Tomb Raider: Catalyst is set years after the events of Tomb Raider: Underworld, which the series’ own headline reporting dates to 2008. The developer has not given an exact number of years or a calendar date for the story, so the placement is relative rather than precise. Game director Will Kerslake describes the new game as showing a more experienced Lara Croft, with the reboot trilogy serving as her origin story.
The chronology in the developer’s own words
Kerslake’s most direct statement on placement came in a GamesRadar+ interview published December 12, 2025. He said: “From a timeline perspective, Tomb Raider: Catalyst is set years after the events of Tomb Raider: Underworld, with the reboot trilogy serving as her origin story, so we’re seeing a more experienced Lara Croft.” Source: GamesRadar+ interview with Will Kerslake.
Two points follow from that wording. First, the gap between Underworld and Catalyst is described as a span of years, not a short sequel interval, which is why Lara is presented as more seasoned. Second, the statement places the reboot trilogy as Lara’s origin story within this framing. It does not provide a full game-by-game order or resolve every continuity detail, so readers looking for a complete unified timeline will not find one in the developer’s statement.
How the reboot trilogy fits in
The reboot trilogy, which includes Underworld, is the series’ origin arc in Kerslake’s framing. Catalyst therefore picks up the story after Lara has already been through that origin, with her skills and experience reflected in the character. The developer’s wording supports reading Catalyst as a later chapter of that arc, not a prequel and not a reset.
#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).
Do you need to play the earlier games first?
No. Kerslake also addressed newcomers directly: “But what’s important to know is that this is a new chapter in Tomb Raider. So whether you followed Lara from the start, or this is your first Tomb Raider game, Tomb Raider: Catalyst is designed to stand on its own as an adventure that can be enjoyed by everyone.” The same interview is the source for that statement.
Playing the earlier games is therefore optional background. If you want the story context Kerslake describes, the most direct predecessor is Underworld. Start there if you like playing in story order; you can start Catalyst without it.
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
Setting and premise
The official announcement, “Lara Croft Returns,” dated December 11, 2025, says Catalyst follows Lara on a new adventure across Northern India. It is set in the wake of a mythical cataclysm that has unleashed ancient secrets and awakened mysterious guardian forces. The developer’s project page describes the same Northern India setting. Source: Tomb Raider official news, “Lara Croft Returns”, and Crystal Dynamics project page for Tomb Raider: Catalyst.
The release year is not settled
Catalyst’s launch date is the one detail in the sources that conflicts, and it is the detail most likely to change. The sources differ as follows:
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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.
| Source | Date given | Platforms or context |
|---|---|---|
| Crystal Dynamics project page | 2027 | PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Steam |
| PC Gamer report, dated July 24, 2026 | 2028 | Reports that Amazon Gaming chief Jeffrey Gattis gave a 2028 window |
The later-dated report points to 2028, while the developer page lists 2027. The sources reviewed do not confirm whether the developer page has since been updated. Treat 2027 as the earlier listing and 2028 as the more recent reported window, and check the live developer page before relying on either year. The timeline answer above does not depend on the release year.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Where this leaves a new player
Catalyst sits years after Underworld, inside the reboot trilogy’s origin arc, and it is written to be played without that history. Read the story placement as relative, not dated, and use Underworld as the optional background game if you want to follow the series in order.
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
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