3 min read
The Tomb Raider franchise might be taking its biggest leap in 30 years. A new leak suggests that the upcoming title, Tomb Raider: Catalyst, will feature a fully-fledged, seamless open world. If true, this marks a massive departure from the series’ traditional linear or semi-open zones.
The Open World Leak
Rumours began swirling yesterday, January 28, when X user V Scooper posted a revealing screenshot. The image, taken from the game’s reveal trailer, reportedly showcases snowy mountains, jungles, and deserts all in one view. According to the leaker, this diversity implies a “single continuous map” rather than isolated regions.
This shot alone already suggests TOMB RAIDER CATALYST is fully open world
As I previously reported, snowy mountains, jungles, and deserts coexist. They’re all visible on the horizon, with landmarks. This reads as a single continuous map, not isolated regions
What do you think? pic.twitter.com/Mb2sTKlHyj
— V SCOOPER (@thevscooper) January 26, 2026
This isn’t the first time V Scooper has tipped off fans. Back in May 2024, the leaker claimed the next game would be “fully open world and set in India”. Furthermore, they reported that players would utilise Lara Croft’s motorbike and a parachute for traversal.
Currently, the official announcement trailer confirms the Northern India setting. While the video didn’t explicitly show the motorbike, it heavily emphasised Lara’s grappling hook for both combat and exploration.
Largest Tomb Raider to Date
Official comments seem to support the theory of a massive map. Following the game’s reveal at The Game Awards 2025, Crystal Dynamics Studio Head Scot Amos spoke to GamesRadar+. He confirmed that Catalyst is “the largest Tomb Raider that we’ve made to date”.
While Amos did not use the words “open world”, a seamless environment fits this description perfectly. Additionally, the trailer briefly showcased wall-running mechanics, hinting at expanded movement options.
Release Date & Fan Reaction
Tomb Raider: Catalyst is officially a sequel to Tomb Raider: Underworld. However, fans will have to wait to explore this new map. The game is currently set for a 2027 launch. In the meantime, Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis, a reimagining of the 1996 original, releases later this year.
The community reaction to the open-world news is mixed. Some fans are intrigued by the freedom. However, others worry about quality. X user Rino noted that open-world games often feel “bloated” and “lack the sense of gradual pacing for story and exploration”.
I really hope not. 9 out of 10 times, open world games tend to be bloated and fun for 3 hours stretched to 80, and most of the quests are “done one done them all”, and they lack the sense of gradual pacing for story and exploration, making everything feel more or less just one…
— Rino (@RinoTheBouncer) January 27, 2026
As always, readers should take these leaks with a grain of salt until Crystal Dynamics provides official confirmation.
