It looks like fans of Lara Croft may not have to wait much longer for her next adventure. A recent job posting from Crystal Dynamics suggests that the next Tomb Raider game development could be in its final stages — a promising sign for one of gaming’s most beloved franchises.
Job Listing Sparks Rumors of Late-Stage Development
The speculation began with a job posting on LinkedIn by Crystal Dynamics, which is seeking a Senior Level Designer with expertise in Unreal Engine. What caught the attention of fans and analysts alike is the reference to “strike teams”, which are typically employed late in a game’s production cycle to polish specific elements and fix targeted issues.
Although the listing doesn’t explicitly mention Tomb Raider, the emphasis on third-person action games and puzzle design strongly points in Lara Croft’s direction. The only other known project at Crystal Dynamics is Perfect Dark, a first-person game, making it unlikely the listing refers to that.
Tomb Raider: A Legacy in the Making
The Tomb Raider franchise, which began in 1996, has released 11 mainline titles, with the most recent being Shadow of the Tomb Raider in 2018. While Lara Croft hasn’t starred in a main game since then, she’s been featured in numerous crossover titles including Fortnite and Dead by Daylight, keeping the character in the public eye.
Given that the new Tomb Raider project has been in development for some time — and now with signs of final-stage activity — it’s possible an official announcement or teaser could arrive soon.
What This Means for Fans
If this rumor holds true, it could mean a new Tomb Raider reveal in late 2025 or early 2026, possibly targeting current-gen consoles with high-end Unreal Engine visuals and intricate puzzle design. Crystal Dynamics’ focus on quality and cinematic gameplay suggests a return to form for the series.
While the next Tomb Raider game has yet to be formally announced, all signs point to a title that’s well into development and possibly approaching the finish line. Stay tuned — Lara Croft may be back in action sooner than we think.