Amazon Game Studios and Crystal Dynamics have announced a landmark partnership that will reshape the Tomb Raider franchise, introducing fans to two distinct yet equally ambitious interpretations of gaming’s most legendary heroine. Unveiled at The Game Awards in Los Angeles, these projects represent both a respectful homage to the series’ roots and an innovative leap forward into uncharted territory.
Honoring the Past: Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis
The first project brings the franchise full circle. Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis stands as a comprehensive reinvention of Lara Croft’s iconic 1996 debut, developed collaboratively by Crystal Dynamics and Flying Wild Hog. Rather than a simple remake, this is a thoughtful reimagining that celebrates the 30th anniversary of the Tomb Raider franchise while introducing the classic experience to contemporary audiences.
Powered by Unreal Engine 5, the game transports players across a diverse array of legendary locations, from the humid jungles of Peru to the ancient architectural wonders of Greece, the sprawling deserts of Egypt, and a shrouded Mediterranean island steeped in mythological mystery. Players assume the role of Lara Croft as she pursues the Scion, an artifact of immeasurable power fragmented across these exotic, time-lost destinations.
The gameplay experience combines the series’ signature elements with modern sensibilities. Traversing hazardous terrain, solving intricate contraptions laden with lethal consequences, and confronting perilous wildlife form the core loop. What distinguishes this version is its commitment to preserving the spirit of the original while elevating every dimension—the acrobatic grace through ancient tombs, the meticulous placement of secrets throughout alluring environments, and the satisfaction of solving elaborate puzzles that spark moments of discovery.
The game launches in 2026 across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Steam. As an exclusive incentive for those linking their Amazon Games iD to their PlayStation Network account at launch, players will gain access to the Mediterranean Wetsuit Outfit.
Charting New Territory: Tomb Raider: Catalyst
While Legacy of Atlantis looks backward with reverence, Tomb Raider: Catalyst boldly ventures forward. This entirely new adventure, which has been in development by Crystal Dynamics since 2022, represents the most ambitious undertaking in the franchise’s history. The setting shifts dramatically to Northern India, where Lara encounters recently unearthed secrets and the formidable forces determined to protect them.
The narrative thrust pits Lara against a compelling moral complexity. When ancient cataclysms unleash mythical forces, Lara races against time to decode the truth beneath Northern India’s fractured landscape before the world’s most ruthless treasure hunters exploit its transformative power. Navigating this charged landscape forces Lara into difficult decisions regarding whom to trust—allies blur into rivals as she endeavors to prevent a looming catastrophe and safeguard secrets with the potential to fundamentally alter humanity’s future.
Structurally, Tomb Raider: Catalyst promises an expansive experience. The game features a vertically rich platforming environment seamlessly integrating wilderness exploration with hidden depths of discovery. Players will traverse dense jungle canopies, ascend towering mountain ranges, and venture into cryptic subterranean ruins equipped with customized adventure technology. Lara’s distinctive combination of intellectual acuity and athletic excellence becomes essential as she deciphers the unknown.
Launching in 2027, this title will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Steam, delivering the franchise’s largest adventure to date.
Creative Vision and Partnership Excellence
Both projects owe their realization to the collaborative synergy between development studios and publisher. Scot Amos, head of studio at Crystal Dynamics, emphasized this dynamic: “Our collaboration with Amazon Game Studios has been truly transformative for these ambitious projects. Amazon’s partnership has provided the resources, expertise, and creative freedom necessary to realize our vision for both games without compromise.”
Christoph Hartmann, vice president of Amazon Game Studios, articulated the publisher’s philosophical approach: “Tomb Raider stands among gaming’s most beloved and enduring franchises, and we’re thrilled to partner with Crystal Dynamics to bring two distinct Lara Croft adventures to players worldwide. This innovative new chapter with Tomb Raider: Catalyst, and the thoughtful reinvention of the series’s roots with Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis, perfectly exemplifies our commitment to supporting developers with bold creative visions.”
Lara Croft’s Evolution
Both games feature actress Alix Wilton Regan embodying Lara Croft, a casting that promises to revitalize the iconic character. Regan’s portfolio encompasses acclaimed performances in Dragon Age: Inquisition, Cyberpunk 2077, and Mass Effect 3, demonstrating her capability to infuse complex depth into interactive characters. Her interpretation presents Lara as confident, complex, and unmistakably formidable—a character who remains true to her legacy while evolving for a new generation.
A Future Rich with Possibility
The announcement of these two Tomb Raider games reflects a strategic vision that honors the franchise’s heritage while embracing innovation. By offering both a reimagined classic and an entirely original adventure, Amazon Game Studios and Crystal Dynamics have crafted a compelling proposition for longtime devotees and newcomers alike. The staggered release schedule—Legacy of Atlantis in 2026 followed by Catalyst in 2027—ensures that the Tomb Raider universe will command significant attention throughout this era of gaming’s evolution.
With Unreal Engine 5’s technological prowess and the creative freedom afforded by Amazon’s partnership, both games position themselves to define what modern adventure gaming can achieve, all while keeping Lara Croft’s legacy as the guiding star.
