Tomb Raider Returns with Two New Games at The Game Awards
â–¼ Summary
– Two new Tomb Raider games have been announced: a remake of the 1996 original titled *Legacy of Atlantis* and a new series entry called *Catalyst*.
– *Legacy of Atlantis* is a modern remake of the first game, featuring updated graphics and new content while honoring the original’s spirit.
– *Catalyst* is an all-new adventure set in northern India, where Lara investigates a mythical cataclysm and contends with rival treasure hunters.
– The announcements follow a long period of silence from developer Crystal Dynamics, which has faced recent layoffs under Embracer Group.
– *Legacy of Atlantis* is scheduled for release in 2026, while *Catalyst* is expected to arrive in 2027.
The long wait is over for fans of the iconic adventurer, as two brand-new Tomb Raider games have been revealed, marking a major revival for the legendary franchise. Lara Croft is set to star in both a ground-up remake of her very first outing and a completely original sequel, offering a thrilling one-two punch for longtime followers and newcomers alike.
Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis is billed as a stunning reimagining of the 1996 classic. This project goes beyond a simple visual upgrade, promising to honor the spirit of the original while introducing new surprises and modernized gameplay. The narrative framework suggests a recollection of past events, which could cleverly integrate unseen story elements and action sequences. This will be the second attempt at remaking the inaugural title, following 2007’s Tomb Raider: Anniversary, but advances in technology and design philosophy promise a far more ambitious experience.
The announcement also provides the first proper look at the “Unified Lara” character model, which synthesizes her classic appearance with the more grounded aesthetic of the recent trilogy. This design aims to create a definitive version of the character that resonates across her entire history.
However, the more significant revelation is Tomb Raider: Catalyst. This title represents a bold new chapter, transporting Lara to northern India in the wake of a mythical cataclysm. The disaster has fractured the landscape, unleashing ancient secrets and awakening mysterious guardian forces. According to official details, Lara finds herself in a race against rival treasure hunters from across the globe. Her mission is to uncover the truth buried within this dangerous new world and prevent powerful forces from exploiting its secrets for catastrophic ends. The story will force her to navigate a web of shifting alliances, deciding who to trust as she works to protect a discovery with the potential to reshape the future.
This dual announcement ends a prolonged period of silence from developer Crystal Dynamics. The studio confirmed a new Tomb Raider project built in Unreal Engine 5 back in 2022, but updates had been scarce aside from the early 2024 character reveal. The studio, owned by Embracer Group, has faced significant challenges recently, including multiple rounds of layoffs. This positive news finally gives the team and its community a much-needed boost.
Fortunately, the wait for a new adventure won’t be indefinite. Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis is scheduled for a 2026 release and is already available for wishlisting on Steam. Tomb Raider: Catalyst will follow in 2027, setting the stage for a major return of one of gaming’s most enduring heroes.
(Source: PC Gamer)
