Modding Tomb Raider (2013) is surprisingly accessible once you understand the Mods folder override system. You don’t need advanced tools or coding knowledge—just careful file placement and a willingness to experiment. The modding community has kept Lara’s first survival adventure fresh with visual tweaks, nostalgic outfits, and subtle gameplay improvements. Back up your files, start with simple texture mods, and you’ll be raiding tombs in style in no time.
If you encounter issues, the TombRaiderForums “Modding” section and Nexus Mods comment threads are invaluable resources. Happy modding, and remember—a survivor is born from patience, and so is a great modded playthrough.
Installing mods for Tomb Raider (2013) can be done through a modern mod manager or by manually replacing specific game files. Note that the Definitive Edition
available on the Xbox store is generally not supported for modding. Method 1: Using a Mod Manager (Recommended) The most modern and efficient way to handle mods across the Tomb Raider reboot trilogy (2013, ) is using the TrRebootModTools (often referred to as the SOTTR Mod Manager). Download and Set Up : Download the Tomb Raider Reboot Mod Manager Nexus Mods . Extract the files to a folder on your PC. Select the Game TrRebootTools.ModManager.exe . On first launch, you will need to point it to your Tomb Raider installation directory (typically Steam/steamapps/common/Tomb Raider ) and select the game's executable ( TombRaider.exe Install Mods : Download your desired mod (usually a
or folder). Drag and drop the mod archive directly into the mod manager interface. Activate and Play
: Ensure the mod is checked in the manager's list and click "Play" or launch the game normally. Method 2: Manual Installation
If a mod does not support the manager, it usually requires a manual file replacement. File Replacement
: Most character or outfit mods for the 2013 version come as a replacement for the patch.000.tiger : Before installing, always back up the original patch.000.tiger located in your game directory. : Extract the modded patch.000.tiger tomb raider 2013 how to install mods
file and paste it into the main game folder, choosing to "Replace" the existing file. Common Troubleshooting
The 2013 reboot of Tomb Raider brought Lara Croft into the modern era, but modding the game requires a bit more care than newer titles like Shadow of the Tomb Raider. Whether you want to swap Lara’s outfit, enhance the textures, or fix the camera wobble, this guide covers every method to get your mods running. Essential Preparation Before you begin, note these critical requirements:
Version Compatibility: Most mods only work with the Standard or GOTY Edition on Steam, Epic Games Store, or GOG. Modding is generally not supported for the Definitive Edition (Xbox/PlayStation).
Create a Backup: Always back up your patch.000.tiger file, located in the game’s installation directory. If a mod causes a crash, replacing this file is the quickest way to restore your game.
Downgrading (Optional): Some older mods specifically require Steam Build 811.3 or Build 743.0. You can change this in Steam by right-clicking the game > Properties > Betas. Method 1: Using the TR2013 Mod Manager (Recommended)
This is the most modern and user-friendly way to manage mods across the entire reboot trilogy. How To Install Tomb Raider Mods - A Short Quick Tutorial
The 2013 reboot of Tomb Raider revitalized the franchise by offering a grittier, more cinematic origin story for Lara Croft. While the base game is visually stunning, the modding community has spent years developing tools to enhance textures, adjust lighting, and customize Lara’s appearance. Because the game does not have native Steam Workshop support, installing mods requires a few external tools and a bit of manual file management. Community Nexus: Always read the "Posts" section on
The foundation of modding Tomb Raider 2013 is a tool called Resident Evil and Tomb Raider Toolset (often abbreviated as the "Tomb Raider Toolset") or the more common "Resorep." Since the game stores its assets in large, compressed .tiger files, you cannot simply drop a new image into a folder. These tools work by intercepting the game's engine and "injecting" new textures over the originals while the game is running. To begin, a player must download a texture injector, install the necessary Java plugins required for it to run, and point the software to the game’s executable file (TombRaider.exe).
Once the injection tool is configured, the actual installation of mods—usually downloaded from sites like Nexus Mods—is relatively straightforward. Most mods for this title consist of high-definition skin textures, outfit recolors, or "Reshade" presets. For texture mods, the user places the downloaded files into a specific "modded textures" folder designated by the injector tool. When the game launches, the tool recognizes these files and replaces the default low-resolution versions with the community-created assets.
For players looking to change the game's atmosphere rather than just Lara’s look, Reshade is the go-to option. Installing a Reshade involves downloading the Reshade setup, selecting the Tomb Raider executable, and choosing the rendering API (usually DirectX 11). Once installed, players can drop ".ini" preset files into the main game directory. These presets can remove the game's slightly washed-out yellow tint, add film grain, or introduce modern effects like ambient occlusion, making a game from 2013 look significantly more modern.
In conclusion, while Tomb Raider 2013 isn't as "plug-and-play" as titles with official modding kits, the process is accessible for anyone willing to spend ten minutes on setup. By using texture injectors and post-processing shaders, players can tailor the aesthetic experience to their liking, ensuring that Lara's first adventure remains visually competitive even years after its initial release.
If you are ready to start modding, I can help you find the right tools. Let me know: Are you playing on Steam or Epic Games Store?
Unlike newer games, Tomb Raider (2013) does not have a built-in mod manager. You will be manually placing files into the game’s directory. This is safe and easy to do if you follow the steps carefully.
Cause: The .tpf file is corrupt or for a different game version.
Fix: Verify your game files via Steam (Right-click Tomb Raider > Properties > Local Files > Verify integrity). Then re-download the mod. Modding Tomb Raider (2013) is surprisingly accessible once
The best place to find mods for this game is Nexus Mods.
The most popular mods for Tomb Raider (2013) are "ReShades" or texture swaps (like removing the dirt from Lara’s face or changing her outfit). These often require a tool called TexMod.
Note: Many modern mods on Nexus Mods have started including the TexMod .exe file inside the download folder to make this easier.
Modding can extend Tomb Raider (2013) for years—just proceed carefully, back up originals, and follow each mod’s specific instructions. Enjoy customizing Lara’s adventures!
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Common install locations (default Steam install):