Amazon Game Studios and Crystal Dynamics have unveiled new gameplay elements for Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis, a remake of the 1996 original. Developed by Flying Wild Hog, the upcoming title will feature significant departures from its predecessor, including RPG-style skill trees, crafting, and a new 'focus' meter.
The 'focus' meter fills as Lara deals damage, takes damage, and dodges attacks. Activating it allows players to slow down time and perform acrobatic maneuvers, a system that differs from the original game where such actions were available on demand. "When I played the Survivor series [Tomb Raider 2013 onwards] and I could suddenly affect and increase Lara's power in the game, I felt much more engaged," stated design director Jason Epps, explaining the integration of RPG elements.
In addition to the focus meter, the remake incorporates a skill tree for Lara's progression and a crafting mechanic where collected herbs can be brewed into buffs for damage reduction or health restoration. Unlike the Survivor series, upgrades are not earned through experience points but by collecting artifacts scattered throughout the levels. This departure from the original game's mechanics has met with negative reactions from some members of the Tomb Raider community.
Posts on platforms like Resetera and X/Twitter express disappointment with the addition of RPG elements, with some users hoping to avoid them after the Survivor trilogy. One user questioned the narrative logic, stating, "Isn't she supposed [to be a] veteran treasure hunter in this game? Why would she be learning new skills at her age?"
The remake will also feature the iconic dual pistols, described as a "baseline" tool for Lara. Senior system designer Marcin Steliga confirmed that the game includes four distinct weapon types, each catering to different playstyles and combat ranges, designed to complement the dual pistols. These include shotguns, SMGs, and assault rifles.
This is not the first time the development of Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis has faced scrutiny; in June, the studio addressed concerns regarding the use of AI in the game's production.
Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis is scheduled for release on February 12, 2027, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC via Steam. The game was previously slated for a 2026 release.