By Jacob Miller | Sep 22, 2025
In 2022, audiences were able to revisit the story of Tomb Raider 1-3 Remastered, the updated collection of the original PS1 trilogy. Later in the year, Tomb Raider 4-6 remastered were released to close out another chapter of the original saga. It appears that the remaster focus is now shifting to the remastered Tomb Raider: Anniversary.The Legacy of Tomb Raider: Anniversary
As stated in the title, Tomb Raider: Anniversary was remade to honor the ten year anniversary of the franchise. It was a remake of the original Tomb Raider released in 1996, with a modern rendition of gameplay and aesthetics to return audiences to Lara Croft looking for the Scion of Atlantis. Players traversed tombs and ancient ruins while fighting and solving puzzles along the way.
Though the game was heralded by critics and fans alike for the tribute to the legacy in the original while showcasing modern programming for more recent and updated technology, sales were below what publishers had hoped. In short, Tomb Raider: Anniversary was the least-selling main entry in the franchise (though it was well regarded). However, with its potential return on PS4 and PS5, there is a chance for the new players to enjoy the remake and for veteran players to replay the title while being given new experiences with trophy support.
Hints From PlayStation Network
Hints that highlight the game’s revival have surfaced in recent months through changes in the PlayStation Network. A newly created Trophy list for Tomb Raider: Anniversary has been created, with 26 trophies, including a platinum trophy. The Trophy list highlights the success of completing story events and also having players accomplish unique things like becoming a statue and collecting large amounts of Medipacks.
While Sony has not announced any official date for release, seeing a Trophy list implies that the game may be on the way. In the past, when titles had full Trophy lists, they were more or less confirmed when they were on the PlayStation Store.
If Anniversary does get produced, it will be another way the franchise has become available again on current generation consoles. It will also be the second component of the Tomb Raider: Legend trilogy to appear on PlayStation’s modern console after Legend. It would only leave Tomb Raider: Underworld, or the closest analog, behind.
Similar to Legend, the Anniversary port will be somehow involved in PlayStation’s Premium tier in PlayStation Plus for subscribers to experience Lara Croft's previous quests without a purchase. Looking Ahead for Tomb Raider.
The announcement of Tomb Raider: Anniversary arrives at a time when the long-term future of the franchise is uncertain. Over the past several years, almost every release has been remasters or re-releases. The last original full game was 2018’s Shadow of the Tomb Raider, wrapping up the modern reboot trilogy that began in 2013. Since then, fans have been waiting for signs of a new adventure.
The series has continued to move beyond games, as Amazon has begun work on a Tomb Raider television series with Sophie Turner, known widely for her television celebrity from Game of Thrones, playing the role of Lara Croft. This, at least, bodes well the gaming side of the character's future may be vague, but Lara’s relevance in popular culture lives on via networking television series.
To fans of the franchise, a potential re-release of Anniversary means more than a remaster. It’s a celebration of the roots of a franchise that has influenced enough action-adventure titles to fill entire sections of a gaming shelf. Developers understood fans have played many a remake in the past and wanted to ensure the missions of Lara Croft continue to bridge generations of gamers.
Why Fans Care
Fans’ excitement for the possible return of Anniversary isn’t just built on a sense of nostalgia. There is a chance for players to play it again with some enhancements and improvements. Playing your favorite classic on a modern console is an improved experience from its predecessor.
Games like Anniversary play better with a smoother performance, trophy challenges, and ease of access through PlayStation Plus. An anniversary might also serve as a perfect kick-off for places like Game Pass to introduce young players to the global franchise, especially those younger players who only knew the reboot trilogy existed.
This new release allows that audience a chance to play through the story beat that started a worldwide phenomenon, even if it is a version of a remake.
The timing of the Anniversary potential release continues the recent culture cycle of remasters. Remasters of PS1 and PS2 games are already available on modern consoles, which would mean fans were due for another game at the time. Anniversary is the logical next piece to tackle into the timeline, possibly followed by Underworld.
For players to have nearly every classic chapter prior to any new directions, all on today’s consoles, would be a massive welcome as any future game continues to change and carry on from classic story elements from the originals.
A Step Back for More
While fans wait to hear if the next original game is going to be realistic, re-release the game like Anniversary makes sure the franchise remains relevant in gaming discussions. Even while future generations may never play the game that came before them, they would at least benefit from having an accessible library of the game.
Whether this is framed as an independence of gaming history or as a bridging point to look ahead, likely confirming a return of Tomb Raider: Anniversary gives players an opportunity that can be cherished by all players who care, whichever way the framework is framed.
The likely return of Tomb Raider: Anniversary brings a game back that feels like its spirit: adventure, discovery, and danger of one of the most, or if not the most, enduring gaming icons, until the next big step is clear and proven.
