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No. 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’s listing specifically welcomes people new to Lara’s world. Earlier games are optional background, not required homework.
Why you can start with Legacy of Atlantis
Legacy of Atlantis reimagines Lara Croft’s 1996 debut adventure. Lara searches for pieces of the Scion across locations including Peru, Greece, Egypt, and a Mediterranean island. That premise revisits her first adventure rather than asking players to catch up on a long sequence of prior games. The publisher describes it as a “true reimagining” designed for “aspiring raiders” as well as longtime fans: Xbox Wire’s announcement.
Nintendo’s official listing likewise says the game is for both veteran raiders and people “new to Lara’s world”: Nintendo’s product page. Taken together, those descriptions make the practical answer clear: you do not need to know Lara’s history to begin.
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What earlier games add—and what they don’t
The clearest optional context 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, Xbox Wire describes the trilogy as an origin-story prequel to the original game. Crystal Dynamics’ developers characterize that era as Lara’s past and Legacy of Atlantis as her present; game director Raul Siqueira says the team wants the new game to reflect the Lara who went through that era. The interview provides context for returning fans, but does not call the trilogy a prerequisite: Xbox Wire’s developer interview.
#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 distinction matters: the trilogy may deepen your sense of how Lara became the character represented in the new game, but the available official descriptions do not establish that players must complete it first. Nor do they establish a required play order across every Tomb Raider game.
Choose optional preparation by what you want
- Just want to play the new release? Start with Legacy of Atlantis. No earlier game is needed.
- Want more recent background on Lara? Try the Survivor trilogy—2013’s Tomb Raider, Rise of the Tomb Raider, then Shadow of the Tomb Raider. This is an optional route based on the developers’ comments, not a mandated order.
- Want to compare the reimagining with its source adventure? Play the original Tomb Raider (1996). It is the classic reference point, but the official information does not say it is necessary to understand the new game.
Release date and platforms
The publisher’s June 2, 2026 preorder announcement lists a February 12, 2027 release for 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 includes a premium steel case, a Lara Croft vs. the T-Rex statue, a mini art book, a Croft Signet Pin, and a Triumvirate Talisman Keychain. The publisher says physical editions, including the Collector’s Edition, will be available at select retailers; that announcement does not establish specific retailer stock or regional availability: 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
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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