The ongoing season of Call of Duty has taken players on an unexpected journey, featuring quirky additions like playable dogs, the return of Snoop Dogg as a World War II veteran, and even the chance to embody Nicki Minaj in Modern Warfare 2 and Warzone. Now, as Season 5 unfolds, fans are in for yet another surprise: Lara Croft from Tomb Raider is joining the ranks as a new Operator.
Last week, Activision and the developers behind Call of Duty gave players a teaser about Lara’s appearance in the game. However, it was on Monday that they unveiled her in-game model.
The depiction is striking, capturing the essence of the original 1996 Lara Croft design while infusing a modern touch. This portrayal is notably more realistic compared to her recent appearances in games like Fortnite and Tomb Raider Reloaded.
A Glimpse into the Past and Present
The in-game model for Lara Croft channels a classic vibe with her iconic outfit, signature braid, trusty backpack, and her trademark dual pistols. This rendition also features the determined expression that fans associate with the character.
While it diverges from the battle-hardened Lara seen in the Survivor trilogy (comprising Tomb Raider, Rise of the Tomb Raider, and Shadow of the Tomb Raider), it does incorporate a significant detail from that era: Lara’s jade pendant necklace, a symbol of her archaeological endeavors.
This hybrid portrayal of Lara has sparked speculation among fans. Some wonder if this design might influence her appearance in the next Tomb Raider game. Crystal Dynamics, the developer behind the franchise, is collaborating with Amazon Games for a new installment that aims to blend the timelines of the Survivor era with the original Core Design-developed games. This upcoming game, created using Epic Games’ Unreal Engine 5, holds much promise.
Lara Croft’s New Adventure
No matter what the future holds, Lara Croft is set to make her debut as an Operator in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 and Warzone on September 9. Accompanying her entry is the Tracer Pack: Tomb Raider Bundle, featuring the Ice Ax melee weapon, the Mythic Defender SMG, and the Mach-5 dual pistols as weapon blueprints. The bundle also includes cosmetic items like a vehicle skin named “Tomb Buggy.”
Lara Croft isn’t alone in her arrival. Joining her in Call of Duty’s eclectic roster are two Operators in the guise of anthropomorphic bunnies (MC Hips and MC Hops), rapper 21 Savage, and a unique skin for the Operator Fender that adds a touch of humor to the battlefield.
As the gaming world anticipates Lara’s next adventure in Call of Duty, players are in for an exciting journey on September 9 when she takes her place in the action-packed universe.
