The iconic Tomb Raider franchise is entering a new chapter, powered by Unreal Engine 5 and targeting modern gaming platforms. This significant evolution begins with Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis, though a potential delay to 2027 is rumored, followed by Tomb Raider: Catalyst, expected in 2027.

The Survivor Trilogy's Legacy

For many players, the recent Survivor trilogy – Tomb Raider (2013), Rise of the Tomb Raider, and Shadow of the Tomb Raider – represents their primary introduction to Lara Croft. These titles have defined the series for over a decade, with the last mainline game before them being Tomb Raider: Underworld, released nearly twenty years ago.

The Importance of Replayability

As Crystal Dynamics develops the new games, a key focus must be on implementing robust replayability features, particularly New Game Plus (NG+). This mode significantly enhances a game's longevity and player engagement by allowing them to restart with carried-over progress.

New Game Plus: A Mixed History

The Survivor trilogy presented a mixed bag regarding NG+. The initial two games, Tomb Raider (2013) and Rise of the Tomb Raider, lacked a true NG+ mode. This meant players couldn't carry over their unlocked skills, gear, and upgrades into a subsequent playthrough, limiting the desire to revisit the game world.

While Rise of the Tomb Raider offered a Chapter Replay Elite mode, it did not provide the comprehensive experience of a dedicated NG+. This was a notable drawback for players invested in fully upgrading Lara.

Fortunately, Shadow of the Tomb Raider, developed by Eidos-Montréal, corrected this by introducing a proper NG+ mode. Players could start anew with all their skills, weapons, and gear intact, significantly improving the replay experience.

Looking Ahead: Legacy of Atlantis and Catalyst

The upcoming titles, Legacy of Atlantis and Catalyst, must build upon the lessons learned from Shadow of the Tomb Raider. A well-implemented NG+ mode will be essential for allowing players to enjoy their accumulated upgrades and skills from the start of a new adventure.

Details for Tomb Raider: Catalyst suggest Lara Croft will feature her iconic dual pistols and a wrist-mounted grapple. If these games retain elements like the Survivor trilogy's level design or skill trees, NG+ will be crucial for a seamless replay experience.

There's speculation that Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis might be a remake of the original 1996 game, which may or may not include NG+. However, adopting the NG+ functionality seen in Tomb Raider 1–3 Remastered could offer a compelling alternative.

Ultimately, the success of this new era for Tomb Raider will hinge on its approach to replayability. Features like New Game Plus will play a vital role in shaping how players engage with and enjoy the franchise's future installments.