Modding Tomb Raider (2013) is not as simple as dragging a file into a mods folder. It requires patience, the clunky TexMod tool, or the riskier Tiger File method. But the rewards are immense.
Whether you want to remove the dirt and grit for a "clean" classic Lara, plunge the island into total darkness for a horror-survival experience, or simply give her a sensible pair of boots, modding transforms the game into your personal vision.
Start with TexMod to get your feet wet. Once you are comfortable, back up your files and dive into the .tiger archives. And remember: if Lara turns into a rainbow-colored error message, your backup is only a copy-paste away.
Now go raid some tombs—your way.
Guide to Installing Mods for Tomb Raider (2013) Modding Tomb Raider (2013)
allows you to refresh the visual experience of Lara Croft’s origin story, from character model swaps to high-definition texture upgrades. While the game lacks official mod support like Skyrim, the community has developed reliable tools to inject new content.
Important Note: Modding typically only works with the standard PC version (Steam, GOG, Epic) and is generally not compatible with the Definitive Edition found on consoles. Phase 1: Essential Preparation
Before you begin, always create a backup of your original game files. Most mods for this game replace existing .tiger or .drm files, which can be difficult to restore without a full reinstallation if something goes wrong.
Locate Game Folder: Usually found in Steam/steamapps/common/Tomb Raider.
Version Check: Some older modding tools require specific builds (like Build 811.3), though modern managers have largely overcome these limitations. Phase 2: Choosing Your Installation Method
There are two primary ways to install mods: using a dedicated Mod Manager or Manual Installation. Method 1: Using the Tomb Raider Mod Manager (Recommended)
This is the easiest method for most outfit and character model mods.
Download the Tools: Get the Tomb Raider 2013 Modding Tools from community sites like Nexus Mods.
Setup Manager: Extract the tools into a new folder on your PC (not necessarily the game folder) and launch the application.
Link the Game: The manager will prompt you to select your TombRaider.exe location. Add Mods:
Download your desired mod (usually a .7z, .zip, or .rar file).
Click the "+" icon in the manager or drag-and-drop the archive directly into the tool's interface.
Install & Play: Once the progress bar finishes, the mod is active. Launch the game through the manager or Steam. Method 2: Manual Installation tomb raider 2013 how to install mods
Tomb Raider (2013) has evolved from manual file injection to using modern automated tools. Depending on the type of mod (texture vs. model), the installation process varies. Quick Setup Guide To ensure compatibility, most modding methods require the Steam version
of the game. Some older tools may also require you to run the game in DirectX 9 mode by modifying the value in the Windows Registry to Method 1: Using the Modern Mod Manager (Recommended)
This is the easiest method for newer mods, as it supports Steam, GOG, and Epic Games versions. Download a Manager Tomb Raider (2013) Vortex Extension or the standalone TR2013 Mod Manager Locate Game Folder : Point the manager to your game directory (e.g., SteamApps/common/Tomb Raider Install Mods : Drag and drop mod archives (usually files) directly into the manager's interface. Enable and Launch
: Check the box for the mod you want to use and launch the game through the manager or Steam. Method 2: Texture Modding with TexMod Many older visual mods use , which replaces textures while the game is running. Requirements : The game be in DirectX 9 mode. Installation and select TombRaider.exe as the "Target Application". In "Package Mode," click the folder icon to load your mod files.
. You must launch the game via TexMod every time you want to use these mods. Method 3: Manual File Replacement
If a mod manager fails, you can manually replace game assets. : Always back up patch.000.tiger before starting. : Some mods provide a replacement patch.000.tiger
file. Simply copy and overwrite the original in the game's root directory. Advanced Tools : For custom character models, use the Tiger Asset Injector TR9 Mod Tools to dump assets from files, edit them in Blender, and re-inject them. Essential Tools Summary Compatibility TR2013 Mod Manager Modern outfit & gameplay mods Steam, GOG, Epic Simple re-textures ( Steam (DX9 Mode) SOTTR Modding Tools Advanced model/mesh editing Steam (GOTY version)
This tutorial provides a step-by-step guide on using the modding tools and manually inserting patches for the 2013 edition:
Installing mods for Tomb Raider (2013) has evolved from manual file swapping to using streamlined managers. It's important to note that these methods typically only work with the Standard PC Edition and not the "Definitive Edition". The Fast Method: Tomb Raider Mod Manager
This is the most modern approach and works for all three games in the reboot trilogy.
Download the Tools: Get the Tomb Raider Modding Tools (often listed as TrRebootModTools or similar) from Nexus Mods.
Setup: Extract the tools into a dedicated folder on your drive (avoiding protected "Program Files" if possible). Launch & Link : Open TrRebootTools.ModManager.exe and select Tomb Raider 2013
. You will be prompted to find your game's installation folder, usually: Steam/steamapps/common/Tomb Raider.
