For millions of gamers across the globe, the name Lara Croft is synonymous with adventure. From her polygon-defined origins to her modern, cinematic reboots, the Tomb Raider franchise has carved an indelible mark on gaming history. Yet, for fans who hold a special place in their hearts for the intricate level design and precise platforming of the classic titles, the wait for a new experience in that specific style can feel like an eternity.
But now, the silence of the tombs is being broken not by a corporate giant, but by a passionate fan. In an exciting development for the community, a fan-made project called Tomb Forge is in the works, promising to deliver a custom-built engine designed specifically for creating modern levels in the spirit of the original Tomb Raider games.
The Visionary Fan and His Ambitious Project
Spearheading this ambitious venture is Tiernan Watson, an experienced developer and a self-professed mega-fan of the franchise. This isn't just a simple mod; Watson is building a brand-new game engine from the ground up, tailored to recreate the feel and mechanics that made the early Tomb Raider games so beloved.
The announcement came directly from Watson himself on X (formerly Twitter) on October 9, where he set the community abuzz with his declaration:
This official reveal was accompanied by a nearly one-minute-long teaser video that immediately resonated with fans, showcasing visuals and animations that are a loving homage to titles like Tomb Raider: Anniversary.
What Exactly is Tomb Forge?
At its core, Tomb Forge is a toolset and engine designed to empower players and creators. If you've ever dreamed of designing your own deadly tombs, complete with devious puzzles, crumbling platforms, and hidden passages, this project aims to put that power directly in your hands. It’s a return to the franchise's roots, focusing on the dungeon-crawling, exploration-heavy gameplay that started it all.
But Tomb Forge isn't just a nostalgia trip; it's a modernization effort. Watson has integrated several advanced features to bring the classic feel into a contemporary light, including:
- PBR Rendering: Physically-Based Rendering is a modern graphics technique that makes surfaces and materials like stone, metal, and water look incredibly realistic by accurately simulating how light interacts with them.
- TRA Animations: Direct import of Lara's fluid and iconic animations from Tomb Raider: Anniversary, ensuring the core movement feels authentic.
- TRAOD GMX Import: Support for importing level geometry from Tomb Raider: The Angel of Darkness, providing a foundation for creators to build upon.
This blend of old-school charm and new-school technology has the potential to create something truly special for the PC gaming community.
A Community's Answer to a Long Wait
The emergence of projects like Tomb Forge often highlights the deep dedication of a fanbase, especially during long periods of silence from official channels. While we can only speculate about what the future holds for the official franchise, with some looking for clues in articles about the next Tomb Raider game possibly exploring uncharted territory, the community is taking matters into its own hands.
Tomb Forge represents the pure, unadulterated passion that keeps classic games alive for decades. It’s a testament to the enduring design of Lara Croft's original adventures and a proof-of-concept that there is still a massive appetite for that specific style of gameplay.
What's Next for Tomb Forge?
As with any ambitious fan project, a concrete release date is still on the horizon. Development is ongoing, and Watson has hinted that more tools and features will be added as the project evolves. For now, the most important thing for eager fans and aspiring level designers to do is to keep a close eye on its progress.
Following Tiernan Watson's social media channels is the best way to stay updated. In the meantime, the community has plenty to dissect and discuss, from the technical implications of a custom engine to dreaming up their own tomb designs. And for those looking to enhance their own gaming setup while they wait, finding the right gear, like a feature-packed headset for immersive sound, will make the eventual exploration of these fan-made tombs all the more captivating.
One thing is certain: the spirit of Tomb Raider is alive and well, and thanks to creators like Tiernan Watson, Lara Croft is ready to explore new tombs, built not by a studio, but by her most devoted fans.
New project in the works! 🎉
— Tiernan Watson (@tiernanwatson) October 9, 2025
Introducing TombForge - a custom Tomb Raider game engine built from scratch for the development of modern Tomb Raider levels!
Featuring PBR rendering, TRA animations, a TRAOD GMX importer and more to come! 😁 #tombraider #gamedev pic.twitter.com/YjfvmIRAlq
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