Lara Croft makes her comeback, and this time, her adventures reach a whole new level... During the Game Awards held this December 11, 2025, the most iconic archaeologist in the gaming world finally shared some news by unveiling Tomb Raider Catalyst. Developed by Crystal Dynamics and published by Amazon Game Studios, the game is scheduled for release on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series in 2027. This project had been hinted at some time ago, notably during the State of Unreal keynote in April 2022, where it was announced that the game would run on Unreal Engine 5.
"Crystal Dynamics is proud to be part of the launch of Unreal Engine 5. This new engine elevates storytelling in gaming experiences to a new level", explained Dallas Dickinson, General Manager of the Tomb Raider franchise, in April 2022. He added: "That’s why we’re excited to announce today that we have begun development on our next Tomb Raider game, powered by Unreal Engine 5." This engine will also enable a "high-quality cinematic action-adventure experience", according to Dallas Dickinson.
When long-buried secrets and mysterious guardian forces are unleashed by a legendary catastrophe, Lara embarks on a race against time to uncover the truth hidden beneath the fractured landscapes of northern India. Her goal: prevent the world's most feared treasure hunters from harnessing this power for their own gain. As ancient worlds collide with modern times, Lara must decide who to trust among rivals and allies, stop a looming catastrophe, and safeguard a secret that could reshape the future.
Regarding the game itself, an initial preview was unveiled on Friday, February 16, 2024, by Crystal Dynamics on the official Tomb Raider website (through a puzzle to solve). We’re excited to share that preview with you below. In a statement issued on December 15, 2022, the studio promised “environments that emphasize exploration and puzzle-solving, with clever riddles and a wide variety of enemies to defeat.” The game is also expected to be “the best and most expansive Tomb Raider yet!,” we learned as well.
Although it doesn't appear to be a direct sequel, Crystal Dynamics recently confirmed that the next game will continue the story of Lara Croft beyond the Survivor trilogy, tying into Shadow of the Tomb Raider, released in 2018. The new title also has connections to Tomb Raider Underworld, as Crystal Dynamics explains: "Chronologically, the game takes place several years after Tomb Raider: Underworld, with the reboot trilogy serving as her origin story," the studio revealed, reports our colleagues at JV.com.
And they continue: "We’re seeing a more seasoned Lara. But the key point is that this is a new chapter: whether you’ve been following Lara from the start or this is your first Tomb Raider, Catalyst is designed as a standalone adventure accessible to everyone." In any case, for this installment, Alex Wilton Regan will voice Lara Croft, an actress known for roles in other major titles like Mass Effect 3 and Cyberpunk 2077.
Tomb Raider: Catalyst will focus on gameplay centered around exploring a "vertical playground rich in platforms, blending fluid wild landscapes with hidden depths to uncover," according to an article on the PlayStation Blog. The development team emphasizes dynamic platforming sections combined with smooth navigation through fragmented natural environments.
Gameplay is set to be enhanced with the introduction of new custom technologies, including a wrist-mounted grapple seen in the initial trailer. This tool appears to serve a dual purpose: quick movement and combat interactions. Lara Croft will also feature customizable exploration gear designed to suit various play styles, continuing the tactical approach introduced in previous installments, as explained by the PlayStation Blog: "Lara will traverse dense jungles, climb towering mountains, and explore mysterious ruins equipped with fully customizable gear," the article states.
Finally, the reveal of Tomb Raider: Catalyst was accompanied by another announcement at The Game Awards 2025: the development of Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis. This new title reimagines the original 1996 game and is scheduled for release in 2026, celebrating the franchise’s 30th anniversary. It will add a fresh chapter to the saga, offering players a modern take on Lara Croft’s very first adventure and tying together the entire storyline.
All that's left is to wait for more details (and rest assured, you'll hear news about the game soon...). In the meantime, we're diving back into Tomb Raider I-III Remastered. Grab your controllers!
