Shadow of the Tomb Raider FAQ: Crystal Dynamics answers some questions about the game

Crystal Dynamics recently answered to some of the questions worldwide fans asked regarding the newest game in the franchise: Shadow of the Tomb Raider, answering in large sectors, from game announcement to Lara's personality and abilities, take a look down here at the Official Game FAQ.

ANNOUNCEMENT QUESTIONS

The Shadow of the Tomb Raider Ultimate Edition seems to be sold out in most major territories. Will
there be restocks?
There are not any current plans to restock the Shadow of the Tomb Raider Ultimate Edition.
However, we are evaluating if there is an opportunity to create a second run at later date.

Will the Shadow of the Tomb Raider Ultimate Edition release on PC? If not, why?
Most of our PC fans prefer to digitally download their games, and as such, we do not traditionally
create collector's editions for the platform. However, we are evaluating if there is an
opportunity to release the physical Shadow of the Tomb Raider Ultimate Edition items as a
separate purchase post-launch.

Does the Ultimate Edition come with a steelbook?
After listening to our fans, we have decided to add the steelbook to the Shadow of the Tomb
Raider Ultimate Edition for no extra cost.

Is the soundtrack in the Croft and the Ultimate editions physical or digital?
The Shadow of the Tomb Raider official soundtrack is a digital download across all editions.

Are the DLC with narrative elements tied to the main story? Will the main story finish
completely on the game?
After listening to feedback from our fans we decided to make the focus of our season
pass DLC. The narrative elements will fit into the world of Shadow of the Tomb Raider, but
were created separate from the main story.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Is Crystal Dynamics still involved in Shadow of the Tomb Raider? Is Eidos-Montréal taking the lead?
Eidos Montreal is the leading development of Shadow of the Tomb Raider, in collaboration
with Crystal Dynamics. They have been part of the reboot since TR 2013, and know the
world. This partnership has been in place for years, and we can not wait for everyone to
experience Shadow of the Tomb Raider.

What platforms will Shadow of the Tomb Raider release on?
Shadow of the Tomb Raider will release on the Xbox One, Xbox One X, PlayStation 4,
PlayStation 4 Pro, and PC September 14th, 2018.

Who is publishing Shadow of the Tomb Raider?
Square Enix is ​​the publisher of the Shadow of the Tomb Raider.

Why is Tomb Raider not releasing on Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3?
In order to deliver the best possible experience to fans, we focused our efforts on
leveraging the most powerful consoles available.

Will Shadow launch on the Switch? Will there be VR support for Shadow?
We're currently focused on launching the game on Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and PC. We
do not have anything to announce for other platforms at this time.

Will Nixxes be handling the PC port?
Yes, we are very excited to be working with the PC version of Shadow of the Tomb Raider

Will be any timed console exclusivity with Shadow of the Tomb Raider, including console exclusive content?
There will be no console-exclusive content in Shadow of the Tomb Raider

What is Shadow of the Tomb Raider's release date?
Shadow of the Tomb Raider will release worldwide on September 14.

Will Shadow of the Tomb Raider release simultaneously worldwide?
Shadow of the Tomb Raider will release on consoles at 12:00 AM local in each market on
September 14. PC downloads will become available simultaneously worldwide.

How do you get the Shadow of the Tomb Raider?
Fans who pre-order the Digital Deluxe, Croft Edition, or Ultimate Edition of Shadow of the
Tomb Raider will gain 48 hours early access. There will be an in-box voucher for physical preorder
purchasers that will enable them to download the relevant content 48 hours early. If
you pre-order a digital version, the game will unlock two days early.

RATED

What is Shadow of the Tomb Raider rated?
Shadow of the Tomb Raider's official rating is currently pending, but we expect it to share
the same rating as the previous two titles in the trilogy - M for Mature / PEGI-18.

Where can I preorder Shadow of the Tomb Raider?
You can preorder Shadow of the Tomb Raider at major retailers, as well as
TombRaider.com.

How do I find out more about special Pre-order offers in my area?
Visit TombRaider.com and select your region in order to learn more about Shadow of the
Tomb Raider pre-order offers in your territory.

Is Camilla Luddington returning to Lara Croft? What about Earl Baylon as Jonah?
Both Camilla Luddington and Earl Baylon will return as voice and performance capture
artists in Shadow of the Tomb Raider. We are very excited to have them return as Lara
becomes the Tomb Raider.

EVENTS

Will the new Shadow of the Tomb Raider be shown at E3 2018?
E3 2018 will feature world-premiere gameplay footage of the Shadow of the Tomb Raider. We
can not wait for the team at Eidos Montreal has been hard at work on!

