Tomb Raider I-III Remastered now has a custom Challenge Mode and new outfits

Tomb Raider I-III Remastered now has a free Challenge Mode update that lets players customize the difficulty and unlock 10 new outfits with actual gameplay bonuses. Developer Aspyr rolled out the patch today across all platforms. The update coincides with the collection's debut on mobile devices and the Nintendo Switch 2.

This is why physical versions need to be released a year or two after the digital download version. Now I own this phyiscal that isn't complete. I guess one day they'll release Tomb Raider I-III Remastered Deluxe Ultimate Edition. Right before they release Tomb Raider I-III Remaster Remake.

The remastered trilogy originally launched in February 2024 and brought the 1996, 1997, and 1998 Core Design classics to modern hardware. Now, Aspyr is giving players a reason to go back through the tombs.

When the original game launched in 1996, my family's computer was nowhere near powerful enough to run it. The sheer desire to make Lara Croft jump around ancient ruins motivated me to mow as many neighborhood yards as possible just to save up for a new PC. Thirty years later, these games are running natively on phones, and you can tweak exactly how punishing they are.

Customizing the pain

The main draw of this patch is the Challenge Mode, accessible directly from the main menu for all three games. It allows players to replay completed levels with a granular set of difficulty modifiers. According to Aspyr, you can drop Lara's health down to 10 percent, give her a negative health regeneration rate, or crank enemy damage and health up to 250 percent.

You can also strip away her equipment entirely. Challenge Mode treats every replay as a fresh start. All the medipacks, weapons, and ammo you hoarded in previous levels are gone. Without any modifiers, Lara starts with only her basic dual pistols.

Every modifier you apply alters the overall challenge rating of the run. Beating levels with higher challenge ratings is how you earn the new unlocks and 15 newly added achievements. Conversely, you can set her health to 500 percent, give her unlimited air underwater, and just enjoy a quiet nature walk through the Peruvian jungle without worrying about velociraptors.

Wardrobe upgrades

Previous Tomb Raider games often treated outfits as purely cosmetic. This update changes that approach. The patch adds 10 unlockable outfits that provide specific gameplay enhancements, though these buffs are restricted entirely to Challenge Mode runs.

Aspyr detailed the new wardrobe in its official patch notes, and the bonuses completely alter how you approach combat and exploration. The Speed Demon outfit boosts Lara's running speed, which helps when you have cranked up enemy damage and need to avoid getting hit. The Dragon Warrior gear reduces fire damage, while the Ahab Approved suit makes underwater sections less punishing.

There is also an Atlantean Bio-Armour suit that apparently rewards aggressive play, and a Master Mobster outfit that turns the shotgun into the only weapon you need. You have the option to toggle these outfit bonuses on or off before starting a level, just in case you want the visual style without the mechanical advantage.

Platform expansion

Beyond the new mode, Aspyr and Crystal Dynamics have pushed the collection to new hardware. As of today, the classic trilogy is available natively on iOS and Android. Mobile players can try the first level of each game for free before buying the rest of the package.

The collection is also available on the Nintendo Switch 2. Aspyr says this new version runs at 1440p and 60 frames per second when docked, and 1080p at 120 frames per second in handheld mode.

Players who already bought the collection on the original Switch will get a free upgrade to the new console version soon. For everyone else on PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series consoles, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5, the Challenge Mode patch is live right now.

It is a good excuse to boot the games back up and test your memory of the exact timing required to swan dive off St. Francis' Folly without hitting the bottom. Just remember to turn the enemy damage down first.