Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis Reveals New Lara Croft Design, Prompting Player Discussion
The upcoming game *Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis*, a remake of the 1996 original, showcased a closer look at Lara Croft during the June 2026 State of Play. This new design for the iconic character has generated significant discussion among players and critics since its initial reveal at The Game Awards in December. Reactions to Lara Croft's appearance have included terms like "anti-woke" and "yassified," with ongoing debates concerning her perceived femininity and physical attributes.
Crystal Dynamics provided a closer look at *Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis* during the June 2026 State of Play showcase. This title is presented as a second remake of the original 1996 *Tomb Raider* game. The new design for protagonist Lara Croft has become a central topic of discussion within the gaming community.
The character's updated appearance was first revealed at The Game Awards in December, immediately drawing varied reactions from players and critics. Comments have labeled her look as "anti-woke" and "yassified." Specific criticisms have included observations that her arms are not muscular enough, she wears eyeliner, and she possesses a curvy body. Conversely, some discussions have also emerged regarding the size of her breasts.
Historically, Lara Croft's design has undergone multiple interpretations. The original 1996 character featured eyeliner, dark lipstick, an unnatural hip-to-waist ratio, and polygonal breasts, which were noted as being designed to appeal to men. In contrast, her appearance in the 2013 reboot trilogy included eyeliner and lipstick, and the 2018 installment, *Shadow of the Tomb Raider*, faced complaints about Lara being too muscular. The Netflix animated series *Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft* depicted a more masculine Lara with thick biceps and a less curvy waist.
For *Legacy of Atlantis*, Lara Croft's design is described as having a traditionally attractive face and body, without appearing unnatural or unattainable. Her shorts are no shorter than in the 1996 version, her tank top is modest, and her footwear is practical, without the inclusion of "jiggle physics." This iteration features less blush and eyeliner compared to her 2018 appearance, with thick eyelashes aligning with current beauty trends. The discussions surrounding her appearance often center on her perceived femininity.
The debate over Lara Croft's physical presentation has been a recurring theme throughout the franchise's history. According to GameSpot, the character's allure is a canonical and vital aspect of her femme fatale persona.
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