The next Tomb Raider game is shaping up to be a major shift for the franchise, with rumours pointing to a mature, “prime” Lara Croft in a vast open-world setting.
Fresh rumours about Crystal Dynamics’ upcoming Tomb Raider game are making waves among fans. According to insider V Scooper, the new game will feature a “prime” and “mature” Lara Croft, stepping into her career’s peak. This Lara is said to be more grounded, experienced, and ready for a new kind of adventure.
What’s New in the Next Tomb Raider Game?
The game is rumoured to take place in an open-world environment, with the setting reportedly inspired by Northern India. Players can expect a mix of harsh deserts, towering cliffs, lush jungles, and icy mountains.
The story is said to revolve around Lara hunting for Ashoka’s mythical weapons, which are rumoured to grant immense power. She’ll be racing against a Society of Raiders and other rivals, all searching for these powerful relics.
One of the most exciting details is the focus on forming alliances and learning the importance of teamwork. The game is said to introduce a new feature where players can recruit teams and allies to help in missions. This could mean Lara isn’t just a lone adventurer anymore, as she’ll be directing allies and making strategic decisions in certain situations. There’s also talk of non-lethal options, giving players more choices in how they approach challenges.
TOMB RAIDER game
— V SCOOPER (@thevscooper) November 11, 2025
EXCLUSIVE tentative details
It has been reworked to improve the characters
Lara's portrayed at her prime, her career's peak. Hunting Ashoka's mythical weapons that grants conquest power
The open world has harsh deserts, cliffs, abundant jungles & icy mountains https://t.co/5Rs00NhDWk pic.twitter.com/1FC9BVzCTS
Gameplay, Exploration, and Story
The open world is expected to offer a more agile and expressive traversal system, with fans hoping Lara’s classic acrobatics will make a return. The only confirmed drivable vehicle is a motorcycle, but there’s speculation that Crystal Dynamics might add more options.
The emphasis on exploration and agility suggests a return to the series’ roots, but with a fresh twist.
The narrative is said to be more mystical, with the stakes and the world around Lara leaning into the fantastical. The game’s direction is pointing toward a more strategic approach, with players able to direct allies and make tactical decisions. This could mean a deeper, more immersive experience, where Lara’s maturity and experience play a key role in how the story unfolds.
For now, V Scooper believes the game is in the final phases, including polishing, but it’s unclear if it will be revealed at The Game Awards. The timing is interesting, as The Legend of Lara Croft Season 2 is premiering on Netflix the same day, December 11. The anime is designed to unify the timelines for the next game, allowing Crystal Dynamics to continue beyond the Survivor trilogy.
Despite recent layoffs at Crystal Dynamics and Amazon, the game is still moving forward. Fans are also looking forward to a live-action Amazon Prime series starring Sophie Turner as Lara Croft. While Turner isn’t the unanimous choice among fans, she has promised that “Lara is in very safe hands.”