Tomb Raider fans are buzzing with anticipation for Lara Croft’s next big journey, a AAA title in development at Crystal Dynamics using Unreal Engine 5. While remasters of the classic PS1 games and crossovers have kept the franchise alive, it’s been years since a new mainline entry, and the wait for this ambitious project is nearing its peak. Though we’ve only seen concept art of the “Unified Lara,” clues suggest the game is closer than ever, with rumors pointing to a possible 2026 release tied to the series’ 30th anniversary.
A now deleted Reddit post, captured in screenshots and shared by VideoGamer on their website, sparked speculation about the game’s release window. The leak claims Crystal Dynamics is aiming for May 2026, but there’s a catch: launching alongside Grand Theft Auto VI could spell trouble, potentially forcing an earlier release or a delay. The rumor also hints at a special fan event on February 14, 2026, to celebrate the franchise’s 30th anniversary, where the game’s first reveal might happen. Alternatively, a debut could occur at The Game Awards in December 2025.
A 2026 release feels realistic, especially with the 30th anniversary milestone in October 2026. An Embracer Group report further supports this, mentioning an unnamed AAA title—likely Tomb Raider—pushed to fiscal year 2026/27 for extra refinement. The report compares its expected sales to Kingdom Come: Deliverance II, which sold over 3 million copies by May. Embracer also noted an external partner aiding development, suggesting Crystal Dynamics is pulling out all the stops.
However, a May 2026 launch seems risky due to GTA VI’s dominance. An earlier release feels unlikely since no gameplay has been shown, while a fall 2026 date could align with the anniversary but risks clashing if GTA VI delays to summer or fall. The game faced hurdles, including a major creative overhaul in summer 2023 and layoffs in September 2023, which cut 17 staff. Crystal Dynamics’ work on Perfect Dark might also stretch resources, but Amazon Games VP Christoph Hartmann said in August 2024 that development is on track.
The leak also claims the game isn’t called Tomb Raider 12 internally, despite blending all Tomb Raider timelines, with the Survivor Trilogy (2013-2018) as Lara’s official origin. Interestingly, Camilla Luddington won’t return to voice Lara. Beyond this, the rumor mentions two major video game crossovers planned for 2025, alongside the recent Dead by Daylight collaboration, though details on these partnerships remain unclear.
These details come from unverified sources, so skepticism is warranted. What’s certain is that Crystal Dynamics, with Amazon Games as publisher, is crafting a single-player adventure that unifies Lara’s legacy. Stay tuned for updates, as a reveal could be just around the corner, possibly at The Game Awards or the rumored 2026 fan event.
Source : VideoGamer