The wait is over. In a stunning Game Awards reveal, Crystal Dynamics and Amazon unveiled not one, but two new ‘Tomb Raider’ titles. This isn’t just a sequel—it’s a full-scale franchise revival, with a new sequel titled ‘Catalyst,’ a ground-up reimagining of the 1996 classic, and a new actress, Alix Wilton Regan, stepping into the iconic role of Lara Croft.
The future of one of gaming’s most iconic heroes has been revealed, and it’s bigger than anyone anticipated. During the 2025 Game Awards, developer Crystal Dynamics and publisher Amazon Game Studios dropped a bombshell announcement: two distinct Tomb Raider games are in development, signaling a massive new era for the franchise and its legendary protagonist, Lara Croft.
This dual-pronged strategy aims to satisfy both long-time fans and newcomers by looking to the future with an ambitious new sequel, Tomb Raider: Catalyst, while simultaneously honoring the series’ roots with Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis, a complete reimagining of the original 1996 game that started it all. At the heart of this revival is a new actress, Alix Wilton Regan, who will voice and portray Lara Croft in both titles.
Forward to the Future: ‘Tomb Raider: Catalyst’
The first reveal of the night was Tomb Raider: Catalyst, the official next chapter in Lara Croft’s story. Set in the stunning and treacherous landscape of Northern India, the game’s narrative kicks off after a mythical cataclysm unleashes ancient secrets. Lara finds herself in a race against the world’s most notorious treasure hunters to uncover a powerful truth before it falls into the wrong hands.
The official description teases a high-stakes adventure where “the ancient world collides with the present,” forcing Lara to navigate a web of untrustworthy rivals and allies. This new installment, powered by Unreal Engine 5, is promised to be the most expansive Tomb Raider world ever created. Crystal Dynamics has slated its release for 2027 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Steam.
Back to the Beginning: ‘Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis’
For fans who have journeyed with Lara since her debut, the second announcement was a dream come true. Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis is a ground-up reimagining of the revolutionary 1996 game. Developed by Crystal Dynamics in partnership with Flying Wild Hog, this project will bring the classic adventure to a modern audience using Unreal Engine 5, promising to rebuild the experience with today’s technology while staying true to its beloved spirit.
This remake will arrive before the new sequel, with a planned launch in 2026 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Steam. It offers a perfect entry point for a new generation of players to discover how the legend of Lara Croft began. “We’re expanding the universe while staying loyal to what fans have always loved,” said Flying Wild Hog CEO Michał Szustak.
Passing the Torch: Meet the New Lara Croft
A new era requires a new Lara, and Crystal Dynamics has cast veteran video game actress Alix Wilton Regan in the role for both upcoming titles. Regan is well-known to gaming fans for her acclaimed performances in major franchises like Dragon Age: Inquisition and Mass Effect 3.
This casting marks a significant transition for the character, as Regan takes the torch from Camilla Luddington, who famously portrayed Lara throughout the highly successful Survivor trilogy, which concluded with 2018’s Shadow of the Tomb Raider. Luddington’s gritty and emotional performance redefined the character for millions, a legacy that Regan will now build upon. It remains unconfirmed whether Catalyst will directly continue the story from the Survivor timeline, a detail developers have kept under wraps [Entertainment Weekly].
The Powerhouse Partnership: What Amazon’s Involvement Means
This ambitious two-game revival is fueled by the partnership between Crystal Dynamics and Amazon Game Studios, which began in 2022. Amazon’s investment is a clear signal of its commitment to establishing itself as a major publisher of high-quality, narrative-driven AAA titles. This move places the entire Tomb Raider franchise in a powerful position for the future.
Christoph Hartmann, VP of Amazon Game Studios, celebrated the collaboration, stating, “This innovative new chapter with Tomb Raider: Catalyst, and the thoughtful reinvention of the series’ roots with Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis, perfectly exemplifies our commitment to supporting developers with bold creative visions.” Scot Amos, Head of Studio at Crystal Dynamics, added that with Catalyst, “We’re crafting our most expansive and innovative Tomb Raider adventure yet.”
By launching both a forward-looking sequel and a nostalgic remake, the teams at Crystal Dynamics and Amazon are making a definitive statement: Lara Croft is not just back; she is poised to reclaim her throne as a global gaming icon for years to come.
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