TL;DR:
Aspyr has released a free Challenge Mode update for Tomb Raider 1-3 Remastered, adding difficulty customization, 10 new Lara outfits with stat bonuses, and 15 new achievements. The game also launched on Nintendo Switch 2 (with enhanced visuals), iOS, and Android on March 12, 2026 — and existing Switch owners get a free upgrade on March 18.
What Is the Challenge Mode Update?
Aspyr and Crystal Dynamics dropped a free Challenge Mode update for Tomb Raider I-III Remastered Starring Lara Croft on March 12, 2026, timed to coincide with the game’s big platform expansion. The update is live across all existing platforms — PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and original Switch — so there’s no need to be on new hardware to enjoy it.
The Challenge Mode lets players modify health, damage, bonuses, enemies, and more to create new challenges with endless replayability. The higher you push your challenge rating, the more you stand to unlock — which is the carrot that keeps the mode from feeling like just another difficulty slider.
This is particularly meaningful in 2026, as the franchise is celebrating its 30th anniversary. Aspyr described the update as the perfect opportunity for new and seasoned fans to mark the milestone and honor one of gaming’s most iconic heroines.
New Outfits, Achievements, and Rewards
The rewards for pushing yourself in Challenge Mode are more than cosmetic. Completing achievements unlocks additional Lara Croft outfits, each introducing gameplay modifiers that alter abilities such as movement speed, diving capability, or combat performance. Ten outfits are available across each game in the trilogy — so completionists have plenty to chase.
Each new outfit offers bonuses like the ability to run faster, dive deeper, and fight harder. On top of that, the update adds 15 new achievements spread across the trilogy, giving trophy hunters a solid reason to jump back in.
Switch 2 Version: What to Expect
A native version of Tomb Raider 1-3 Remastered has launched on Nintendo Switch 2, accessible on the eShop. While the game was technically playable via backwards compatibility before, this is a brand new version for the new console supporting enhanced resolution of 1440p at 60 FPS docked and 1080p at 120 FPS in handheld mode.
If you already own the game on the original Switch, you won’t need to buy it again. Players who own Tomb Raider I-III Remastered on the original Nintendo Switch will be able to upgrade to the Switch 2 version at no extra charge in a free update arriving March 18, 2026.
Aspyr senior producer Kay Gilmore confirmed the team welcomes the hardware challenges that come with new ports, noting that overcoming them always leads to a better player experience. It’s worth noting this isn’t the first Tomb Raider title to hit the Switch 2 — Aspyr also brought Tomb Raider 2013 to the Switch 2 late last year, with product manager Adam Hankins hinting that the Survivor trilogy’s presence on Switch 2 is just getting started.
Now Available on iOS and Android
This is also the franchise’s first ever mobile release. The mobile port is the full Tomb Raider 1-3 Remastered experience, including the three complete games and all the expansions, secret levels, Challenge Mode, and Photo Mode.
Notably, the mobile version is based on the original game code rather than the existing PC, PlayStation, Xbox, or Switch versions — an approach that let the team optimize the UI and control scheme specifically for touchscreen play. Full mobile controller support is also included for players who prefer a gamepad.
iOS and Android users can try out the first level of each game in the collection for free before purchasing. The standard price is $29.99, though a limited-time launch discount has it down to $14.99 across all new platforms (excluding PlayStation).
What’s Next for the Franchise?
Aspyr product manager Adam Hankins described the launch as a testament to the enduring strength of the franchise, and the Challenge Mode update makes clear that these old games are still evolving. Crystal Dynamics also teased that while there’s nothing specific to announce today, 2026 is already shaping up to be a big year for Tomb Raider.
If you’re into other big gaming releases right now, it’s been a busy week — Arc Raiders just pushed a hotfix after a Discord bug briefly exposed private messages, Mario Kart World saw a Bob-omb Blast mode leak on MAR10 Day, and Slay the Spire 2 quietly beat a marathon Steam launch milestone amid some developer drama.
The original Tomb Raider 1-3 Remastered launched on February 14, 2024 and was well-received at launch. With a free update this substantial — and now available on more platforms than ever — there’s never been a better time to raid a tomb or two.