Install Mods: Download your desired mod (usually a .zip or .rar). Simply drag and drop the archive directly into the Mod Manager window. Check the box next to the mod to enable it. The Classic Method: Manual "Patch.tiger" Swap Older mods often come as a single replacement file.
Backup: Navigate to your game directory and find the file named patch.000.tiger. Copy and save it somewhere safe.
Replace: Download the modded patch.000.tiger file and paste it into the game folder, overwriting the original.
Check Gear: Many mods replace Lara's default outfits. You may need to visit a Campfire in-game and change your outfit to see the changes. Visual Upgrades: ReShade To enhance lighting and color vibrancy: Download the installer from reshade.me. Run the installer and browse for TombRaider.exe. Back up original files that will be replaced
Select the rendering API (usually DirectX 11) and choose the shader packs you want to install.
Press Home in-game to open the ReShade menu and toggle effects.
Pro Tip: If Lara's hair or braid looks strange after modding, try turning off the TressFX (PureHair) setting in the game's graphics options, as it can conflict with custom models.
How to Install Mods for Tomb Raider 2013: A Complete Guide Installing mods for the 2013 Tomb Raider reboot is significantly more accessible than it used to be, thanks to modern, automated tools that handle the heavy lifting of file replacement. Whether you want to refresh Lara’s look with classic outfits or enhance the game’s lighting with Reshade, this guide covers every method from automated managers to manual file replacements. Before You Start: Critical Requirements
To avoid technical headaches, ensure your setup meets these criteria:
Version Compatibility: Most modern modding tools require the standard PC version of the game. It is important to note that many mods will not work with the Definitive Edition.
Steam Version Tips: If you are using the Steam version and encounter issues, try switching to Build 811.3 via the "Betas" tab in the game's properties.
Backup Your Saves: Modding always carries a small risk. Locate your save files (usually in the Steam userdata folder) and back them up before making changes. Method 1: Using TR2013 Modding Tools (Recommended)
The easiest way to install mods is via the TR2013 Modding Tools available on Nexus Mods. This tool manages meshes, textures, animations, and sound with minimal effort. Download and Set Up: Download the modding tools from Nexus Mods.
Extract the archive into a dedicated folder on your computer (e.g., on your desktop or C drive).
Launch the Manager: Open the application and select the 2013 option when prompted.
Point to the Game: Navigate to your game’s installation directory.
Default Path: C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Tomb Raider. Install Your Mods: Download your desired mod from Nexus Mods.
In the Mod Manager, click the "+" button or simply drag and drop the mod archive (.7z, .zip, or .rar) into the tool.
Enable and Play: Ensure the mod is checked in the list and hit "Play" to launch the game with the mods active. Method 2: Manual "Patch.000" Installation
Some older or simpler mods (like character replacements) are distributed as a single file named patch.000.tiger.
Locate the Game Folder: Go to your main Tomb Raider directory. Modding Tomb Raider (2013) is not as simple
Back Up the Original: Find the existing patch.000.tiger file and rename it to patch.000.tiger.bak.
Replace the File: Copy the new patch.000.tiger file from your downloaded mod and paste it into the directory.
Refresh In-Game: If you don't see the change immediately, go to a Campfire > Gear > Outfits and select a different outfit to trigger the model update. Method 3: Enhancing Visuals with Reshade
If you want to improve lighting, color, and sharpness without changing game files, Reshade is the standard choice.
Download Reshade: Get the latest version from the official website.
Select the Executable: When running the installer, select TombRaider.exe from your game folder. Choose Rendering API: Select Direct3D 10/11/12.
Download Presets: Many users upload custom Reshade presets to Nexus Mods that can be dropped directly into the game folder after Reshade is installed. Troubleshooting Common Issues
Invisible Hair/Braids: If you install a hair mod and it looks glitchy, try turning off TressFX in the game's graphics settings.
Mod Not Appearing: Double-check that you aren't using the Definitive Edition, as the file architecture is different and often incompatible with standard mods.
Crashing on Startup: This is usually caused by outdated mods or incompatible game versions. If using the Mod Manager, you can uninstall all mods at once to return to a clean state. How To Install Tomb Raider Mods - A Short Quick Tutorial
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
file and paste it into the main game folder, choosing to "Replace" the existing file. Common Troubleshooting
Here’s a comprehensive, step-by-step write-up on how to install mods for Tomb Raider (2013). It covers everything from preparation and tools to manual installation, troubleshooting, and essential tips.
Let’s install a real, popular texture mod: "Dark & Gritty Reshade + Realistic Blood" using the TexMod method.