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Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis Gameplay Adds Modern Progression Systems
Crystal Dynamics, Flying Wild Hog and Amazon Game Studios have revealed more of how Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis is modernising Lara Croft’s original adventure, with a new developer video focusing on combat and progression.
The reimagining of 1996’s Tomb Raider is already rebuilding its environments and traversal in Unreal Engine 5, but the latest look makes clear that the changes extend well beyond visuals. Lara will now have access to skill tree progression, crafting and additional unlockable weapons alongside her signature dual pistols, giving players considerably more control over how she develops during the adventure.
Skill Trees and Crafting Give Lara More Options
Unlike the comparatively straightforward progression of the original, Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis introduces systems more familiar from modern action-adventure games.
Players will be able to invest in a skill tree to strengthen Lara, while exploration provides materials that can be turned into useful items. Crafting is not restricted to restoring health either, with temporary offensive and defensive buffs among the options available.
Lara will also gain access to at least three weapons beyond her dual pistols, expanding the ways players can approach encounters with wildlife, mercenaries and the mythological threats waiting later in the adventure. The official Steam listing already promises additional unlockable weapons alongside Lara’s acrobatic combat abilities.
Focus Lets Lara Turn Acrobatics Into an Advantage
One of the biggest additions is the Focus system. Performing well during combat builds Lara’s Focus Meter. Players can then spend that resource to launch into an acrobatic manoeuvre that briefly slows time, allowing Lara to fire while evading incoming attacks.
The developers previously explained that the mechanic was designed to preserve Lara’s distinctive movement without leaving players overly exposed during combat. Instead of simply dodging away from danger, her flips can become an offensive opportunity as well.
That gives combat a much more cinematic rhythm than the original game while retaining the acrobatic identity that has followed Lara throughout the series.
Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis Arrives in February
The game retells Lara’s hunt for the Scion across Peru, Greece, Egypt and the Mediterranean, while expanding the original story with new connections to her later adventures.
With crafting, skill progression, additional weapons and Focus joining the familiar puzzles and platforming, Legacy of Atlantis is increasingly looking less like a straightforward remake and more like a substantial reinterpretation of Lara Croft’s first expedition.
Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis launches on February 12, 2027 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2 and PC. The PC version is currently available to pre-purchase on Steam.
