Skills

Skills are a feature in the Survivor Timeline, beginning with Tomb Raider.

Skill points are earned by earning experience points (XP), which can be earned through combat (With bonus XP awarded for headshots, stealth kills and executions), hunting, Exploration, raiding tombs, collecting artifacts (with bonus XP awarded for examining them closer) and story progression.

Tomb Raider

Skills can be upgraded at camps by spending skill points. Each skill takes one skill point to master (unlock).

Skill Levels

Depending on how many skill points have been spent so far, Lara will have a skill level. Each skill requires a certain skill level to unlock. The skill levels are as follows:

Tier	Name	Number of skill points required
1	Rookie	0
2	Hardened	7
3	Specialist	14

Passive skills: Reaching Hardened allows Lara to use her Climbing Axe as a melee weapon.

Skill Trees

Skills are divided into three categories: Survivor, Hunter, and Brawler.

Survivor

Survivor skills are more passive skills that are mostly to do with traversal, exploration and looting.

Skill	Tier	Description	Use	Icon
Animal Instincts	1	Keen observation allows you to spot hard-to-find animals and food sources.	Press [Survival Instinct] to activate Survival Instincts to see animals and food glow.
Survivalist	1	Earn extra rewards when looting animal corpses and food caches.	Loot animal corpses and food caches for extra XP.
Advanced Salvaging	1	Thoroughly search crates and caches to find extra salvage.	Collect extra salvage from crates and other sources.
Bone Collector	1	Carefully looting animal corpses will reward you with extra salvage.	Collect salvage when looting animal corpses.
Arrow Retrieval	1	Resourceful archers can recover arrows from the bodies of enemies.	Loot an enemy or animal killed with the bow to retrieve arrows.
Scavenging	1	Requires Arrow Retrieval. Spotting hidden pockets on enemy corpses will reward you with extra ammunition	Loot an enemy corpse and receive extra ammunition.
Climber's Agility	2	Increase your climbing skills to traverse the environment with more speed and resist falling damage.	Press [Scramble] when landing from a hard fall to reduce damage - also increases climbing speed.
Orienteering	2	Use your keen perception to find hidden rewards in the environment.	Press [Survival Instinct] to see collectibles glow.
Cartography	3	Orienteering required. All tomb entrances and map locations will be revealed on your map	Examine your map closely to learn locations of treasure maps and tomb entrances.

Hunter

Hunter skills are used to increase Lara's skill with her ranged weapons.

Skill	Tier	Description	Use	Icon
Steady Shot	1	A focused mind allows you more time to aim deadly shots with your bow.	Hold charged bow shots for double the time.
Ammo Capacity	1	Efficient use of bags and pockets allows you to carry more ammunition.	Increases total extra ammunition you can carry for all weapons.
Heavy Lifter	2	Ammo Capacity required. Your increased strength allows you to carry the maximum amount of ammunition.	Maximizes total extra ammunition you can carry for all weapons.
Accomplished Killer	2	Eliminate your enemies with finesse to earn greater rewards.	Earn extra XP with headshots, Finishing moves and stealth kills.
Bow Expert	3	Stab enemies at close range with your arrows for extra rewards. Also unlocks headshot reticule.	Press [Melee] while using the bow to finish stunned enemies with an arrow.
Pistol Expert	3	Execute enemies at point blank range for more rewards. Also unlocks headshot reticule.	Press [Melee] to finish stunned enemies with pistol and earn bonus XP.
Rifle Expert	3	Unload your rifle at close range to brutally finish enemies and earn bonus rewards.	Press [Melee] to finish stunned enemies with the rifle and earn bonus XP.
Shotgun Expert	3	Blast enemies with the shotgun at close range to stop them in their tracks and earn extra rewards.	Press [Melee] to finish stunned enemies with the shotgun and earn bonus XP.

Brawler

Brawler skills are used to increase Lara's proficiency, in melee combat, and maximum health.

The Brawler skill tree isn't unlocked until the player reaches the Base Camp at the Base Approach.

