Lara Croft is basically the queen of gaming, but honestly, people usually forget how close we came to never having her at all. Back in 1996, the idea of a female action lead was sorta considered a death sentence for a big-budget game.
It's 2026 now.
We’ve seen the reboots. We’ve seen the movies. And now, with Sophie Turner officially stepping into the boots for the new Prime Video series and the upcoming release of Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis, the world is obsessed with the "raider of tombs" all over again. But if you think she’s just a collection of pixels and a pair of dual pistols, you’ve missed the best parts of the story.
The Mistake That Changed Everything
Did you know the original Tomb Raider protagonist was almost a guy? Seriously. Toby Gard, the lead designer at Core Design, originally sketched out a character that looked suspiciously like Indiana Jones—complete with a hat and a whip. His boss, Jeremy Smith, took one look at it and basically said, "No way, that’s a lawsuit waiting to happen."
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Gard pivoted.
He came up with a character named Laura Cruz, a tough-as-nails South American militant. But the higher-ups wanted something more "British-friendly." They literally sat down with a phone book in Derby, England, and started looking for names that sounded posh. They landed on Croft.
Lara Croft was born from a phone book.
And that legendary physique? It wasn't some grand marketing master plan. While Gard was adjusting the character model, he accidentally slipped with his mouse and increased Lara's chest size by 150%. The rest of the team saw it and told him to keep it. They knew it would sell, even if it wasn't what Gard originally intended.
Why We Are Still Talking About Her in 2026
It’s easy to look back and see a "sex symbol," but that’s a lazy take. Lara was actually way more progressive than most people give her credit for.
In the 90s, female characters were usually the ones getting kidnapped. Lara was the one doing the kidnapping—well, of artifacts, anyway. She was independent. She was wealthy but chose to live in dusty holes in the ground because she was bored with high society. She didn't have a "love interest" or a team of guys telling her what to do.
She just had her 9mm pistols and a lot of nerve.
The Evolution of the Raider
- The Core Design Era (1996–2003): This was the "tease" era. High difficulty, clunky tank controls, and a Lara who was basically a superhero.
- The Legend Trilogy (2006–2008): Crystal Dynamics took over and gave her a soul. We started learning about her mother and why she actually does what she does.
- The Survivor Trilogy (2013–2018): This was the gritty reboot. No more dual pistols (at first). Lots of mud, blood, and a bow. This Lara felt human. She felt pain.
- The Modern Era (2025–2026): We are currently in what fans call the "Unified Timeline." The upcoming game Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis (releasing later this year) is trying to bridge the gap between the cool, confident Lara of the 90s and the hardened survivor of the 2010s.
What Most People Get Wrong About the "Real" Lara
There's this weird misconception that Lara is just a female Indiana Jones. Honestly, they couldn't be more different. Indy belongs in a museum; Lara belongs in the moment.
Indy is a professor who gets dragged into things. Lara is a thrill-seeker who seeks out trouble because the alternative—sitting in a mansion sipping tea—sounds like a nightmare to her.
She isn't a hero. She's a raider.
She’s often destructive. She knocks over ancient temples and kills endangered species (remember the T-Rex in Peru?). We love her because she’s a bit of an anti-hero. She’s selfish, brilliant, and arguably the most capable person in any room she enters.
The 2026 Renaissance: What’s Actually Happening?
If you haven't been keeping up, the franchise is currently exploding. Amazon is putting a massive amount of money behind the brand. They aren't just making a show; they are building a "Tomb Raider Universe."
- The Prime Video Series: Sophie Turner (yes, Sansa Stark) is the new face. Phoebe Waller-Bridge is writing it. If you’ve seen Fleabag, you know the dialogue is going to be sharp, witty, and probably a little bit dark.
- Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis: This is the big game release for 2026. It’s a reimagining of the 1996 original using Unreal Engine 5. We’re talking about the Vilcabamba valley and the Lost City of Atlantis looking photorealistic.
- Tomb Raider: Catalyst: This one is slated for 2027 and will be an entirely new story set in Northern India.
The coolest part about these new projects? They’ve cast Alix Wilton Regan as the voice of Lara. She’s a gaming veteran (you might know her from Cyberpunk 2077 or Dragon Age), and she brings that classic British "sassing you while I shoot at you" energy back to the role.
How to Get the Most Out of the Franchise Right Now
If you’re new to the series or haven’t played since the PS1 days, you’ve got options. Don't just jump into the newest thing; the history is worth experiencing.
Play the Remasters First
The Tomb Raider I–III Remastered collection that came out recently is the best way to see where it all started. It has "modern" controls, but do yourself a favor: try the "tank" controls for five minutes. It’s like learning a musical instrument. Once it clicks, you realize the levels were designed like a giant 3D Rubik's Cube.
Watch the Evolution
Skip the 2001 Angelina Jolie movies if you want depth, but watch them if you want a fun 2000s fever dream. The 2018 Alicia Vikander movie is actually a pretty solid adaptation of the 2013 game. But the real meat is going to be the upcoming 2026 series.
Look for the Details
In the new games and shows, pay attention to the gear. The developers are moving away from the "survivalist" look and bringing back the iconic turquoise tank top and brown shorts, but with a tactical twist. It’s a nod to the fans who have been there since the beginning.
Actionable Tips for Aspiring Raiders
If you’re looking to dive into the world of Lara Croft today, here is exactly how to do it:
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- Grab the Remasters: They are usually on sale and run on basically any PC or console. Start with the first game. The T-Rex encounter is still one of the best moments in gaming history.
- Follow the Development: Keep an eye on the official Tomb Raider social channels for Legacy of Atlantis updates. The Unreal Engine 5 tech demos they’ve shown for the water physics are insane.
- Check Out the Lore: Read the Tomb Raider: The Ten Thousand Immortals novel if you want to understand the bridge between the different game eras.
Lara Croft isn't just a character; she's a vibe. She represents the idea that you don't have to stay in the box society builds for you. You can trade the mansion for the mud. You can trade the tea for the twin pistols.
And in 2026, she's more relevant than ever.
Next Steps for Your Adventure
To get fully prepared for the 2026 releases, start by playing through the Tomb Raider I–III Remastered collection to familiarize yourself with the Scion and the original Atlantis storyline. Once finished, watch the 2018 film to see the tonal shift toward realism before the new Prime Video series debuts later this year. Keep your eyes on the official Amazon Games portal for the Legacy of Atlantis pre-order bonuses, which often include classic skins for the new engine.