Lara Croft fans breathed a sigh of relief. After rumors of a possible delay, Electric Square stated bluntly: the game is releasing exactly as planned. No delays.
We were all wondering when details about Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis would finally be revealed. And now, a clue has appeared in a rather unexpected place. Electric Square, the studio that is working on the game, published a thank-you post on LinkedIn. And there it is, the golden line: “Release in 2026.”
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Official Release Details from Electric Square
“Electric Square is proud to support Crystal Dynamics and Flying Wild Hog in their upcoming reimagining of Lara Croft’s debut.” Some legends are destined to be retold—experience the pinnacle of adventure with Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis—a stunning reimagining of the genre-defining 1996 game, featuring breathtaking graphics powered by Unreal Engine 5, modern gameplay, and new surprises that pay tribute to the spirit of the original. Release in 2026.”
Short, but powerful. Especially considering many expected a delay—Amazon Game Studios and Crystal Dynamics are currently stuck with too many projects.
Tomb Raider Legacy of Atlantis and Catalyst Release Schedule
The situation is truly confusing. While we’re discussing Legacy of Atlantis, Tomb Raider: Catalyst is being completed somewhere in parallel—it was announced for 2027. And the success of the former could seriously impact the reception of the latter. If Atlantis is a hit, Catalyst will receive a boost in audience. If it fails (or is delayed), the series’ credibility will be shaken.
But now that Electric Square has officially confirmed the game’s 2026 release, the alarm bells are quieting. Especially since, as of May 2026, this is the most recent and reliable update. The studio has stated bluntly: “Some legends are destined to be retold”—and these aren’t just any pretty words.
The Future of the Franchise and New Projects in the Lara Croft Universe
While some are waiting for a reimagining of the original 1996 Tomb Raider in Unreal Engine 5, others are already watching the second season of the animated series on Netflix (it’s already out, by the way). A live-action series and at least two games are also in the works. Therefore, the franchise is experiencing a rebirth. Considering how close Atlantis and Catalyst are scheduled to release (2026 and 2027), a delay in the former would inevitably have delayed the latter. But that didn’t happen.
Legacy of Atlantis vs. Survivor Trilogy Comparison for Players
Legacy of Atlantis is far from a lazy attempt to capitalize on the nostalgia of players who remember the angular Lara of the 1990s. This joint project from Crystal Dynamics and Flying Wild Hog aims much higher. The developers are building a full-fledged AAA action game using Unreal Engine 5.
And, most interestingly, it should be the perfect entry point (without the baggage of flawed mechanics) for a new audience—the same ones that only got into the Tomb Raider franchise during the last trilogy. It doesn’t even smell like a museum piece.
The main fear of newcomers is a drop in momentum. They wonder if the series will lose momentum after its cinematic adventures? This is where things get more interesting. The remake works as an elegant bridge: it returns the game to its exploration roots, but conveys this through tightly directed scenes. Acrobatics, spatial puzzles, and location exploration—all rebuilt to meet modern gameplay standards. Archaic tank controls have predictably been consigned to the dustbin of history.
Who Should Play the Updated Tomb Raider 2026
The Advantages of Unreal Engine 5 in the New Remake
In short, this release is definitely worth keeping an eye on. But there’s one critical caveat (and it’s important to understand it right away): this is a high-quality return to the classic exploration formula, not a direct sequel to Survivor Trilogy.
What’s next? We just have to wait for the full gameplay reveal. But we already know the main thing: Lara will return this year. No delays.