Skill	Tier	Description	Use	Icon
Pain Tolerance	1	Withstand more punishment in combat and live to fight another day.	Take more damage before dying.
Dirty Tricks	1	Cleverly use dirt and rocks to blind enemies and leave them vulnerable to your attacks.	Press [Scramble] to scramble and then [Melee] to throw dirt in enemies' eyes to blind them briefly.
Axe Strikes	2	Deliver two swift strikes with your climbing axe to stun your enemies.	Tap [Melee] twice to stun enemies in close range with two swift axe strikes.
Axe Expert	2	Axe Strikes required. Use your climbing axe to deliver a deadly, stunning blow to your enemies.	Press [Melee] to finish stunned enemies with the axe.
Dodge Counter	2	After dodging an enemy, stab them in the knee with an arrow to cripple them and leave them vulnerable to killing blow.	Press [Scramble] to dodge them, then press [Melee] to stun enemies with an arrow to the knee.
Dodge Kill	2	Dodge Counter required. Skillfully dodge lightly armored opponents and then strike them at close range to kill them instantly.	Press [Scramble] to dodge them, then press [Melee] to kill enemies without helmets.
Dodge Kill Mastery	3	Dodge Kill required. Striking after dodging becomes even more deadly, allowing you to kill almost any enemy.	Press [Scramble] to dodge them, then press [Melee] to kill almost any enemies.

Multiplayer

The Multiplayer offers a variety of different skills, all of which are passive in nature; once selected, they are always active.

Offensive Skills

Skill	Description	Unlock Level	Icon
Accomplished Killer	Increases the experience gained from killing enemies.	0
Increased Ammo Capacity	Increases the amount of ammo carried	2
Harder Hits	Increases melee attack damage.	8
Spite	Upon death your corpse becomes an explosive trap.	10
Eagle Eye	Greatly increases the default passive detection range of enemies on screen.	16
Rancor	See the name of your last killer from further away, so long as they remain in line of sight.	21
Second Wind	Reduces the recovery time between sprints and allows you to sprint longer.	27
Speedloader	Increases reload speed for the crossbow, and all firearms.	35
Steady Shot	Increases stability duration with drawn bows, and accuracy with all other weapons.	43

Survival Skills

Skill	Description	Unlock Level	Icon
Advanced Looting	Increases the amount of ammo and salvage recovered from player kills and crates.	0
Thick Skin	Reduce damage taken from shotgun pellets, but useless against bullets.	4
Pincushion	Reduces the damage taken from arrows.	6
Grenadier	Greatly reduces the damage taken from explosives.	12
Bulletproof	Reduces the damage taken from bullets.	14
Fireproof	Greatly reduces the damage taken from fire.	18
Tracker	Allows you to detect all enemy traps in your line of sight, disarm them, and steal those matching your loadout.	24
Lightfoot	Stepping on traps or landmines will not automatically trigger them.	31
Rejuvenation	Reduces the health recovery delay after taking damage, and speeds overall healing.	39

Rise of the Tomb Raider

The skill XP and skill system returns in Rise of the Tomb Raider, featuring than double the number of skills.

In addition to unlocking skills by spending skill points, some skills are rewarded for completing challenge tombs.

Brawler

Skill	Tier	Description	Use	Icon
Thick-skinned	1	Take less damage from enemy gunfire and melee attacks. Effect is cumulative with the HEART OF STONE skill.	Passive
Iron Hide	1	Take significantly less damage from explosions and fire.	Passive
Dodge Counter	1	Incapacitate unarmored enemies while dodging with a well-timed press of the [Melee] button.	Press [Scramble] to dodge them, then press [Melee] to stun enemies with an arrow to the knee.
Efficient Killer	1	Enemies killed while in stealth will be automatically looted for resources.	Press [Melee] on unaware enemies to stealth kill them.
Duelist Reflexes	1	Increased timing window available for DODGE COUNTER and earn extra XP when successfully performing a DODGE KILL	Passive
Fast Healer	1 (Unlocked via Challenge Tomb)	Bandage wounds more quickly. Effect is cumulative with the FIELD MEDIC skill.	Press [Heal] to recover health.
Inner Strength	1 (Unlocked via Challenge Tomb)	Health is instantly restored once per combat encounter when critically injured.	Passive
Deadly Force	2	Stealth finishers are much faster and kill enemies with brutal force. Press [Melee] to kill nearby, unaware enemies.	Press [Melee] on unaware enemies to stealth kill them.
Stealth Landing	2	Landing from jumps and drops is always silent and generates no noise for enemies to detect.	Passive
Dodge Kill	2	Kill unarmored enemies during a DODGE COUNTER with a perfectly-timed press of the [Melee] button.	Press [Scramble] to dodge them, then press [Melee] to kill enemies with an arrow to the head.
Death From Above	2	Knife kill foes instantly when leaping down on them from above.	Press [Melee] to attack when indicator prompt appears.
Field Medic	2	Bandage wounds more quickly. Effect is cumulative with the FAST HEALER skill.	Press [Heal] to recover health.
Heart of Stone	3	Take significantly less damage from enemy gunfire and melee attacks. Effect is cumulative with the THICK SKINNED sill.	Passive
Adrenaline	3	Resist damage from enemies for a short period of time after a successful stealth kill.	Press [Heal] to recover health.
Dodge Kill Mastery	3	Instantly kill armored enemies with a perfectly-timed press of the [Melee] button during a DODGE COUNTER.	Press [Scramble] to dodge them, then press [Melee] to kill enemies with an arrow to the head.
Silent Killer	3	Stealth kill enemies without alerting nearby foes.	Press [Melee] on unaware enemies to stealth kill them.
Strong Medicine	3	Resist damage from enemies for a short period of time after bandaging wounds during combat.	Press [Heal] to recover health.

