Tomb Raider: Catalyst resumes Lara Croft’s journey nearly two decades after 2008’s Underworld, continuing the Legend trilogy saga.

The Game Awards delivered a double dose of excitement for fans with two new announcements in the Tomb Raider franchise. First up is Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis, a complete reimagining of the original PS1 classic, and then there’s Tomb Raider: Catalyst, which pushes the story forward, picking up where the Legend trilogy left off.

Before Lara Croft’s 2013 reboot, the series wrapped up a three-game arc with Underworld in 2008. The reboot’s success paved the way for a trilogy of prequels, leaving Lara’s more recent adventures on the back burner.

Now, Crystal Dynamics is ready to revisit those later chapters. “From a timeline perspective, Tomb Raider: Catalyst is set years after the events of Tomb Raider: Underworld,” said Will Kerslake, the game director. “With the reboot trilogy serving as her origin story, we’re seeing a more experienced Lara Croft.”

Even though Catalyst will release nearly 19 years after the original game, Kerslake assures fans that they won’t need to dust off their old consoles for a recap. “What’s important to know is that this is a new chapter in Tomb Raider,” he emphasizes. “Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the series, Tomb Raider: Catalyst is crafted to stand on its own as an adventure for everyone.”

The premise is classic Lara: summoned to Northern India, she must navigate newly uncovered ancient architecture while contending with rival treasure hunters and uncovering the significance of these ruins.

Expect puzzles, intense gunplay, and plenty of ledge-jumping in what promises to be a visually stunning environment, as teased in the first trailer. Tomb Raider: Catalyst is set to launch in 2027, while Legacy of Atlantis will keep players engaged in 2026.

In the meantime, Crystal Dynamics is facing challenges, having laid off “under 30” employees in its third round of cuts this year, reflecting the ongoing shifts in the industry.