Tomb Raider Atlantis Ruins Long Braid Controversy Sparks Buzz

Tomb Raider: The Ruins of Atlantis was originally due in 2026, but Crystal Dynamics and Amazon Game Studios pushed it to February 12, 2027 during June’s State of Play. That delay had barely settled before Summer Game Fest showed hands-on footage, where Lara Croft’s signature long braid was noticeably shorter again, prompting immediate backlash.

This time, the argument is no longer just about whether the shorter braid works visually. In a series this old, Lara’s hair and silhouette are part of her identity, not just her styling. Some longtime fans saw the trim as a step too far, and the #BringBackTheLongBraid petition drew plenty of support. In a franchise where recognition is built on memory, visual changes can provoke sharper reactions than gameplay changes.

The final game could still ease that reaction. The game already supports multiple skin changes, including the pre-order bonus Survivor outfit and the Deluxe Edition Paris Escapee outfit. Some players noticed that the collector’s edition statue shows a short braid, while the game’s cover art and steelbook still show the long one. That has fueled speculation that hair customization may be coming. It is only a theory for now, but the mismatch is enough to keep the conversation going.

For now, the safer move is to treat this as something to watch, not a final verdict. Tomb Raider: The Ruins of Atlantis is headed to PC, PS5, and XSX|S on February 12, 2027, and more footage, interviews, and details will almost certainly follow. One clip is not enough to judge yet. The real question is how the final version handles Lara herself — whether it keeps the classic look, pairs it with a more modern presentation, and actually delivers the promised customization. Until then, the braid debate is unlikely to go away.