Hunter

Skill	Tier	Description	Use	Icon
Arrow Retrieval	1	Gain a chance at recovering arrows when looting enemies killed with a bow.	Press [Action] to loot the bodies of enemies and animals killed with the bow.
Breath Control	1	Increase steady aim time on bow charged shots.	Hold [Aim] and [Fire]
Scavenger	1	Increase the amount of ammunition looted from enemy corpses.	Press [Action] to loot the bodies of enemies.
Animal Instincts	1	Animals glow when using Survival Instincts. Larger animals leave footprints and blood trails that are easy to follow.	Press [Survival Instincts] to highlight animals.
Master of the Land	1	Reveal when exotic animals are nearby and pinpoint their location using Survival Instincts.	Press [Survival Instincts] to highlight animals.
Anatomical Knowledge	1 (Unlocked via Challenge Tomb)	Sense the location of animal hearts using Survival Instincts for a chance of inflicting massive damage. Does not apply to bears or large cats.	Press [Survival Instincts] to highlight animals' hearts for instant kills.
Geologist	1 (Unlocked via Challenge Tomb)	Mining ore vines yields more MAGNESITE and can also recover CHROMITE ORE.	Press [Action] at deposits of magnesite.
Double Shot	2	Simultaneously fire up to two arrows at separate locked targets while zoomed-in with a fully drawn bow.	Aim charged shots over multiple enemies to tag them, and release to execute both enemies.
Nerves of Steel	2	Fully charged bow aiming remains steady for significantly longer.	Hold [Aim] and [Fire].
Dead Eye	2	A headshot indicator will appear when successfully aimed over an enemy's head.	Aim charged shots over enemy's head.
Finesse	2	Earn bonus XP for successively chaining headshots, stealth kills, or DEATH FROM ABOVE kills. Longer chains increase bonus multipliers.	Chain together stealth kills.
Naturalist	2	Increase the amount of natural crafting resources gathered from each source.	Press [Action] to loot natural resource deposits.
Survivalist	2	Increase the amount of man-made crafting resources gathered from each source.	Press [Action] to loot crates.
Ancient Abilities	2 (Unlocked via Challenge Tomb)	Quickly fire two successive arrows without delay. Cannot be used simultaneously with DOUBLE / TRIPLE SHOT.	Tap [Fire] after shooting the bow for a rapid second shot.
Triple Shot	3	Simultaneously fire up the three arrows at separate locked targets while zoomed-in with a fully drawn bow.	Aim charged shots over multiple enemies to tag them, and release to execute three enemies.
True Shot	3	Locked shots for TRIPLE SHOT now automatically target heads instead of bodies.	Aim charged shots over enemies to tag them for multiple head shots.
Bow Expert	3	Execute a close range bow finisher and improve chances of looting special arrows from enemies. Press [Melee] to finish an incapacitated enemy.	Press [Melee] while wielding any bow to execute an incapacitated enemy.
Pistol Expert	3	Execute a close range pistol finisher and improve chances of looting hollow-point bullets from enemies. Press [Melee] to finish an incapacitated enemy.	Press [Melee] while wielding any pistol to execute an incapacitated enemy.
Rifle Expert	3	Execute a close range rifle finisher and improve chances of looting grenades from enemies. Press [Melee] to finish an incapacitated enemy.	Press [Melee] while wielding any rifle to execute an incapacitated enemy.
Shotgun Expert	3	Execute a close range shotgun finisher and improve chances of looting incendiary shells from enemies. Press [Melee] to finish an incapacitated enemy.	Press [Melee] while wielding any shotgun to execute an incapacitated enemy.
Classically Trained	3 (Found in The Orrery)	Increase the number of arrows that can be rapidly shot without redrawing from the quiver to three.	Double tap [Fire] after shooting the bow to rapidly fire.