Is Shadow of the Tomb Raider only to be shown at events on the Maya calendar?
The events on our Maya-inspired calendar are the primary shows we'll be attending. That
be said in territories around the world with our regional
offices and distribution partners. We'll share more information that becomes available!

NARRATIVE

Does the title "Shadow of the Tomb Raider" imply a darker narrative?
Lara is more driven and capable than ever before. She has lost loved ones, and will struggle
to not become the enemy she fights. She'll use guerrilla combat, cover herself in mud as
camouflage, and employ fear tactics to defeat Trinity. All of this is set against the backdrop
of a Maya apocalypse, and will define Lara as she becomes the Tomb Raider she is destined
to be.

The Shadow of the Tomb Raider marks the end of the trilogy and the conclusion of the Trinity
storyline?
Shadow of the Tomb Raider marks the end of Lara's origin story. The game is set against the
backdrop of a Maya apocalypse, and will define Lara as she becomes the Tomb Raider she is
destined to be.

What is the significance of the eclipse on the Shadow of the Tomb Raider box art?
Eclipses are significant in many cultures, and also has significance to Lara's journey and
defining moment.

Why is the tagline "Become the Tomb Raider?" Is not Lara Croft already the Tomb Raider?
While Lara has grown immensely the past two games, this is the most driven and capable
she's ever been. In Shadow of the Tomb Raider, Lara will become the Tomb Raider she is
destined to be

Where does Shadow of the Tomb Raider take place?

The demo shown at the Shadow of the Tomb Raider reveal events takes place in Cozumel,

Mexico. The remainder of the game will take place in the Amazon, more specifically, Peru.

How long after the events of Rise of the Tomb Raider does Shadow begin?

Shadow of the Tomb Raider takes place roughly one year after the events of Rise of the

Tomb Raider.

Who is writing Shadow of the Tomb Raider after Rhianna Pratchett's departure?

Our new story is handled by a team led by Jason Dozois and Jill Murray with input

from Crystal Dynamics. Rhianna was instrumental in delivering Tomb Raider's incredible

Lara's voice. We've been able to build upon this successful foundation to deliver a narrative that will showcase Lara's darkest hour, she is becoming the most Tomb Raider.

What is Jonah's role in Shadow of the Tomb Raider?

Jonah returns as Lara's loyal friend: to times he acts as a moral compass, other times he may question Lara's motives. He's always Lara's friend, but this time you'll see their friendship strained like never before.

Do Sam and Reyes return?

Sam and Reyes do not return in Shadow of the Tomb Raider. Jonah returns as Lara's loyal friend

to help her and he's needed more than ever: At times he acts as a moral compass, other times

he may question Lara's motives. He's always Lara's friend, but this time you'll see their

friendship strained like never before.

Is Shadow of the Tomb Raider meant to be a historical look at Maya civilization?

The civilizations and characters in Shadow of the Tomb Raider are fictional. The

development team used historical references as a jumping off point for the narrative, which

helps ground the events. We also worked with respectful to the culture as possible.

TRAILER

Is the Shadow of the Tomb Raider reveal CG trailer?

Yes.

Does the Shadow of the Tomb Raider reveal the feature trailer Lara's in-game model?

Yes.

Why is the Shadow of the Tomb Raider reveal trailer named "The End of the Beginning?"

The trailer's name is a play on words that represents Lara's growth as a character. This is her

defining moment on the journey to becoming the Tomb Raider, and also the final chapter of

her origin story.

Who made the Shadow of the Tomb Raider reveal trailer?

"The End of the Beginning" was created by Blur Studios in Los Angeles.

Why does Lara's hair look shorter in the game?

"The End of the Beginning" trailer features Lara's in-game model. Her hair is the same length

in both.

Why is Lara covered in mud in the Shadow of the Tomb Raider reveal trailer?

In Shadow of the Tomb Raider Lara can truly become one with the jungle and use mud as a

camouflage in order to instill fear in enemies to sow chaos

The Shadow of the Tomb Raider reveal trailer featured Lara swimming underwater. Is this an in-game mechanic?

Yes, fan-favorite underwater exploration has returned to a deadly new setting. Players will

also be able to fully explore underwater environments filled with crevasses, deep tunnel

systems, and ancient artifacts. This underwater survival is about risk reward: The further

you explore, you can find, but these spaces are full of deadly creatures and you

never know where the next pocket of air will be.

