Tomb Raider: The Crypt of Chronos - Kickstarter launch and early gameplay details

We are Iconiq Studios, creators of the upcoming action-packed board game, Tomb Raider: The Crypt of Chronos. We are excited to reveal that this immersive new tabletop adventure launches on Kickstarter on Tuesday 27th May 2025!

You can join the pre-register page here:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1708218446/tomb-raider-the-crypt-of-chronos

Today, we’d like to share some early gameplay details with you. 

Exploration and survival

Embark on an epic quest as Lara ventures to the mysterious island of Kairos in search of the legendary Chronos Artifact — a relic said to control the very fabric of time itself.

As you explore the island, you'll navigate a series of dynamic levels, each built from unique tile combinations with their own objectives and challenges.

To succeed, you'll rely on your six Lara dice to explore locations, gather resources, and uncover the island's secrets as you hunt for the elusive Crypt of Chronos.

Every dice you assign to an action boosts its power, but each dice can only be used once per round. Will you concentrate your dice on a single powerful move or spread them across multiple actions for broader impact? The choice is yours, and strategic decisions are key to survival.

This balance becomes even more crucial when facing the tombs — puzzle-filled chambers that guard powerful rewards. Stay sharp, and the treasures of Kairos may yet be yours.

Combat and Crafting

The island of Kairos is a dangerous place, with enemies and traps lurking around every corner.

Fortunately, the game features a robust crafting system that allows you to gather resources and create an impressive array of items — including powerful weapons, specialised outfits, unique abilities, and more.

Weapons are the most efficient way to deal with enemies, but they create noise. Are you prepared to face multiple foes rushing toward you, or will you risk a quieter melee attack instead?

Outfits provide valuable buffs to aid your adventure, but you can only wear one at a time. Choose carefully to match your playstyle and objectives.

You can also craft powerful abilities, special single-use dice, and more! 

Time 

Lara is not the only one searching for the artifact… 

An old enemy, Natla Tech, has dispatched mercenaries to the island to claim the lost secret for themselves. The longer you remain on the island, the more their invasion will spread.

Take too long, and you may find mercenaries swarming your location and traps growing deadlier by the minute!

Bosses

As you search for the Crypt of Chronos, powerful boss enemies will stand in your way. We're excited to reveal the first one today — a Tomb Raider classic: the bear.

Each boss introduces unique mechanics to the game. When battling the bear, no other enemies can spawn. Instead, whenever an enemy would normally appear, the bear regains health. Defeating this beast demands careful preparation and precise timing. Hold back, gather your resources, and avoid its attacks. Then, when the moment is right — strike with everything you've got!

Game Modes

The game offers two distinct modes to immerse yourself in. 

The Adventure Book Mode provides structured, story-driven experiences, guiding you through crafted narrative scenarios that challenge your skills and strategic thinking. Each mission in this mode typically lasts 20 to 60 minutes, making it perfect for quick sessions or when you’re looking to enjoy a fast-paced adventure.

The second is a complete Island Campaign Mode - a vast, free-roaming experience on an expansive island map. This mode introduces a board filled with randomized locations and missions, offering endless surprises and new adventures each time you play. Completing the full campaign takes around 3 hours, ideal for players looking to dive into an extended, immersive journey.

With its deep variety and endless replayability, the game invites you to explore, strategize, and customize your journey, ensuring that no two playthroughs are the same.

Coming to Kickstarter

Tomb Raider: The Crypt of Chronos launches Tuesday May 27th on Kickstarter! 

We will have a lot more to show you, and some exciting surprises for the Kickstarter. 

Follow the page below to be notified on launch: 

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1708218446/tomb-raider-the-crypt-of-chronos

Collaborations

Iconiq Studios