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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesNo. 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 describes it as suitable for players new to Lara’s world. Earlier games are optional context—not required homework.
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 asks you to catch up on a long sequence of games. Lara searches for pieces of the Scion across locations including Peru, Greece, Egypt, and a Mediterranean island. The publisher describes the game as designed for “aspiring raiders” and longtime fans alike: Amazon Game Studios’ announcement on Xbox Wire.
Nintendo’s official listing likewise welcomes “veteran raiders” and people “new to Lara’s world” (Nintendo’s product page). Those statements make the practical answer straightforward: you do not need a prior game to understand the intended starting point.
What earlier games add
The clearest optional background is the Survivor trilogy: Tomb Raider (2013), Rise of the Tomb Raider (2015), and Shadow of the Tomb Raider (2018). In a June 2026 interview, Crystal Dynamics developers described that trilogy as an origin story prequel to the original game, and said it informs the Lara players will meet in Legacy of Atlantis. Game Director Raul Siqueira said, “We want you to know that this is the Lara that went through the Survivor era, grew up, and became who she is in Legacy of Atlantis.” Read the Xbox Wire interview.
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#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 connection can make Lara’s background more meaningful for returning players, but the developers do not describe the trilogy as a prerequisite. The available statements also do not establish that every earlier Tomb Raider game shares one fully settled continuity or prescribe a required play order.
Choose optional preparation by what you want
| If your goal is… | Optional route | What it offers |
|---|---|---|
| Play the new game with no catch-up | Start Legacy of Atlantis | No preparation is required; the game is positioned for new players. |
| Get context for Lara’s more recent origin story | Play the Survivor trilogy: Tomb Raider (2013), Rise of the Tomb Raider (2015), then Shadow of the Tomb Raider (2018) | Background on the era the developers say informs the Lara in the new game. This is an optional route, not a mandated order. |
| See the adventure being reimagined | Play Tomb Raider (1996) | A chance to compare the new reimagining with Lara’s original debut; it is not necessary to understand the new game. |
Release information
The publisher’s June 2, 2026 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 describes Standard, Deluxe, and Collector’s editions. The Collector’s Edition is listed with a steel case, Lara Croft vs. the T-Rex statue, a mini art book, Croft Signet Pin, and Triumvirate Talisman Keychain. The publisher says physical editions, including the Collector’s Edition, will be available at select retailers; check retailers for regional availability and current stock. See the official preorder announcement.
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.
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
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