Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis is Designed as a Fresh Start
With the Tomb Raider series balancing the legacy of its '90s origins and the more recent 2013 survivor-focused reboot trilogy, many players are wondering where the franchise is headed. According to the development teams at Crystal Dynamics and Flying Wild Hog, the answer lies in Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis, a title they are positioning as the ideal starting point for both long-time fans and complete newcomers.
- Release Date: February 12, 2027
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S/X
- Developer: Crystal Dynamics and Flying Wild Hog
- Format: Deep reimagining of the original game
A Foundation for the Future
While the upcoming Tomb Raider: Catalyst is also on the horizon, the developers emphasize that Legacy of Atlantis is the right place to begin. Speaking at Summer Game Fest, Experience Director Jeff Adams noted that the game serves as a foundational chapter for the direction of the series. Game Director Raul Siqueira echoed this sentiment, describing it as a "no homework needed" entry point that stands on its own.
"If you know absolutely nothing about Tomb Raider, Legacy of Atlantis stands on its own feet and does a great job of introducing who Lara is as a character, and what her journey is all about," Siqueira said. For returning players, the team has packed the experience with various Easter eggs and nods to the franchise's history, but these are described as rewards for veterans rather than requirements for understanding the plot.
Timing the Return of Lara Croft
The decision to revisit the series' roots comes after a significant hiatus. Art Director Arek Tomaszewski believes the nearly ten-year gap since the release of Shadow of the Tomb Raider has created a natural hunger among players for a return to the franchise. "It's actually really good timing, because people are hungry for it, and we were hungry to make it," Tomaszewski explained.
Looking ahead, the development team expressed a strong desire to continue working on the series long-term. When asked about the possibility of further reimaginings in this format, Siqueira stated, "If it's up to us, we consider all of them forever."
For now, the studio's primary focus remains on the upcoming launch. "Let's get this right," Adams said. "You get this right, reintroduce Lara to her core fans, present her for new fans, and establish this really great foundational starting point. Then the world is wide open."
Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis is currently available to wishlist on Steam ahead of its February 12, 2027, release.