Legacy of Atlantis Combat and Progression Deep Dive: How Crystal Dynamics and Flying Wild Hog Are Reimagining Classic Tomb Raider

Crystal Dynamics and Flying Wild Hog have shared an official overview of the combat and progression systems in Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis, their remake of the original 1996 Tomb Raider. The mid-August video showed how the teams are modernizing Lara Croft’s classic style of fighting while adding systems from the more recent Survivor trilogy. The game launches on February 12, 2027.

Release date, platforms and price

Legacy of Atlantis is coming to PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC and Nintendo Switch 2. The Standard Edition costs $59.99 and includes the Survivor Outfit as a pre-order bonus. The Deluxe Edition costs $69.99 and adds 48-hour early access from February 10, the Parisian Fugitive Outfit and post-launch story DLC. A Collector’s Edition with a steel case, T-Rex statue, art book, pin and keychain has also been announced, with its price still to be confirmed.

How combat works

The centerpiece is Focus, a meter-based ability that slows down time so Lara can land precise shots, similar in spirit to Red Dead Redemption 2’s Dead Eye. Focus builds by dealing damage, taking damage or dodging. It is also tied to the acrobatic flips and aerial moves from the original PS1 game, which return as part of combat rather than just movement.

Lara has four main weapons designed for different ranges: her iconic dual pistols, a shotgun, an SMG and an assault rifle. The developers say players can stick with the classic dual pistols for the whole game if they want the traditional feel.

How progression works

Progression borrows from the Survivor trilogy, which ran from Tomb Raider in 2013 to Shadow of the Tomb Raider in 2018. There is a skill tree, and a crafting system that, according to Gamereactor, includes brewing potions from herbs for temporary buffs. Design director Jason Epps has indicated the skill tree does not force players away from the classic style: “If you decide that you want to play with dual pistols the entire way and be iconic, absolutely.”

Separate difficulty settings for combat and puzzles also return from Shadow of the Tomb Raider, so players can make fights easier without simplifying puzzles, or the reverse. New tools include a grappling hook for traversal and puzzles, and an archaeological scanner for studying artifacts.

Reimagining a franchise pillar

Legacy of Atlantis is the second official remake of the first Tomb Raider, after Tomb Raider: Anniversary in 2007. The game’s director has described the goal as finding a middle ground between respecting the 1996 original and modern design. Early fan reaction to the skill trees and crafting has been mixed, with some players arguing an experienced adventurer like Lara should not need to unlock abilities.

Why it matters

The combat and progression reveal shows Legacy of Atlantis is a substantial reimagining rather than a straight remaster. The separate difficulty sliders and optional reliance on dual pistols mean both long-time fans and newcomers can shape the experience.

For players deciding between editions, the Deluxe Edition’s early access and story DLC are the main extras; the Standard Edition covers the full game.