Crystal Dynamics confirms FromSoftware's masterpiece is reshaping how Lara Croft's next adventure approaches combat encounters.
In a revealing interview with GameSpot, Crystal Dynamics' senior creative director confirmed that the studio's upcoming Tomb Raider title is drawing heavily from Elden Ring's celebrated boss design philosophy — a move that signals a significant shift in how the franchise approaches its combat encounters.
"We've spent an enormous amount of time studying FromSoftware's work," the creative director stated during the developer roundtable. "Elden Ring, in particular, has set a new benchmark for boss encounters. From Malenia to Radahn, each fight tells its own story through mechanics, visual language, and pacing. That's the level of artistry we want to bring to Tomb Raider."
The admission has generated considerable buzz in the gaming industry. The Tomb Raider franchise, which has undergone several reinventions since its 1996 debut, has traditionally focused on exploration and puzzle-solving with combat taking a secondary role. The reboot trilogy (2013-2018) introduced survival mechanics and more visceral action, but boss encounters remained relatively straightforward compared to the intricate, multi-phase battles found in FromSoftware's catalog.
According to sources close to development, the new Tomb Raider's boss encounters will feature multi-stage combat sequences with unique attack patterns, environmental storytelling, and memorable choreography — hallmarks of the Elden Ring experience. Each major boss is expected to have its own distinct lore and visual identity, rewarding players who take the time to study their patterns and weaknesses.
However, Crystal Dynamics was quick to clarify that this doesn't mean Tomb Raider is becoming a "souls-like." "Lara is still Lara," the creative director emphasized. "We're borrowing the philosophy of making each encounter memorable — not the punishing difficulty or the specific mechanical language. Exploration, puzzles, and narrative remain at the core of what makes Tomb Raider special."
The yet-untitled Tomb Raider project is in active development at Crystal Dynamics' San Francisco studio. As FromSoftware's influence continues to ripple across the industry, it's becoming clear that Elden Ring's legacy extends far beyond its own sales numbers — it's fundamentally changing how developers around the world think about boss design.