Amazon Reveals ‘Tomb Raider: Catalyst’ and 2026 Original Remake
▼ Summary
– Amazon Game Studios and Crystal Dynamics announced a new “Tomb Raider” game, “Catalyst,” launching in 2027, and a remake of the 1996 original, “Legacy of Atlantis,” launching in 2026.
– “Tomb Raider: Catalyst” is a new adventure where Lara Croft explores Northern India to prevent a catastrophe following a mythical cataclysm.
– “Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis” is a modern reimagining of the original game, featuring Unreal Engine 5 visuals and developed by Crystal Dynamics and Flying Wild Hog.
– Actress Alix Wilton Regan will provide the voice and motion-capture performance for Lara Croft in both of these upcoming games.
– These game announcements coincide with Amazon’s development of a separate live-action “Tomb Raider” TV series starring Sophie Turner.
The gaming world received a major double dose of news as Amazon Game Studios and Crystal Dynamics unveiled two new Tomb Raider projects. During The Game Awards, the companies presented a first look at the upcoming title Tomb Raider: Catalyst, slated for a 2027 release, and announced a full remake of the original 1996 game, Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis, arriving in 2026. Both adventures will feature actress Alix Wilton Regan providing the voice and motion-capture performance for the iconic heroine, Lara Croft.
Tomb Raider: Catalyst promises a bold new direction for the franchise. The narrative follows Lara Croft to Northern India in the aftermath of a mythical cataclysm. This event has shattered the landscape, unleashing ancient secrets and awakening the mysterious forces sworn to protect them. As the world’s most notorious treasure hunters converge on the region, Lara must race to uncover the truth buried beneath the ruins. Her mission is to stop those who would exploit this primordial power for personal gain. In a story where the ancient world violently collides with the present, Lara will face difficult choices about trust among rivals and allies to prevent a global catastrophe and protect a secret with the potential to reshape humanity’s future. The game is scheduled to launch on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Steam.
Arriving first is Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis, a comprehensive modern reimagining of Lara Croft’s genre-defining debut. Developed through a partnership between Crystal Dynamics and Flying Wild Hog, this project aims to honor the spirit of the 1996 classic while introducing contemporary technology and design. Built with Unreal Engine 5, the game will feature stunning visuals, updated gameplay mechanics, and new surprises woven into the familiar framework. Players will step into Lara’s boots to explore exotic locations lost to time, navigate treacherous environments, solve intricate and deadly puzzles, and confront lethal predators. The core quest will involve hunting for the scattered pieces of the Scion, an artifact of immense and unknown power. This remake is also set for release on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Steam.
These twin gaming initiatives are part of a broader expansion for the Tomb Raider franchise under Amazon’s stewardship, which also includes a new live-action television series starring Sophie Turner. According to Crystal Dynamics head of studio Scot Amos, the games and series are being developed in parallel. They share a foundational creative DNA, but each project is making specific choices tailored to its medium. For now, the development focus remains squarely on the upcoming games.
Amos elaborated on the unique development structure, explaining that two powerful teams within Fellowship Entertainment are working concurrently on each title. These teams complement each other, sharing technologies and gameplay systems where beneficial, while a shared leadership group ensures creative alignment and adherence to the Tomb Raider canon. The collaboration with Flying Wild Hog on Legacy of Atlantis has been particularly seamless, allowing that title to hit its strategic 2026 release window, coinciding with the franchise’s 30th anniversary. This setup simultaneously provides the Catalyst team with the necessary time and resources to achieve its intended scope and ambition for a 2027 debut. More details on both games are expected to be shared in the coming year.
(Source: Variety)
