Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light: A Co-Op Action-Adventure Gem

Last Updated: October 28, 2025

More than a decade after its debut, Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light remains a masterclass in co-op action-adventure design. This celebrated isometric Tomb Raider spinoff from Crystal Dynamics brilliantly reimagined the franchise's core pillars of exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat into a fast-paced, arcade-style experience.

While its availability on subscription services like Xbox Game Pass has rotated over the years, the game's enduring quality and accessibility on modern platforms—including full backward compatibility on Xbox Series X|S and a recent release on Nintendo Switch—make it an essential title worth revisiting today.

A Different Kind of Adventure

Originally launched in 2010, Guardian of Light marked a bold departure from the mainline Tomb Raider series. It traded the traditional third-person perspective for a fixed isometric viewpoint that emphasized frantic combat and, most importantly, intricate cooperative puzzles. The game was designed from the ground up for two players, creating one of the most memorable co-op experiences of its generation.

The story drops Lara Croft into the jungles of Central America, where she inadvertently unleashes Xolotl, an ancient and malevolent spirit. To prevent him from plunging the world into eternal darkness, she must join forces with Totec, an ancient Mayan warrior and the titular "Guardian of Light," who has been imprisoned in stone for 2,000 years. This narrative provides the perfect foundation for the game's standout asymmetrical co-op.

One player controls Lara, equipped with her iconic dual pistols and a versatile grappling hook. The other plays as Totec, who wields powerful spears and a shield. The genius of the game lies in how their unique abilities intertwine. Lara can use her grappling hook to create tightropes for Totec to cross chasms, while Totec can throw his spears into walls to create platforms for Lara to climb. He can also use his shield to protect them both from projectiles or give Lara a raised platform to leap from. This dynamic demands constant communication and teamwork, transforming every puzzle and combat encounter into a collaborative challenge. While the game can be played solo, with the AI controlling the second character, it truly shines when played with a friend, either online or in local co-op.

A Critically Acclaimed Classic

Upon its release, Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light was met with widespread critical acclaim. Critics and players lauded its success in distilling the essence of Tomb Raider into a fresh, addictive, and highly polished format. The clever level design, satisfying twin-stick shooting mechanics, and brilliantly implemented co-op systems were universally praised. The game proved the Tomb Raider IP had the flexibility to thrive outside its established formula, paving the way for a sequel, Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris, in 2014.

An Enduring Legacy on Modern Platforms

While the focus of gaming subscriptions is often on the latest day-one releases, the enduring presence of high-quality classics like Guardian of Light is what gives a digital library true depth. The game was an early highlight for Xbox Live Arcade and was even offered to subscribers as part of the Games with Gold program. Today, its legacy continues through the robust Xbox backward compatibility program, allowing owners to play a pristine version on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S, often with performance enhancements.

The game's appeal hasn't been limited to one ecosystem. In 2023, it was bundled with its sequel and released as The Lara Croft Collection on the Nintendo Switch, introducing its fantastic co-op gameplay to a new generation of players on the go. Furthermore, it runs flawlessly on the Steam Deck, making it a perfect portable adventure. This continued availability across multiple platforms is a testament to its timeless design. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer to Lara's isometric adventures, Guardian of Light is more accessible than ever and remains an absolute gem that no fan of action-puzzlers or co-op gaming should miss.