Variety is the spice of life when it comes to gaming membership services like PS Plus or Xbox Game Pass or platforms that provide free games like the Epic Games Store. On these platforms, their current success would end if every game fit into a single category. The Epic Games Store has made sure that its two featured games for September 1 couldn’t be any more dissimilar because each of these succeeds when it offers fans games that are completely unique.

Users of the Epic Games Store will be able to download the Shadow of the Tomb Raider Definitive Edition, Submerged: Hidden Depths, and the Knockout City Armazillo DLC pack starting on September 1. The former includes all of the game’s DLC and chronicles Lara Croft’s most recent, high-stakes narrative; yet, although those seeking thrills might do best playing it, those looking for something to unwind with should probably start with Submerged.

Tomb Raider vs. Submerged: Survival vs. ‘Relaxploration’

Outside of how one tackles the different elements, there isn’t much of a difference between an action-adventure game and a pure exploration game in terms of genre. For instance, an exploration game may have some action sequences but not enough to fall under the first category. However, Submerged’s gameplay doesn’t even include action or survival, whereas Shadow of the Tomb Raider heavily relies on both. In the latter, viewers assume the role of Miku as she uses a rowboat to scour ruins, half-sunken buildings, and other locations for materials to heal Taku, her brother. The game’s creator, Uppercut Games, developed the term “relaxploration” to describe the absence of foes and fighting.

The exploring in Shadow of the Tomb Raider is also not particularly relaxing. There are unsettling and challenging tombs, and the area is plenty of opportunities for Croft to assault adversaries, conceal herself, or frighten them. Lara Croft encounters a lot of action, opponents, and even fatalities. While some of the differences between the two games will appeal to all gamers, there is surely something between these two for everyone.

Sometimes, it’s preferable to unwind by playing a game; Hidden Depths meets all the criteria for becoming submerged. Shadow of the Tomb Raider meets all of those boxes. There are times when it’s preferable to play a game that keeps you on the edge of your seat rather than something relaxing and calm. On September 1, users will receive the two boxes from Epic Games Store.