Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition Finally Arrives on PC After a Decade, but Only on Microsoft Store

Crystal Dynamic’s Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition is finally on PC after 10 years of waiting – but there’s a catch.

As spotted by DSOGaming, this all-encompassing version of the franchise reboot, which originally released for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One in 2014, can officially be downloaded on PC, but only through the Microsoft Store. Like most similar releases for other games, Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition packs in all previously released DLC, including Tomb of the Lost Adventurer, single-player outfits, and a collection of multiplayer goodies, as well as a suite of graphical enhancements.

However, places like Steam and the Epic Games Store still only have access to the Game of the Year version of the experience, which includes add-on content without the visual improvements.

“The cinematic action-adventure that forced Lara Croft to grow from an inexperienced young woman into a hardened survivor has been re-built for next-gen consoles, featuring an obsessively detailed Lara and a stunningly lifelike world,” a description for Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition says. “Lara must endure high-octane combat, customize her weapons and gear, and overcome grueling environments to survive her first adventure and uncover the island’s deadly secret.”

It's unclear why what is widely regarded to be considered to be the best version of the Tomb Raider reboot is only available on Microsoft’s digital storefront on PC. Crystal Dynamics’ original Tomb Raider reboot launched for PC, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360 at the tail end of the console generation in 2013. The Definitive Edition arrived only one year later but left out PC.

IGN has reached out to Crystal Dynamics for comment.

For more Tomb Raider, be sure to check out the latest update for Tomb Raider I-III Remastered, which removed some pinup pictures of Lara without explanation. You can also read up on our 9.1 review of Tomb Raider's 2013 refresh, where we said, "A new beginning for Lara Croft that does justice to one of gaming's most iconic characters."

Michael Cripe is a freelance contributor with IGN. He started writing in the industry in 2017 and is best known for his work at outlets such as The Pitch, The Escapist, OnlySP, and Gameranx.

Be sure to give him a follow on Twitter @MikeCripe.