Tomb Raider just announced two massive games, and fans already can’t wait for 2026

Tomb Raider fans got the major news they’ve been waiting for at The Game Awards 2025. Crystal Dynamics unveiled not one but two major Tomb Raider projects tonight, revealing the future of the legendary franchise. Legacy of Atlantis, a full remake of the original game, and Catalyst, an entirely new sequel, were both officially confirmed.

Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis – A Reimagining of the Original

Legacy of Atlantis represents a significant moment for Lara Croft fans. The game completely reimagines the 1996 original that started the entire franchise, bringing the adventure into modern gaming technology. This isn’t a simple remaster. It’s a full ground-up remake designed to introduce Lara’s origin story to a new generation while respecting the legacy of the series.

The remake is slated for release in 2026, arriving on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. Early leaked artwork showed a polished, contemporary take on the classic adventure, with detailed environments and modern graphics powered by cutting-edge technology. Fans have waited years for a major Tomb Raider announcement, and Legacy of Atlantis promises to deliver a faithful yet innovative entry.

This project marks a significant investment from Crystal Dynamics, who have consistently kept the franchise alive through various spin-offs and live-service games. The focus on remaking the original game demonstrates confidence in the core Tomb Raider formula while modernizing it for current-generation players.

Tomb Raider: Catalyst – The Next Mainline Adventure

Beyond the remake, Crystal Dynamics introduced Tomb Raider: Catalyst, the next major entry in the series. This mainline sequel follows Lara’s journey through Northern India as she navigates mysteries following a catastrophic “mythical cataclysm.” The game promises fresh storytelling while maintaining the exploration and combat that defines the franchise.

Catalyst is scheduled for a 2027 release, giving Crystal Dynamics ample time to craft an ambitious adventure. Early descriptions hint at a focus on environmental storytelling and challenging puzzles, positions that play to the franchise’s strengths. The Northern India setting offers a completely new geographical backdrop for Lara’s exploits, moving beyond the exotic islands and ancient temples previously featured.

The title “Catalyst” suggests a pivotal moment for the character and the franchise itself. This entry will determine where Lara Croft’s story heads in the coming years, making it potentially one of the most important games in the series’ history.

Crystal Dynamics and Amazon Games Partnership

Project	Release Year	Platforms	Type
Legacy of Atlantis	2026	PS5, Xbox Series X|S	Remake
Catalyst	2027	PS5, Xbox Series X|S	Mainline Sequel

The collaboration between Crystal Dynamics and Amazon Games signals a strong commitment to these projects. Amazon’s support provides significant backing for what are clearly ambitious productions. The studio has experience with major franchises, and the partnership suggests these games will receive the resources needed to deliver substantial adventures that match fan expectations.

Both projects are confirmed for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, ensuring they’ll be built specifically for current-generation technology. This approach allows the development team to maximize graphical fidelity and gameplay depth without compromises for older hardware.

What This Double Announcement Means for Tomb Raider Fans

The reveal of both Legacy of Atlantis and Catalyst at The Game Awards marks a turning point for the franchise. Fans have endured years of uncertainty about Tomb Raider’s future, with the franchise taking a back seat to other gaming priorities. This announcement confirms that Lara Croft remains a priority for Crystal Dynamics and that they’re willing to invest significantly in her future.

The dual announcement strategy is clever: Legacy of Atlantis serves as a bridge for longtime fans seeking connection to the original, while Catalyst represents the franchise’s bold new direction. Together, they create a roadmap that spans from 2026 to 2027, essentially guaranteeing major Tomb Raider content for the next two years.

The gaming community reacted enthusiastically to the reveals tonight. Leaks hours before the announcement only amplified interest, and the official confirmation delivered exactly what fans hoped to see. With both games now confirmed and release windows locked, anticipation can officially begin.

Are You Ready for Lara’s Next Adventure?

The question now is whether Legacy of Atlantis can honor the original while charming modern audiences, and whether Catalyst can push the franchise into exciting new territory. With Crystal Dynamics at the helm and Amazon Games backing the effort, expectations are legitimately high. Both projects have the resources and talent needed to make a genuine impact.

Fans have nearly two years to anticipate these releases. Legacy of Atlantis arrives first in 2026, followed by Catalyst in 2027. The announcements at The Game Awards 2025 finally answered the franchise’s central question: Where is Lara Croft headed next? The answer, it turns out, is everywhere.

Sources

• IGN – Live coverage and leak reporting of Tomb Raider announcements
• Insider Gaming – Detailed breakdown of both game titles and release information
• Tom’s Guide – Game Awards 2025 live updates and official announcements