Lara Croft is back, and this time, her adventure reaches a whole new level... In celebration of the Game Awards, held on December 11, 2025, the world’s most iconic video game archaeologist finally made her return with the reveal of Tomb Raider Catalyst. The game, developed by Crystal Dynamics and published by Amazon Game Studios, is slated for release on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series in 2027. This project had already been teased some time ago 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 enables storytelling at a higher level within gaming experiences,"
had 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’ve just begun developing our next Tomb Raider game powered by Unreal Engine 5." This engine will also facilitate a "high-quality cinematic action and 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 teaser was unveiled on Friday, February 16, 2024, by Crystal Dynamics on the official Tomb Raider website (via a puzzle to solve). We’re sharing that preview with you below. In a press release issued on December 15, 2022, the studio promised environments focused on exploration and puzzle-solving, featuring clever riddles and a wide variety of enemies to defeat. The game is also set to be the best and most ambitious Tomb Raider adventure yet!
Although it doesn't appear to be a direct sequel, Crystal Dynamics recently confirmed that the upcoming game will continue Lara Croft's story beyond the Survivor trilogy, linking it to Shadow of the Tomb Raider, released in 2018. The new title is also connected to Tomb Raider Underworld, as Crystal Dynamics notes: "Chronologically, the game takes place several years after Tomb Raider: Underworld, with the reboot trilogy serving as her origin story," the studio explained, reports our colleagues at JV.com.
He then added: "We see a more experienced Lara now. But what’s important to understand is that this is a new chapter: whether you've been with Lara from the start or are playing your first Tomb Raider, Catalyst is designed as a standalone adventure that’s accessible to everyone." This approach is confirmed by Scot Amos, the studio director, who assures players that the game offers a "full, start-to-finish adventure" and that "you don’t need prior knowledge of the story to fully immerse yourself in this new journey." Clearly aimed at welcoming new players without alienating long-time fans.
Regardless, for this installment, the role of Lara Croft will be brought to life by actress Alex Wilton Regan, known for her work in notable titles like Mass Effect 3 and Cyberpunk 2077. This new voice casting also extends to Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis, helping to solidify the continuity of this fresh chapter in the series. According to Scot Amos, this actress “has the spirit, charisma, and emotional depth that perfectly match Lara,” as he shared during a recent Q&A session we attended.
Tomb Raider: Catalyst will focus on gameplay centered around exploring a "vertical playground filled with challenging platforming, blending seamless wild nature with hidden depths to discover", according to an article on the PlayStation Blog. The studio emphasizes dynamic platforming sections, combined with smooth navigation through fragmented natural landscapes.
Handling has been improved with the addition of new customized technologies, including a grappling hook mounted on the wrist, visible in the first trailer. This tool appears to serve a dual purpose: quick movement and combat interactions. Lara Croft also benefits from a customizable exploration gear setup, designed to suit different playstyles and continuing the tactical approach introduced in previous installments. As explained in the PlayStation Blog: "Lara will traverse dense jungles, scale dizzying mountains, and venture into mysterious ruins with her fully customizable exploration equipment," the post reads.
Additionally, Tomb Raider: Catalyst will introduce Lara’s very first journey to India, a brand-new setting for the franchise. The studio describes the country as expansive, diverse, filled with mystery, and perfect for exploration.
Finally, the unveiling of Tomb Raider: Catalyst was accompanied by another announcement at the Game Awards 2025: the development of Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis. This remake of the 1996 classic is slated for release in 2026 to mark the franchise’s 30th anniversary. The game aims to enrich the saga’s revival by offering players a modernized take on Lara Croft’s first adventure and tying together all the stories in the series.
All that’s left now is to wait for more details (and rest assured, you'll be hearing more about the game very soon...). In the meantime, we're diving back into Tomb Raider I-III Remastered. Time to grab your controllers!
