April 17, 2026

Crystal Dynamics Announces Two New Tomb Raider Games — Legacy of Atlantis & Catalyst

Tomb raider

The Tomb Raider franchise is officially entering a major new era. At The Game Awards 2025, Crystal Dynamics — in partnership with Amazon Games — revealed two new Tomb Raider titles:
Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis and Tomb Raider: Catalyst. The announcement marks the beginning of a new creative direction for Lara Croft, blending nostalgia with modern storytelling and next-generation gameplay.

Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis — A Modern Reimagining of the 1996 Classic

Release Year: 2026
Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
Engine: Unreal Engine 5

Legacy of Atlantis is described as a re-imagined remake of the original 1996 Tomb Raider, rebuilt from the ground up to celebrate the franchise’s legacy while updating gameplay, visuals, and narrative depth for modern players.

Crystal Dynamics emphasizes that the remake will:

  • Preserve the spirit and iconic atmosphere of the original adventure
  • Introduce expanded storytelling and character moments
  • Enhance traversal, puzzles, and combat with modern mechanics
  • Deliver cinematic visuals powered by Unreal Engine 5

The project is also positioned as a tribute to the series’ 30-year history, reconnecting longtime fans with Lara’s earliest journey while making it accessible to new players.

Tomb Raider: Catalyst — A Bold New Original Adventure

Release Year: 2027
Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC

While Legacy of Atlantis looks back, Tomb Raider: Catalyst pushes the franchise forward with a completely new storyline. Set in Northern India after a mysterious cataclysm, Lara Croft faces ancient forces and dangerous secrets unlike anything she has encountered before.

Crystal Dynamics describes Catalyst as:

  • The largest and most ambitious Tomb Raider game to date
  • Featuring expansive environments and deeper character-driven storytelling
  • Continuing Lara’s evolution as an explorer, survivor, and myth-hunter

The studio aims to blend exploration-focused gameplay with emotional stakes, building on the narrative strengths of the reboot trilogy.

A New Voice for Lara Croft

Both upcoming titles introduce a new performance and voice actress, Alix Wilton Regan, who will portray Lara Croft moving forward.
Crystal Dynamics says the casting represents a fresh yet respectful interpretation of the character — honoring the past while defining a new era.

Why This Announcement Matters for the Franchise

This dual-project strategy signals that Crystal Dynamics wants to:

  • Reconnect with classic fans through a faithful but modernized remake
  • Expand the universe with new storytelling and world-building
  • Position Tomb Raider as a major blockbuster franchise for the next decade

By pairing nostalgia with innovation, the studio is celebrating Lara Croft’s origins while charting an ambitious future.

What to Expect Next

Over the coming months, fans can expect:

  • Gameplay reveals and developer deep-dives
  • Story previews and character insights
  • Release timelines, platform details, and preorder news

Both games represent a significant creative milestone — and may define the direction of Tomb Raider for years to come.

Final Thoughts

Crystal Dynamics’ announcement of Legacy of Atlantis and Catalyst signals one of the biggest evolutions in the franchise since the 2013 reboot. With cutting-edge technology, renewed storytelling, and a clear vision, Lara Croft is poised to make a powerful return to modern gaming.

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