No. You can start Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis without playing any earlier Tomb Raider game. The publisher says the reimagining is designed for newcomers as well as longtime fans, and Nintendo’s listing explicitly welcomes people new to Lara’s world. Play older games only if you want extra context about Lara or the series.
Why you can start with Legacy of Atlantis
Legacy of Atlantis is a reimagining of Lara Croft’s 1996 debut adventure, not a continuation that requires you to catch up on a long sequence of plot events. Lara searches for pieces of the Scion across locations including Peru, Greece, Egypt, and a Mediterranean island. The publisher describes the game as intended for “aspiring raiders” as well as longtime fans (official announcement).
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Nintendo’s official listing likewise says the game is for veterans or people “new to Lara’s world” (Nintendo product listing). Those statements make the practical answer clear: no prior game is a stated prerequisite.
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The developers have described the Survivor trilogy as an origin-story prequel to the original game. That trilogy consists of Tomb Raider (2013), Rise of the Tomb Raider (2015), and Shadow of the Tomb Raider (2018). In a June 2026 interview, Crystal Dynamics’ game director Raul Siqueira said the team wanted Legacy of Atlantis to reflect the Lara who went through the Survivor era and grew into the character seen in the new game (Xbox Wire interview).
#1 Best Overall
- See the Classic & Remastered Visuals: Play with the original polygonal models or swap to the remastered graphics at any time.
- Travel the Globe: Follow Lara Croft around iconic locales including Cairo, Rome, Paris, and many more!
- Experience Lara’s Darkest Adventures: Uncover the secrets of Lara Croft’s past and shed light on the mystery of her disappearance.
- Languages: Voice: English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese (Brazil), Polish, Russian, Japanese, Korean; Subtitles: English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese (Brazil), Polish, Russian, Japanese, Korean, Chinese (Simplified).
That makes the trilogy optional background for people curious about Lara’s more recent origin-story context. It does not make those games required homework. The available official statements do not establish a mandatory play order or settle every continuity relationship across the series.
Choose an optional route based on what you want
| If your goal is… | Optional route | What it adds |
|---|---|---|
| Play the new game with no catch-up | Start with Legacy of Atlantis | No earlier game is required. |
| Get more context for the Lara shaped by the recent origin-story era | Play the Survivor trilogy: Tomb Raider (2013), Rise of the Tomb Raider (2015), then Shadow of the Tomb Raider (2018) | Background on the era developers say informs Lara in Legacy of Atlantis; this is an optional suggestion, not a mandated order. |
| Compare the reimagining with its source adventure | Play the original Tomb Raider (1996) | A direct point of comparison for Lara’s debut; it is not needed to understand the new game. |
Release date and platforms
The publisher’s preorder announcement lists Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis for February 12, 2027, on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Steam/PC, and Nintendo Switch 2. It also announces Standard, Deluxe, and Collector’s editions, with physical editions—including the Collector’s Edition—available at select retailers (official preorder announcement). Retailer stock, prices, and exact availability can vary; the announcement does not establish Amazon availability.
Rank #2
- Live the critically acclaimed, cinematic action adventure, re built specifically for next gen consoles
- Survive high octane combat, customize Lara's weapons and gear, and overcome grueling environments to uncover the island's deadly secret
- See Lara Croft like never before, with every bead of sweat, strand of hair, and article of clothing delivered in obsessive detail
- Endure a stunningly re imagined island, fraught with new, unforgiving storms, and alive with motion
- Own the complete Tomb Raider experience with all of the DLC, including the Tomb of the Lost Adventurer, six outfits for Lara, a digital mini art book, and the digital comic " The Beginning
The Collector’s Edition contents listed by the publisher are a premium steel case, a Lara Croft vs. the T-Rex statue, a mini art book, a Croft Signet Pin, and a Triumvirate Talisman Keychain. These are edition details, not preparation players need in order to follow the game.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Reveal the Mysteries of the Past: The classic story has been expanded with deeper connections that bridge Lara Croft’s defining adventure to her future.
- Discover Extraordinary and Dangerous Worlds Lost to Time: Explore treacherous landscapes filled with ancient artifacts and hidden secrets, from the jungles of Peru to the crumbling ruins of Greece, the deserts of Egypt, and a mysterious island shrouded in myth.
- Skillfully Traverse Deadly Environments: Use Lara’s strength, agility, and grappling hook to climb, leap, and swing across perilous terrain.
- Solve Ingenious Ancient Contraptions: Manipulate water flow, redirect light beams, activate pressure plates, and decipher symbols to unseal secrets locked away for centuries. Every solution combines knowledge you’ve uncovered and clever thinking.
- Face Lethal Predators: Armed with Lara’s iconic dual pistols and other unlockable weapons, master acrobatic abilities to unleash devastating attacks against savage wildlife, mercenaries, and mythological creatures.
Rank #4
- Full game with 7 bonus missions
- 5 co-op challenge tombs
- Digital copy of original soundtrack
- All previously released outfits and skills
- New “Croft Fitness” outfit for the Tomb Raider in training
Rank #3
- Reveal the Mysteries of the Past: The classic story has been expanded with deeper connections that bridge Lara Croft’s defining adventure to her future.
- Discover Extraordinary and Dangerous Worlds Lost to Time: Explore treacherous landscapes filled with ancient artifacts and hidden secrets, from the jungles of Peru to the crumbling ruins of Greece, the deserts of Egypt, and a mysterious island shrouded in myth.
- Skillfully Traverse Deadly Environments: Use Lara’s strength, agility, and grappling hook to climb, leap, and swing across perilous terrain.
- Solve Ingenious Ancient Contraptions: Manipulate water flow, redirect light beams, activate pressure plates, and decipher symbols to unseal secrets locked away for centuries. Every solution combines knowledge you’ve uncovered and clever thinking.
- Face Lethal Predators: Armed with Lara’s iconic dual pistols and other unlockable weapons, master acrobatic abilities to unleash devastating attacks against savage wildlife, mercenaries, and mythological creatures.
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