Tomb Raider: Catalyst Unveils New Chapter Set Years After Underworld

At The Game Awards 2025, two new games in the **Tomb Raider** franchise were announced. While details about the remake of the original game are mostly clear, **Tomb Raider: Catalyst** raises several questions. For instance, is this the start of a new timeline or a continuation of an existing one?

Game director **Will Kerslake** has provided some answers. In a conversation with GamesRadar+, he revealed that the events of **Tomb Raider: Catalyst** take place several years after **Tomb Raider: Underworld**. The reboot trilogy from the 2010s is viewed here as the backstory for Lara Croft.

To recall, **Underworld** is part of a three-game narrative arc developed by **Crystal Dynamics**. This timeline also includes the 2006 release **Legend** and the 2007 **Anniversary**, which is a remake of the original **Tomb Raider**, similar to the newly announced **Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis**.

However, according to Kerslake, it’s not necessary to replay the **Legend** trilogy before diving into **Catalyst**: *“This upcoming title will mark a new chapter for **Tomb Raider**. Therefore, whether you’re a long-time fan of Lara’s adventures or a newcomer to her world, **Tomb Raider: Catalyst** is designed to be an independent experience that everyone can enjoy.”*

As for the setting, in **Catalyst**, the tomb raider journeys to northern India, where ancient secrets and the forces guarding them have emerged due to a mysterious cataclysm. Treasure hunters from around the globe flock to the region, prompting Lara to uncover the hidden truths within the ruins and stop those intent on exploiting the enigmatic power for their own purposes.

**Tomb Raider: Catalyst** is set to be released in 2027 for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series. Before that, **Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis** will launch in 2026. In both games, Lara Croft will be voiced by British actress **Alix Wilton Regan**, known for her roles as the female Inquisitor in **Dragon Age: Inquisition**, Alt Cunningham in **Cyberpunk 2077**, and Samantha Traynor in **Mass Effect 3**.