How relics work
Relics are the main artefacts of Lara Croft: Relic Run and the reason the game has its name. You hunt for them on every even-numbered campaign level. During these levels, Clues appear along the route. Each clue you pick up fills part of the meter in the top-left corner. When the meter is full, a Relic appears further along the path. Running over it collects it, ends the level and awards coins.
Each region contains 20 relics, one per relic level, for a total of 60. Relics unlock pages of Lara's journal, which tell the story of her search for Carter Bell.
If Lara dies before collecting the relic, the clues gathered in that attempt are lost unless you continue the run, for example with a Resurrection Ankh. Depending on the game version, the end-of-run screen may also offer a paid way to keep clues.
How to find relics
You don't search for relics in hidden corners. They appear on the route once the clue meter is full. What you search for is clues, and they appear on the normal path. Practical points:
- Clues appear more often when a Clue Booster power-up is active. The Clue Booster store upgrade boosts clue power and helps you find relics faster.
- The Bomber Pilot outfit line, once upgraded, increases clue frequency and Clue Booster duration.
- A Head Start (in later versions) auto-collects gems, clues and power-ups during the distance it covers.
- The number of clues needed rises with each relic, so later relic levels require longer runs.
Collecting relics efficiently
- Equip for clues. Bomber Pilot outfit, upgraded Clue Booster, and an Ankh in reserve.
- Play safe, not slow. Collect clues from safe lanes; never trade a likely crash for one clue.
- Prioritise Clue Booster pickups when you can reach them without risk.
- Glance at the meter on calm stretches only, never during a trap sequence.
- When the relic appears, stay calm. Many runs end within sight of the relic because players rush.
Relic progression
Community documentation states that 15 of a region's 20 relics are needed to advance to the next region. In practice that means you can move on without every relic, but the region-specific relic achievements (Prehistorian, Archaeologist and Relic Hunter) each require all 20 from their region.
The clue requirement for each relic has changed between game versions, which is why this site does not list exact clue counts. The level on which each relic is hunted is consistent across sources and is shown in the checklist below.
Common collection mistakes
- Treating clues like coins. Clues are worth a measured risk; coins usually are not.
- Wearing the wrong outfit. A combat outfit on a relic level costs you clues.
- Wasting Ankhs on early deaths. Use them when the meter is substantially full.
- Watching the meter mid-sequence. Most "surprise" crashes happen this way.
- Neglecting combat. Dying in a combat section loses clues just like hitting a trap.
Relic hunting strategies
The safe-collector approach
Ideal for long relic levels late in a region. Play the middle lane, collect only safe clues and rely on the Clue Booster and Bomber Pilot to make up the difference. Slower per metre, but far fewer failed attempts.
The insured push
Bring an Ankh and play a little more aggressively for clues. If you die with a nearly full meter, continue. This uses resources but saves time on levels you have failed several times.
The upgrade detour
If a relic level feels impossible, replay earlier objective levels for coins, upgrade the Clue Booster further, then return. Fewer clues needed per metre makes everything easier.
The achievement combo
Pair relic runs with cumulative achievements such as Off the Wall, It's Just Skin and Detonator. You progress both without changing how you play.
Completion guide
To collect every relic, you need to clear all 60 relic levels: levels 2–40, 42–80 and 82–120 (even numbers only). Work through them in order, because the campaign unlocks levels as you progress. Use the checklist to record each relic, and finish each region's 20 relics to earn its relic achievement.
Relic checklist
Tick each relic as you collect it. Your ticks are saved only in this browser using local storage; nothing is sent to us, and the list does not connect to your game account. Relic names are spelled as documented by fan wikis; in-game spelling can differ slightly.
Jungle Temple 0 / 20
Desert Ruins 0 / 20
Mountain Pass 0 / 20
Relics and the story
Each relic you collect unlocks part of Lara's journal. If you want to discover the story yourself, keep the spoiler below closed.
Carter Bell has not simply been captured. He is following evidence of mythical influences, leaving relics behind as he goes. The relics connect to Rahu, an evil asura who appears to be a real threat. The trail leads from the jungle to the Sahara and then to the Himalayas, where Lara uses a relic Carter left behind to contain the Oni and Rahu. Carter is still on the move at the end.