While details about the gameplay and features of the new Tomb Raider game are scarce, rumors suggest that players can expect a significant departure from the traditional Tomb Raider formula. The Gate Keeper promises to introduce new elements, such as:
Despite the speculation, there has been no official confirmation from Square Enix, the developers of the Tomb Raider series, about "Lara Croft: The Gate Keeper." However, in a recent interview, the creative director of the Tomb Raider series, Jonathan Morin, hinted that the team has been exploring new ideas and concepts for the series.
No discussion of "Lara Croft the Gate Keeper" is complete without the dark fan theories that have flourished on Reddit and Tomb Raider Forums.
Even the series' puzzle mechanics hint at this theme. The 2014 co-op title Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris features a level called the "Tomb of the Timekeeper," complete with a "Retractable Spike Gate"—a physical, deadly barrier. The concept is embedded in the very DNA of the game's design; Lara is constantly overcoming "gates" in the form of complex locks, puzzles, and traps. The "Gate Keeper" role would see her creating these obstacles, shifting from puzzle-solver to puzzle-master. lara croft the gate keeper
The "Gatekeeper" discussion is part of a broader debate about Lara's identity across three main eras: Lara's creator speaks | Sony - The Guardian
The original Tomb Raider game was a massive success, with Lara's combination of brains, brawn, and beauty captivating gamers worldwide. As the series progressed, Lara's character underwent significant development, with her backstory and personality being fleshed out. Her exploits took her to various exotic locations, from ancient ruins in South America to mystical temples in Asia.
Before we delve into The Gate Keeper, let's take a brief look at Lara Croft's storied history. Created by Jeremy Heath-Smith and first introduced in 1996, Lara Croft was designed to be a strong, intelligent, and fearless female protagonist. Her debut game, Tomb Raider, was an instant hit, and she quickly became an iconic figure in the gaming world. Since then, Lara has appeared in numerous games, including Tomb Raider: Legend, Tomb Raider: Underworld, and the 2013 Tomb Raider reboot. While details about the gameplay and features of
In the 2024 Tomb Raider roadmap, Crystal Dynamics mentioned "guardian mythology" and "threshold entities." It is highly plausible that the unified Lara Croft will adopt the Gate Keeper role to explain why she doesn't simply use past artifacts to solve current problems. She can’t —because she’s the one who locked them away.
Lara Croft: The Gate Keeper will not satisfy those looking for a 50-hour epic. It is a tight, 12-15 hour conundrum box that respects the player’s intelligence. It is less Uncharted and more Myst with a side of brutal climbing.
: In her very first adventure (and its remake, Anniversary ), Lara tracks down the Scion of Atlantis. She chooses to destroy it rather than allow Jacqueline Natla to use its power to restart the Atlantean breeding mills, effectively acting as the gatekeeper of human evolution. Even the series' puzzle mechanics hint at this theme
The Legend trilogy shifted to Arthurian/Norse mythology. The "Gate" here is , the Norse underworld, where Eitr—the source of all life—floods the realm. Lara’s mother, Amelia, is trapped inside the Gate. During Tomb Raider: Underworld , Lara doesn't just open the gate to save her mother; she realizes she must keep it closed to prevent the destruction of reality. In this arc, Lara evolves from seeker to Gate Keeper, choosing the safety of the world over her personal desire.
As a skilled archaeologist and adventurer, Lara Croft possesses:
What do you think lies behind Lara’s Gate? Share your theories in the comments below, and don’t forget to check out our exclusive lore map: "The Five Gates of Lara Croft."