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Lara Croft stands amid glowing Atlantean ruins, water swirling, with Unreal Engine 5 logo and press backdrop.

Editorial illustration for Tomb Raider Reborn: Classic Adventure Rebuilt in Unreal Engine 5

Tomb Raider Reimagined: Lara Croft Reborn in Unreal Engine 5

Tomb Raider unveils Legacy of Atlantis remake on Unreal Engine 5

Updated: 2 min read

Crystal Dynamics is going back. Way back. The studio confirmed "Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis," a full 2026 remake of the 1996 original that started it all. Built on Unreal Engine 5, the project directly echoes the studio's own 2007 strategy with "Tomb Raider Anniversary." But there's a second, bigger bet on the table: a brand-new adventure, "Tomb Raider Catalyst," is slated for 2027.

Don’t let the fancy name fool you though, Legacy of Atlantis is the Unreal Engine 5 version of the first Tomb Raider game, a remake similar to Tomb Raider Anniversary which updated the 1997 original PlayStation game for the PS2.

It's a calculated two-team strategy. One refurbishes the foundational 1996 game for a third distinct era. The other builds a fresh 2027 narrative around a new Lara Croft.

That 2027 date for Catalyst is the key detail—building from scratch simply takes longer. This dual-track approach is a classic franchise playbook, seen from God of War to Star Wars, aiming to bridge hardened fans and a new generation simultaneously.

Common Questions Answered

What is Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis and how does it differ from the original 1997 game?

Legacy of Atlantis is a remake of the first Tomb Raider game, rebuilt using Unreal Engine 5 to provide stunning visual upgrades and modern graphics technology. Similar to the Tomb Raider Anniversary edition for PS2, this remake aims to reimagine the classic PlayStation adventure with enhanced visual fidelity while preserving the original game's core experience.

When are the new Tomb Raider games scheduled for release?

Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis is set to release in 2026, with a companion game called Tomb Raider Catalyst planned for 2027. These upcoming titles represent a significant expansion of the Tomb Raider franchise, offering fans two new experiences in consecutive years.

How will Unreal Engine 5 impact the visual experience of the Tomb Raider remake?

Unreal Engine 5 brings unprecedented visual fidelity to the Tomb Raider remake, promising to dramatically enhance the game's graphics and environmental details. The advanced game engine will allow for more realistic textures, lighting, and environmental interactions, transforming the classic 1997 game into a visually stunning modern experience.

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