The Tomb Raider Fan Project makes it a 2D Side Scroller

The original Tomb Raider is a popular title, and for good reason. It combines expert platforming, action and a solid story with the historic face of the franchise in the form of Lara Croft. This is why Croft was voted the most iconic gaming character of all time at the BAFTA Gaming Awards, beating other contemporaries such as Sonic the Hedgehog and Mario.

This original game is still considered a must-play, and now it's getting a unique fan project in the form of a 2D side scroller.

As first spotted by Time Extension, the project, a collaboration between Tomb Raider Remastered developers Axel “Delca” Hatté and Trxye, recasts the timeless game as a side scroller instead of the 3D action title it's known for.

In total, Tomb Raider: Side-Scroller Edition will feature 11 classic levels remastered, and the title is scheduled for release in May 2026. It will also be completely free-to-play and hosted on TRCustoms, a fan-based “website that hosts custom Tomb Raider games created by the Tomb Raider Level Editor.”

Several eras of Lara Croft sat on the modern shoulder of Laras in Tomb Raider

Happy birthday to the most important game in modern Tomb Raider history

As Tomb Raider tries to reinvent itself, it should pay attention to past successes.

It's not the only Tomb Raider-related project going on, which makes the last few months extra special for longtime TR fans.

Tomb Raider is on the rise

In addition to this fun little fan project, there is a full remake of the first Tomb Raider in the works called Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis. The title is scheduled for release in 2026, and despite several rounds of layoffs, Crystal Dynamics is still committed to the franchise.

Then there's a brand new title in the form of Tomb Raider: Catalyst. This title is expected to be released sometime in 2027. In addition, there is also an Amazon Prime live-action TV show that is expected to be released in 2027.

So yes, it's a good time to be a Tomb Raider fan.