The Tomb Raider: Catalyst team has shared exciting details about the game’s place in the series timeline. Game director Will Kerslake revealed that Catalyst takes place after Tomb Raider: Underworld, where Lara Croft takes on Norse mythology, wielding Thor’s hammer, Mjolnir.
“From a timeline perspective, Tomb Raider: Catalyst is set years after the events of Tomb Raider: Underworld,” Kerslake told GamesRadar+. He explained that the recent Survivor trilogy, featuring Lara’s battles against Trinity, will still serve as her origin story.
Kerslake emphasized that players will see a more seasoned Lara Croft in this new chapter. “You won’t need to have played the previous games to enjoy Catalyst,” he noted. “This adventure stands on its own, making it accessible to everyone, whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer.”
For a clear picture of where Catalyst fits in the Tomb Raider timeline, you can check out an infographic by @FeoUltima.
While Tomb Raider: Catalyst is set for release on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Steam in 2027, the upcoming Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis is set to launch next year.
Over the weekend, Camilla Luddington, who played Lara for a decade, passed the torch to Alix Wilton Regan in a heartfelt farewell post. “The Survivor Trilogy was a decade of adventure I will never ever forget,” she said. “I’m so proud of what we’ve created.”
This new direction for the series reflects changing trends in gaming. As fan expectations evolve, developers are focusing on storytelling and character development—an approach that is crucial for attracting new players. Recent studies indicate that narrative depth can significantly enhance engagement, making games like Tomb Raider more appealing across diverse audiences.
With this exciting new direction, Tomb Raider: Catalyst promises not only to bring back familiar themes but also to carve out fresh pathways in Lara’s enduring story.
