Tomb Raider Returns In May With A Brand-New Free Game

6 days ago 12

Published Apr 17, 2026, 2:59 PM EDT

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Tomb Raider is in an excellent spot right now. There are several projects announced across multiple forms of media, and Lara Croft remains one of the most recognizable gaming icons to date. Although the series has changed hands multiple times, it seems like publishers always find a way to bring it back.

2027's Tomb Raider: Catalyst is the big question mark among fans right now. Developed by Crystal Dynamics, it's the first mainline entry in a long while, and ties into the game's older mythology. Beyond that, we're also getting Legacy of Atlantis this year, which reimagines the original Tomb Raider as a remake.

You won't need to wait much longer for another Tomb Raider project, though. Over on Reddit, fans are jacked up about a new free game taking place in the Tomb Raider universe. It's out in May, and worth checking out if you're remotely interested in the series.

Tomb Raider Catalyst Step Aside

There's Room For More

Titled Tomb Raider: Side-Scroller Edition, the free fan project is due out in May, thanks to a new announcement from the team (Delca and Trxye). Just like it says on the tin, Tomb Raider: Side-Scroller Edition imagines the classic series as a sidescroller. Multiple entries seem to be included, as are classic physics and the ability to swan dive to your death onto concrete.

As someone who grew up on the original games, I find this game shockingly accurate. The PlayStation-era audio and visual elements are authentically incorporated, and so far, it looks like a loving recreation in a whole new light. It would be fun to play this side by side with the remasters in the road leading up to the release of Catalyst and Legacy of Atlantis.

Fans are already taking to it, with one excitedly noting: "Why does this look so cute?! Totally reminds me of the old Super Mario and Sonic games! Bravo to the devs behind it! Amazing work! Can't wait to play it!"

It's A Good Time To Be A Tomb Raider Fan

It's Coming Back In A Big Way

The Tomb Raider 4-6 remaster updates the graphics for character models like Lara Croft.

Between Catalyst and Legacy of Atlantis, there's a lot to look forward to. That's not even including potential future entries, or the semi-recent set of remasters that brought the classic series back into the forefront. Tomb Raider 1–3 Remastered was just released on Switch 2 recently, and Tomb Raider 4-6 have been out for over a year.

There are also technically two shows that have been produced in the past few years, with the upcoming live-action rendition and the animated series on Netflix. Between the revivals and remasters and the new entries, Tomb Raider is riding high decades later.