While no update has been officially announced, an unexpected leak on Steam has reignited speculation around Tomb Raider 1-3 Remastered. Fifteen new achievements, mysteriously appearing then withdrawn, could well announce a new difficulty mode or a surprise update.
Shared on Reddit, this intriguing list was captured in time by attentive fans. Their code name, TRX:CR, and their descriptions suggest a new “Challenge Run” system, which would revolutionize the way Lara Croft’s iconic levels are replayed.
A Steam achievement list removed immediately
It all started with a post published on the r/TombRaider subreddit. The user Quicksafe1 shared a screenshot showing 15 achievements titled “TRX:CR”, accompanied by very specific descriptions. They have since disappeared from Steam, reinforcing the credibility of an update in preparation or a DLC being finalized.
These successes represent varied challenges: completing a level in less than 3 minutes, eliminating all enemies underwater without diving, or even completing a course without killing anyone or losing a single life point. A clear way to revisit old levels with modern constraints.
CR mode: a redesigned difficulty system?
The recurrence of the abbreviation “CR” in successes is intriguing. Everything suggests that it is an acronym for “Challenge Run”, a game mode imposing specific conditions on each level. Some achievements also specify difficulty levels (CR10, CR15, CR30), as well as deactivated bonuses or handicaps, such as increased enemy damage.
This system would be reminiscent of the “mutators” already seen in other remasters, allowing the games to be rediscovered from a more strategic, even punitive, angle. Nothing suggests that these are new levels strictly speaking, but rather an overhaul of the difficulty on existing levels.
Aspyr and Crystal Dynamics remain silent
At this time, neither Aspyr nor Crystal Dynamics have commented on this leak. No updates or DLC have been confirmed. But the timing is troubling: the Definitive Edition has just been released on Switch 2, and the remasters of episodes 4 to 6 have already been announced. A free update to revive players’ interest in the first remastered parts would not be surprising.
If this CR mode sees the light of day, it could appeal to players looking for a challenge, and breathe new life into these classics.
Something new coming for all platforms?
At this point, achievements have only been seen on Steam. There is no guarantee that the update will be available on all consoles, but Tomb Raider 1-3 Remastered having been released on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and Switch, players can look forward to a global rollout.
Now we just have to wait for an official statement. In the meantime, Lara Croft fans have every reason to dive back into their old saves.