Tomb Raider 2013 How To Install Mods Guide

Modding Tomb Raider (2013) allows you to customize Lara’s appearance, improve visual quality, or even remove controversial features like the "camera wobble". Unlike modern games with built-in mod support, this title requires either a specialized mod manager or manual file replacement.

For a quick overview of how to handle Tomb Raider modding tools, check out this guide:

Modding Tomb Raider (2013) primarily involves three distinct methods: using a specialized mod manager for modern "patch" mods, utilizing TexMod for older texture swaps, or manually replacing core game archives. 1. Primary Method: TR2013 Mod Manager

The modern standard for installing mods (especially outfits like the Classic Pack) is the TR2013 Modding Tools (also available as a Vortex Mod Manager Extension).

Installation: Extract the tool anywhere on your PC; it does not need to be in the game folder. Adding Mods: tomb raider 2013 how to install mods

Open the ModManager.exe and select your game's installation directory (e.g., Steam/steamapps/common/Tomb Raider).

Drag and drop mod archives (.7z, .zip, or .rar) directly into the manager's list.

Enable/Disable: Use the checkboxes to toggle mods. The manager automatically creates backups of your patch2.000.tiger files. 2. Texture Swaps: TexMod (DirectX 9)

Older visual mods and some costume swaps require TexMod, which only functions in DirectX 9 mode. Modding Tomb Raider (2013) allows you to customize

Prerequisite (DX9 Force): You must force the game into DX9 via the Registry Editor. Change the RenderAPI value to 9 at: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Crystal Dynamics\Tomb Raider\Graphics. Process:

Open TexMod and select TombRaider.exe as the "Target Application".

In Package Mode, click the folder icon to select your mod files (.tpf). Click Run to launch the game with the textures applied. 3. Manual Installation (Patch Overwriting)

For simple replacement mods that provide a single file, you can bypass tools entirely. How To Install Tomb Raider Mods - A Short Quick Tutorial Before You Begin: Important Precautions

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.

Before You Begin: Important Precautions

  1. Backup your original game files – Mods replace core .TIGER files (the game’s proprietary archive format). Without backups, you may need to re-verify game files or reinstall entirely to revert changes.
  2. Disable automatic updates on Steam – An update can overwrite modded files. Set Tomb Raider to update only when you launch it, and always launch through the game’s .exe or a mod manager after modding.
  3. Mods are visual/textural mostly – Complex script mods are rare. Most mods change outfits, lighting, Lara’s face, or weapon skins. Gameplay-altering mods (e.g., infinite ammo) require cheat engine tables or hex editing.
  4. Compatibility – Two mods modifying the same .TIGER file will conflict. Choose one outfit or texture pack at a time unless a mod explicitly says it’s compatible.

The Golden Rule: Backup Your Game Files

Navigate to your game installation folder. Typically: C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Tomb Raider

Right-click the Tomb Raider folder, select Copy, and paste it to a different location (like your Desktop or an external drive). This backup is your safety net. If a mod breaks the game, you simply delete the broken folder and rename the backup.

Step 3: Copy Mod Files Correctly

Place the mod’s contents into the Mods folder preserving any subfolders. For example, if the mod archive contains Textures/Lara/Default_Outfit/, copy that entire structure into Mods. Final path example:
...\Tomb Raider\Mods\Textures\Lara\Default_Outfit\Diffuse.dds

Uninstalling mods

  1. If the mod provided an uninstaller, run it.
  2. Otherwise, restore the backed-up original files to the game folder.
  3. If you didn’t back up, verify integrity via Steam to restore default files.

Step 3: The "TexMod" Method (Most Common)

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.

  1. Download the Mod: Go to Nexus Mods and download the mod file (usually a .zip or .rar).
  2. Extract the File: Right-click the downloaded file and select "Extract Here" or "Extract to [Folder Name]".
  3. Read the "ReadMe": Open the extracted folder. Always check for a ReadMe.txt file. Some mods have specific installation instructions.
  4. Copy the Files:
    • If the folder contains a .tpf file (TexMod Package File), copy it.
    • Paste it into your main Tomb Raider game directory (the one you found in Step 1).
  5. Run TexMod:
    • Look for TexMod.exe inside the mod folder (or download TexMod separately online).
    • Copy TexMod.exe into your main Tomb Raider game folder.
    • Important: Rename the original TombRaider.exe to something else (e.g., TombRaider_Backup.exe), and then rename TexMod.exe to TombRaider.exe. This tricks Steam/GOG into launching the mod tool instead of the vanilla game.