---
title: 'Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis - Official ''Combat & Progression'' Overview'
source: 'https://youtube.com/watch?v=qEuJBBbnD_k'
video_id: 'qEuJBBbnD_k'
date: 2026-08-18
duration_sec: 285
channel: 'IGN'
---

# Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis - Official 'Combat & Progression' Overview

> Source: [Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis - Official 'Combat & Progression' Overview](https://youtube.com/watch?v=qEuJBBbnD_k)

## Summary

The video provides an in-depth look at the combat and progression systems in the upcoming game 'Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis'. Developers discuss the new Focus mechanic, weapon variety, enemy design philosophy, and the return of iconic dual pistols, emphasizing a blend of acrobatics, slow motion, and strategic gameplay.

### Key Points

- **Focus Mechanic Introduced** [00:38] — A new system called Focus is introduced, where players build a focus meter by dealing damage and dodging attacks. This meter allows time to slow down, enabling acrobatic moves reminiscent of the 1996 Tomb Raider.
- **Dual Pistols as Core Identity** [01:07] — The developers emphasize that dual pistols are iconic to Lara Croft and must feel right. They are described as the 'workhorse weapon' that players will use in most encounters, serving as the baseline for combat.
- **Explosive Combat Mix** [02:01] — The combat aims to combine acrobatics, slow motion, and akimbo shooting. Four weapons are available, each suited for different ranges: shotgun for short (10-15m), SMGs and assault rifle for medium (up to 25m).
- **Fair Enemy Encounters** [02:30] — Enemy attacks are designed to be clearly telegraphed or anticipated, ensuring fairness. Players can learn enemy patterns over time to counter them effectively, becoming a 'true survivalist'.
- **Progression and Crafting** [02:58] — The game features a skill tree, herb collection, and brewing system. Players can craft foods and bandages that provide buffs like reduced damage or healing, enhancing engagement and customization.
- **Dual Pistols Only Challenge** [03:42] — Players can choose to use only dual pistols for the entire game, though it will be more challenging and time-consuming. This option allows for an 'iconic' playstyle.

### Conclusion

The video showcases a combat system that honors Lara Croft's legacy while introducing new mechanics like Focus and crafting. It promises a challenging yet fair experience, with the option for players to embrace the classic dual-pistol style.

## Transcript

can be. I just love going through the levels and taking in the surroundings, immersing myself in those worlds. But at the same time, when combat starts, it changes up dramatically. And [music] when it's on, it's really on.
sexy, self-possessed, strong, adventurous, astounding, amazing, fierce, fiery, fabulous, [music] and really, really fit. [laughter] She's in great physical shape.
>> As a player, the combat should feel agile. It should feel dangerous. >> One of our main gameplay changes to Legacy of Atlantis is we're introducing a system called Focus. The idea behind it is when you are doing actions in
when you're dealing damage, when you're dodging attacks, you are building a focus meter. Focus allows you to slow down time around you and showcase some of the things that Lara used to do in 1996. The acrobatic component of Lara
character. So, we wanted to make sure that there was a way on the sticks for that to be celebrated. As a hardcore Tomb Raider fan, I wanted dual pistols. this game, I think like one of the biggest things that we wanted to make
sure we got it right is like the pistols have to feel right. All weapons need to But if the pistols don't feel right, we are missing like a big part of what makes Lara Lara. >> This is the most iconic weapon for the
Lara. And [music] it brings great feeling of uh shooting two of pistols at the same time. >> Those are also your most iconic weapons. workhorse weapon. Yeah. because they shoot fast, they look cool, you will use
them in most encounters. They are the baseline. >> I love dual [music] pistol because this is iconic weapon for this game. >> I would just stick with them to the end of the game. My favorite.
>> So basically, we want to create the explosive mix in our game like from explosive mix in our game like from acrobatics, slow motion, and like akimba shootings. We have four weapons in the game and each weapon is focused on
from the enemies. >> The shorter distance, it's shotgun, uh >> The shorter distance, it's shotgun, uh 10 m, let's say, 15 m, it's SMGs, uh assault rifle, maybe 25. >> The encounters in the fight have to be
first of all fair. There's uh cannot be anything hidden. An incoming attack has to be clearly telegraphed or anticipated by an enemy. >> Over time, players will be able to [music] learn about those enemies,
anticipate what happens as they can read through those patterns. [music] They will be able to counter them well. That will make them a true survivalist that can combat whatever is thrown at them. When I played the Survivor series
When I played the Survivor series [music] and I could suddenly affect and increase Lara's power in the game, I felt much more engaged. We have not only a skill tree, but we also have herb uh collection and then you can brew those
into foods that give you buffs like reduced damage, but also into healing. different environments, you were getting resources. You can combine those resources to make bandages to make things that will either make you
more damage, or just heal whenever you're in peril. >> If you want to, you [music] can use two pistols throughout the entire game. Yes, it will be challenging and probably it's going to take you more time, but if you
want to, yep, you can. You can use just two pistols. If [music] you decide that you want to play with dual pistols the entire way and be iconic, [music] absolutely. >> You will have to deal with a lot on your
journey, [snorts] but Lara Coft is a capable adventurer, so I'm sure over time you will be able to deal with it. >> What makes an adventure feel truly immersive to you? Experience it in Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis. Pre-order
Raider: Legacy of Atlantis. Pre-order [music] now.
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