Prices, upgrade costs and unlock levels have changed across versions of the game, so this guide explains what upgrades do and how to prioritise them rather than listing numbers that may no longer be accurate. Check the in-game shop for current values.
How upgrades work
Relic Run has two in-game currencies: coins, collected constantly during runs, and gems, which are rarer and are also awarded for achievements. You spend them in the in-game store on:
- Permanent upgrades that improve pickups and rewards in every run.
- Gear, items you equip or carry into runs, many of which can also be upgraded.
- Weapons, which have 10 upgrade levels each, plus optional gold cosmetic versions.
- Outfits, each with its own upgradeable bonus.
Some items unlock as you progress through the levels. A 2016 update added the option to unlock some items early, and the game also offers in-app purchases. This site only covers what can be earned through play.
Upgrade priorities
There is no single correct order, but this sequence matches the advice found across fan guides and the way the game's systems work:
- Clue Booster. Half of all campaign levels are relic hunts, and faster clue gathering shortens every one of them.
- A few Dual Pistol levels. The pistols are always equipped, and combat gets harder quickly.
- One main secondary weapon. Combat sections and bosses get much easier.
- Coin Magnet, Powerups and Coin Trails. More coins per run speed up everything else.
- Survival gear. Kevlar Vest, Medipack and Steel Toe Inserts for longer runs.
- Outfit bonuses that match your goals.
If you are stuck on combat, move weapon upgrades up the list. If you keep losing clues to deaths, prioritise Clue Booster and survival gear.
Permanent upgrades
| Upgrade | Effect | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Coin Magnet | Improves the Coin Magnet power-up, which pulls nearby coins to Lara | Coin income |
| Powerups | Improves power-ups in general | All-round value |
| Coin Trails | Makes more valuable coin types appear in trails | Coin income |
| Clue Booster | Improves the Clue Booster power-up | Relic levels |
| Ammo Cache | Improves ammo pickups for secondary weapons | Combat and bosses |
Gear and consumables
Resurrection Ankh
Continue a run after death without losing it. Best saved for long or clue-rich runs.
Head Start
Launches Lara forward at the start of a run. In later versions it also collects gems, clues and power-ups on the way.
Kevlar Vest
Protection for combat sections, reducing the damage Lara takes.
Extra Clip
Extra ammo for your secondary weapon.
Medipack
Heals 50% of Lara's health when she is about to perish in combat.
Steel Toe Inserts
Shorten the stumble after minor collisions.
Protective Aura
Tap to activate. Protects Lara from crashing for a short time; upgrades extend it.
The Supply Drop feature periodically offers free items, so check it regularly.
Weapon upgrades
Every weapon has 10 upgrade levels. The Dual Pistols are always equipped and have unlimited ammo; the secondary weapons, unlocked in order, are the Crossbow, Shotgun, Dual SMGs, Assault Rifle, Grenade Launcher and Minigun. Upgrades improve their performance; for example, Shotgun upgrades reduce pellet spread and Grenade Launcher upgrades increase the blast radius.
- Pick one secondary and push it deep before spreading coins around.
- Give the pistols some levels, because you use them in every combat section.
- Gold weapons are cosmetic. Skip them if progress is your goal.
See the Weapons & Combat guide for a profile of each weapon.
Outfit upgrades
Each outfit carries a bonus you can upgrade: the Standard outfit improves the base score multiplier, Bomber Pilot boosts clues, Biker boosts coins on vehicles, Stealth Suit reduces the chance of being hit, Area 51 adds secondary starting ammo, and Agent 47 increases Dual Pistols damage. Seasonal outfits like Santa have no upgrades.
Upgrade the outfit you actually wear. Bomber Pilot suits relic progress; Stealth Suit and Area 51 suit combat. Full details are on the Outfits & Vehicles page.
Planning your currency
- Save gems. They are scarce; spending them on early convenience leaves you short later.
- Set a goal before spending. Decide what the next purchase is for, such as a boss or relic level, and buy toward it.
- Collect achievement rewards. Many achievements give gems; see the achievements tracker.
- Use Reward Doubler offers if your version has them; added in 2018, they can double run rewards.
- Replay levels for income. Comfortable earlier levels are good for coins.
Common upgrade mistakes
- Spreading coins across every weapon.
- Spending gems on cosmetics early.
- Upgrading an outfit you don't wear.
- Using Ankhs on short, low-value runs.
- Skipping coin upgrades, which slows every other purchase.
- Ignoring Supply Drops and achievement gems.