Microsoft is bolstering its extensive Xbox Game Pass catalog with another celebrated title, as the classic isometric action-adventure game Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light is scheduled to arrive on September 30. Subscribers will soon be able to dive into this unique and highly-praised entry in the Tomb Raider universe at no additional cost, offering a perfect opportunity to experience its brilliant cooperative gameplay.
Classic Tomb Raider Spinoff Arrives This Month
Xbox Game Pass continues its trend of adding valuable and diverse titles to its service with the upcoming inclusion of Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light. The game will be available for subscribers on both console and PC starting September 30. Originally released in 2010, this title marked a significant departure from the mainline Tomb Raider series, trading the traditional third-person perspective for a fixed isometric viewpoint that emphasized fast-paced, arcade-style action and intricate puzzle-solving.
A Different Kind of Adventure
Developed by Crystal Dynamics, Guardian of Light was designed from the ground up with cooperative play in mind. The story sees Lara Croft venture into the jungles of Central America, where she accidentally unleashes the evil spirit Xolotl. To stop him, she must team up with Totec, an ancient Mayan warrior and the titular "Guardian of Light" who has been trapped in a stone prison for over 2,000 years. This narrative setup provides the foundation for the game's standout feature: its asymmetrical co-op gameplay. Players can choose to control either Lara or Totec, with each character possessing a unique set of skills and tools that must be used in tandem to progress. Lara comes equipped with her iconic dual pistols and a versatile grappling hook, which can be used to create tightropes for Totec to cross gaps. Totec, on the other hand, wields powerful spears that can be thrown at enemies or embedded into walls to create platforms for Lara to climb. This dynamic creates a constant need for communication and teamwork, making it one of the most celebrated co-op experiences of its generation.
A Critically Acclaimed Gem
Upon its original release, Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light was met with widespread critical acclaim. It was praised for successfully distilling the core tenets of the Tomb Raider franchise—exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat—into a fresh and exciting format. The clever level design, satisfying combat encounters, and, above all, the brilliantly implemented cooperative mechanics were lauded by critics and players alike. The game proved that the Tomb Raider IP had the flexibility to thrive outside of its established formula, leading to a sequel, Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris, in 2014.
A Valuable Addition to the Game Pass Library
The arrival of Guardian of Light on Xbox Game Pass is a fantastic move for the service. While much of the focus is often on day-one releases of major AAA titles, the inclusion of beloved and high-quality classics from previous generations adds immense depth and value to the subscription. It provides an opportunity for a new audience to discover a game they may have missed, while also allowing longtime fans to revisit a favorite. Its strong emphasis on both local and online co-op makes it a perfect title for friends or family looking for a new adventure to share. As Microsoft continues to curate a library that caters to a wide range of tastes, adding polished and innovative titles like this one reinforces the service's reputation as one of the best values in gaming. Subscribers should mark their calendars for September 30 and prepare to explore ancient ruins and solve deadly puzzles in this exceptional Tomb Raider spinoff.