The Tomb Raider franchise is preparing to deliver two significant new entries over the next two years, offering both a reimagined classic and a completely new adventure for fans of Lara Croft. Crystal Dynamics, known for its work on previous Tomb Raider titles, is collaborating with Flying Wild Hog on the upcoming Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis, scheduled for release in 2026. The game marks the 30th anniversary of Lara Croft’s debut and revisits the 1996 classic with modern technology and gameplay improvements.
Legacy of Atlantis reintroduces players to the original journey of Lara Croft while enhancing the experience with updated visuals powered by Unreal Engine 5. The game spans a variety of exotic locations, including the jungles of Peru, the ancient ruins of Greece, the deserts of Egypt, and a mysterious Mediterranean island steeped in legend. Players will guide Lara as she solves intricate puzzles, navigates hazardous environments, and confronts dangerous predators while searching for the pieces of the Scion, an artifact of immense importance.
The game aims to balance nostalgia for longtime fans with accessibility for new players. Classic elements from the original title, such as exploration, problem-solving, and survival mechanics, are complemented by updated level design and contemporary gameplay features. Actress Alix Wilton Regan will reprise her role as Lara Croft, providing continuity in character portrayal across the series.
Following this, Crystal Dynamics is set to release Tomb Raider: Catalyst in 2027, described as the largest entry in the franchise to date. Catalyst takes place in northern India following a mythical cataclysm that has unearthed ancient secrets and awakened guardian forces. Lara must race against rival treasure hunters to uncover the truth hidden beneath the fractured landscape and protect artifacts of significant power from exploitation.
Catalyst is designed to offer a more expansive and dynamic world than previous entries, with seamless environments ranging from towering mountains and dense jungles to sprawling deserts and mysterious ruins. The game emphasizes exploration, challenging puzzles, and strategic use of Lara’s signature acrobatic skills and adventure technology. Players can expect to encounter hidden areas, ancient tombs, and complex traps that require both careful planning and quick thinking to navigate successfully.
Both titles are powered by Unreal Engine 5, promising detailed environments and realistic interactions within the game world. The engine allows for advanced lighting, textures, and animation, enhancing the sense of immersion as players explore diverse landscapes and uncover hidden secrets. These technical improvements support a more fluid gameplay experience while maintaining the atmosphere and spirit of the original Tomb Raider series.
While there is no official connection with the Amazon TV series adaptation of Lara Croft, both games continue to focus on the core elements of the franchise: exploration, puzzle-solving, and narrative-driven adventure. Fans can expect consistent storytelling, character development, and gameplay mechanics that honor Lara Croft’s history while introducing new challenges and experiences.
The release of Legacy of Atlantis and Catalyst marks a significant moment for the franchise, providing both longtime players and newcomers with opportunities to explore Lara Croft’s world in fresh ways. With updated visuals, expanded locations, and carefully designed gameplay, the Tomb Raider series is positioned to attract a wide audience while celebrating its legacy over the past three decades.
These upcoming titles demonstrate Crystal Dynamics’ commitment to evolving the franchise while preserving the elements that have made Tomb Raider a defining series in action-adventure gaming. As the release dates approach, anticipation continues to grow among fans eager to experience Lara Croft’s new adventures in 2026 and 2027.