In the Shadow of the Tomb Raider reveal trailer, Lara frightens to Trinity soldier into accidentally shooting a comrade. Is this an actual gameplay mechanic?

Yes. As Lara becomes one with the jungle, she'll use guerrilla combat, cover herself in mud

as camouflage, and employ fear tactics to defeat Trinity.

In the Shadow of the Tomb Raider reveal trailer, Lara uses a rope arrow to string to Trinity soldier up a tree. Is this an in-game mechanic?

Yes. As Lara becomes one with the jungle, she'll use guerrilla combat, cover herself in mud

as camouflage, and employ fear tactics to defeat Trinity.

In the Shadow of the Tomb Raider reveal trailer, Lara can wall run, is this an in-game mechanic?

Yes. Lara is more capable than ever before

point that she is now able to wall run. These new game mechanics give the player more

ways to explore the vast world, solve puzzles, while also increasing the challenge

traversal.

In the Shadow of the Tomb Raider reveal trailer, Lara can climb on overhangs, is this an in-game mechanic?

Yes. Lara is more capable than ever before, and her climbing skills have advanced to the

point that she is now able to climb overhangs. These new game mechanics give the player

more ways to explore the vast world, solve puzzles, while also increasing the challenge of

traversal.

There is a Jaguar in the Shadow of the Tomb Raider reveal trailer. Will they be featured in the game?

Jaguars are the apex predator of the Amazon, and will be featured in Shadow of the Tomb

Raider. Similar to Siberia's bears in Rise of the Tomb Raider, these jaguars act as guardians

to the secrets within the jungle.

What is Lara afraid of becoming, as questioned in the Shadow of the Tomb Raider reveal trailer?

Lara's journey is fueled by a drive that borders on obsession, and as such, she struggles to

avoid becoming the enemy she fights in Shadow of the Tomb Raider. She questions what

type of Tomb Raider she will become.

LARA CROFT

Lara looks much stronger. Has she become more physically capable?

In Shadow of the Tomb Raider Lara is more capable and driven than ever before, and this is

reflected in her model. She is the strongest she has ever been, and prepared to do whatever

it takes to defeat Trinity.

Does Lara keep all skills learned in Rise of the Tomb Raider as she starts Shadow?

Lara will keep many of her skills she earned through her previous adventures, to reflect her

becoming a seasoned Tomb Raider.

What does Lara's Shadow of the Tomb Raider outfit say about her? It looks more militant and as if she is more prepared.

Lara is more prepared than ever at the start of Shadow of the Tomb Raider. She's brought

the best survival gear along this time, and her outfit reflects the tactical mindset needed to

keep her alive in such a brutal environment.

What is Lara's state of mind in Shadow of the Tomb Raider?

This is the end of Lara's origin story. She is more capable and driven than ever before, and

that drive borders on obsession. Lara, her friends, and at times even the player may

question her motives, as she struggles to avoid becoming the enemy she fights. 

Will Lara have two pistols at the end of Shadow of the Tomb Raider?

The narrative will redefine what it means to become a Tomb Raider. This doesn’t mean a

dual pistol wielding, classic Lara, though it will represent the most driven and capable

version of Lara Croft ever seen in the reboot.

How old is Lara at the start of Shadow of the Tomb Raider?

Lara Croft is 23 years old in Shadow of the Tomb Raider.

GAMEPLAY

How long is the game?

Shadow of the Tomb Raider will be approximately the same length as the previous two

entries.

Which engine is the team using?

Shadow of the Tomb Raider is built using the Foundation engine as a basis. This is the same

engine as Rise of the Tomb Raider, but it was dramatically enhanced by the Eidos Montreal

R&D department, and pushed to its limit during game development.

The Shadow of the Tomb Raider reveal press release mentions co-op play. What portion of the game will feature co-op?

We have an excellent DLC plan for post launch, and that will include co-op. We’ll have more

details on that at a later date.

Will there be multiplayer?

We constantly listen to what our fans are saying, as well as track what modes they play. As a

result, there will not be competitive multiplayer in Shadow of the Tomb Raider. However,

we will have details in the future on how we’ll extend the gameplay experience.

Will there be an Endurance Mode?

We will have more details on how we extend the gameplay experience at a later date.

What new game mechanics will Shadow of the Tomb Raider feature?

Lara is more capable than ever before, and her new traversal skills include underwater

exploration, rappelling, climbing overhangs, and wall running. New tools include the

makeshift knife, and Lara will become one with the jungle and utilize fear in combat to take

out Trinity as she rushes to stop the Maya Apocalypse.

Thank you for all your interest and see you next time!