A LARA Croft-obsessed University of Worcester graduate has earned a Guinness World Record after building the biggest collection of Tomb Raider video games in the world.
Amy Dyson has officially been recognised for owning the largest collection of Tomb Raider video games with 291 titles.
The 33-year-old, who studied media and cultural studies with journalism, applied for the record to coincide with the 30th anniversary of the iconic gaming franchise.
Each game in Amy’s collection is distinct, with differences including regional releases, language versions and alternate artwork. Since being awarded the record her collection has grown to 341 games.
Tomb Raider is a long-running video game series centred on adventurer and archaeologist Lara Croft.
Amy said: “To me, Lara Croft didn’t just define a genre, she was what gaming was for me as a child. I was always captivated by how the developers went above and beyond to build a real identity for her.
“Lara was my first role model. She taught me to be strong, to face my fears head-on, and to stay true to myself regardless of what others think. Even now, I aspire to carry her strength with me.”
Her passion for the series even influenced her academic work. While studying at the University of Worcester, Amy wrote her dissertation on the evolution of Lara Croft, analysing how the character’s representation had changed over time in response to cultural expectations and industry trends.
Although Amy had played and collected Tomb Raider games casually growing up, her collection expanded significantly during her university years.
Encouraged by friends, she began sharing her growing archive on social media, documenting rare finds and variations within the franchise. Her content quickly gained traction, connecting her with fans and collectors around the world.
This online presence led to her becoming a Tomb Raider community ambassador for several years, allowing her to represent the fan base, collaborate with other collectors and receive official merchandise tied to the franchise.
Amy primarily sources her games through online second-hand marketplaces, as well as through family, friends and fellow collectors. She says years of experience and research have helped her identify rare versions and avoid duplicates, ensuring that every title in her collection adds something new.
While she owns hundreds of games, one in particular still stands out.
She added: “I will always have a special place in my heart for Tomb Raider 2.
