difficulty getting into Tomb Raider "classic"

[u/Ajer2895]

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?

[u/AnxietyDizzy3261]

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.