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Your friendly guide to all skills, gear, and weapon upgrades in Tomb Raider (2013). Learn how to earn XP, unlock new abilities, and master Lara's arsenal to survive Yamatai.

So, you're diving into Tomb Raider (2013) and want to make sure Lara's kitted out right? Awesome! Let's break down how you can best upgrade her skills, gear, and weapons. Think of this as your buddy helping you figure out the best way to tackle Yamatai. First things first, how do you get stronger? By earning Experience Points (XP). You'll see a shield-shaped meter on your screen fill up as you play – completing objectives, solving puzzles, finding collectibles, and taking down enemies all contribute. Once that meter is full, you earn a Skill Point. Each Skill Point lets you unlock one new skill for Lara. There are three main skill categories: Brawler, Hunter, and Survivor. You start with access to the basic 'Rookie' tier skills in each. Once you've bought seven Rookie skills in any category, you'll unlock the next tier, 'Hardened'. Buy fourteen skills, and you'll gain access to the 'Specialist' tier. Let's look at what each category offers: ### Brawler Skills This tree is all about Lara getting up close and personal. You'll learn to take hits, blind enemies, and use that trusty climbing axe like a pro. | Skill | Tier and Requirments | Description | |---|---|---| | Pain Tolerance | Rookie | Withstand more punishment in combat and live to fight another day. | | Dirty Tricks | Rookie | Cleverly use dirt and rocks to blind your enemies and leave them vulnerable to your attacks. | | Axe Strikes | Hardened | Deliver two swift strikes with the climbing axe to stun your enemies. | | Axe Expert | Hardened (Requires Axe Strikes) | Use your climbing axe to deliver a deadly, stunning blow to your enemies. | | Dodge Counter | Hardened | After dodging an enemy, stab them in the knee with an arrow to cripple him and leave him vulnerable to a killing blow. | | Dodge Kill | Hardened (Requires Dodge Kill) | Skillfully dodge lightly armored opponents and strike them at close range to kill them instantly. | | Dodge Kill Mastery | Specialist (Requires Dodge Kill) | Striking after dodging becomes even more deadly, allowing you to kill almost any enemy. | ### Hunter Skills If you prefer a more ranged approach, the Hunter skills are for you. Focus on your bow, carrying more ammo, and getting extra rewards for your kills. | Skill | Tier and Requirments | Description | |---|---|---| | Steady Shot | Rookie | A focused mind allows you to aim deadly shots with your bow. | | Ammo Capacity | Rookie | Efficient use of bags and pockets allows you to carry more ammunition. | | Heavy Lifter | Hardened (Requires Ammo Capacity) | Your increased strength allows you to carry more ammunition. | | Accomplished Killer | Hardened | Eliminate your enemies with finesse to earn greater awards. | | Bow Expert | Specialist | Stab enemies with your arrows at close range for extra rewards. Also unlocks headshot reticle. | | Pistol Expert | Specialist | Execute enemies at point blank range for more rewards. Also unlocks headshot reticle. | | Rifle Expert | Specialist | Unload your rifle at close range to brutally finish enemies and earn bonus rewards. | | Shotgun Expert | Specialist | Blast enemies with the shotgun at close range to stop them in their tracks and earn extra rewards. | ### Survivor Skills These skills help Lara be more resourceful and aware of her surroundings. You'll get better at finding resources, recovering ammo, and spotting hidden items. | Skill | Tier and Requirments | Description | |---|---|---| | Animal Instincts | Rookie | Keen observation allows you to spot hard-to-find animals and food sources. | | Survivalist | Rookie | Earn extra rewards when looting animal corpses and food caches. | | Advanced Salvaging | Rookie | Thoroughly search crates and caches to find extra salvage. | | Bone Collecter | Rookie | Carefully looting animal corpses will reward you with extra salvage. | | Arrow Retrieval | Rookie | Resourceful archers can recover arrows from bodies of enemies and prey. | | Scavenging | Rookie (Requires Arrow Retrieval) | Spotting hidden pockets on enemy corpses will reward you with extra ammunition. | | Climber's Agility | Hardened | (Description not fully provided in source text) | This guide covers the skills, but remember to also keep an eye on your gear and weapon upgrades as you find salvage and parts throughout the game. Mixing and matching skills will really help you tailor Lara to your playstyle!