Play these two free PC Tomb Raider games during quarantine

Things can be tough when you’re self-isolating during the coronavirus pandemic. With many businesses closed and others working from home, many of us have a lot more time for video games. To that end, Square-Enix, publisher of the recent Tomb Raider games, has offered Tomb Raider (2013) and Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris for free to keep forever for Steam users until 6pm on March 24th, AEST.

Tomb Raider (2013) is the Crystal Dynamics-produced reboot of the Tomb Raider series, which sees a less experienced Lara Croft struggle for survival on a mysterious island. It brought a stronger focus on combat and crafting to the series, while staying true to its tomb raiding roots. It was succeeded by Rise of the Tomb Raider and Shadow of the Tomb Raider. Also on offer is Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris, an isometric co-op-focused title released in 2014.

“We’re warmed by stories of communities banding together to support those in need during uncertain times, and by honouring directives intended to protect the most vulnerable among us,” Square Enix stated in a blog post.

“Gamers are part of a global community. We regularly rally together online to return balance to fantasy kingdoms, recruit crew to save the universe from sci-fi threats, and indulge in healthy competition through high-octane action games. For others, shifting to both online work and play is unfamiliar territory.

“With this in mind, we’re offering a gift to our community,” the company continued. “Starting right now through Monday, March 23 at 11:59PM PDT, we’re releasing both Tomb Raider (2013) and Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris for free on Steam.”

The coronavirus pandemic has placed a lot of pressure on people and prevented us from normally engaging in everyday activities. Small gestures like this are certainly welcome to provide us with a distraction from the chaos of current events. The 2013 reboot in particular is very well-regarded, and still holds up seven years later. Gamers have until Monday, March 23 at 11:59PM PDT (Tuesday, March 24 at 5:59PM AEST) to add these games to their Steam libraries.