Yamatai is the island where Lara searches for the Sun Queen in Tomb Raider (2013). Lara and the Endurance crew reach the storm-shrouded island while looking for the lost Japanese kingdom associated with Himiko.
The island is inspired by the historical and legendary Yamatai, a polity mentioned in ancient Chinese and Japanese sources. In the game’s fictionalized story, Yamatai is isolated by dangerous weather and surrounded by archaeological mysteries. Lara must explore its forests, settlements, cliffs, bunkers, and tombs while trying to rescue her companions.
Yamatai is sometimes confused with Himiko, who is the Sun Queen connected to the island’s mythology, or with Solarii, the cult occupying the island. Kitezh is another lost city from the next main game, Rise of the Tomb Raider, not the setting of the 2013 title.
The island setting supports the reboot’s survival focus. Weather, scarce supplies, hostile groups, and difficult terrain are as important to the adventure as the archaeological discoveries.