Survivor

Skill	Tier	Description	Use	Icon
Rapid Crafting	1	Faster crafting of throwable objects and ammo when on the run.
Resourceful Combatant	1	Enemies killed or knocked out from crafted handheld objects yield more XP.
Incendiary Bombs	1	Craft explosive bombs from red gas cans and deadly proximity mines from enemy radios.
Lightfoot	1	Land safely without damage from substantial heights. Press [Scramble] to roll when landing.
Avid Learner	1	Earn bonus XP from Survival Caches, Documents, Relics and Challenges.	Press [Action] to interact with collectibles.
Eye for Detail	1	Find Challenge objects more easily using Survival Instincts.	Press [Survival Instincts] to see challenge objects shine.
Iron Grip	1 (Unlocked via Challenge Tomb)	Climbing on rock and ice surfaces is significantly faster.
Crafting Mastery	2	Craft large capacity ammo and resource pouches at base camps and increase the amount of ammo crafted on the run.
Body Trap Specialist	2	Craft traps on enemy corpses that detonate a deadly poison gas cloud when investigated.
Grenadier	2	Craft explosive grenades for the rifle grenade launcher that inflict heavy damage and destroy metal barriers.
Hollow-Point Bullets	2	Craft high-damage pistol bullets that expand on impact for increased lethality.
Dragonfire Shells	2	Craft incendiary shotgun shells that wreak havoc by lighting enemies on fire and igniting other flammable objects.
Demolitions Expert	2	Advanced techniques give all crafted handheld items an increased detonation radius.	Passive
Bright Eyes	2 (Unlocked via Challenge Tomb)	Sense traps when nearby (automatically triggering a Survival Instincts glow).	Passive
Natural Instincts	2 (Unlocked via Challenge Tomb)	Reveal where nearby natural crafting resources are located, both on the map and while using Survival Instincts.	Press [Survival Instincts] to see crafting resources shine.
Arrow Climber	3	PRESS [Melee] mid-jump to jam climbable broadhead arrows into soft wood surfaces.
Intuitive	3	Survival Instincts shows nearby relics, docs, monoliths, and strongboxes - even through solid walls. Crypt entrances are revealed on the map.	Press [Survival Instincts] to see everything.
Napalm Arrows	3	Upgrade fire arrows to increase the range of the fire burst that erupts on impact.	Passive
Death Cloud Arrows	3	Increase the size and duration of the poisonous cloud created by poison arrows.	Passive
Cluster Bomb Arrows	3	Upgrade grenade arrows to disperse additional explosives on impact.	Passive
Greek Fire	3 (Unlocked via Challenge Tomb)	FIRE ARROWS and MOLOTOV COCKTAILS do more damage and burn armored enemies.

Shadow of the Tomb Raider

Seeker

Exploration and observation abilities.

Skill	Cost	Description	Use	Icon
Eagle's Sight	1 Skill Point	Reveal Artifacts, Monoliths, Treasure Chests, Archivist Maps and Explorer Backpacks while using Survival Instincts.	Press [Survival Instincts] to see everything.
Illipa's Sight	1 Skill Point	Locate the heart of a large animal while using Survival Instincts. Heart shots inflict massive damage.	Press [Survival Instincts] to see hearts.
Owl's Meal	1 Skill Point	Gain the ability to harvest Dart Poison and venom from Spiders and Beetles. Harvesting requires Makeshift Knife.
Hoatzin's Step	1 Skill Point	Reduce noise from jumps, landings and falls.	Passive
Owl's Wisdom	2 Skill Points	Reveal Challenge objects while using Survival Instincts.	Press [Survival Instincts] to see challenge objects.
Viper's Nest	2 Skill Points	Increase the amount of man-made crafting resources gathered from each source.	Passive
Eye of the Eagle	Story Reward	Perception plants allow the sensing of animals and natural resources throughout the environment.
Owl's Vision	2 Skill Points	Survival Instincts last for a longer period after Lara starts to move. Highlights enemies, resources, and objects in "One With the Jungle" difficulty.	Press [Survival Instincts] to see everything.
Crow's Cunning	2 Skill Points	Reveal Traps while using Survival Instincts.	Press [Survival Instincts] to see traps.
Eagle's Grasp	2 Skill Points	Increase the chance of finding rare animals.	Passive
Hoatzin's Hunger	Challenge Tomb Reward	Increase the amount of natural crafting resources gathered from each source.	Passive
Eagle's Wing	2 Skill Points	Increase chances of recovering arrows when looting enemies and animals killed with a bow.	Press [Action] to loot bodies.
Eye of the Eagle III	3 Skill Points	Perception plant effects last longer.	Passive
Eye of the Eagle II	3 Skill Points	Boost the potency of Perception plants, adding the ability to sense human enemies.	Passive
Crow's Charm	3 Skill Points	Negotiate better prices from Merchants.	Passive
Sip's Quiver	Challenge Tomb Reward	Loose up to three arrows without pulling from the quiver.
Eagle's Perch	Challenge Tomb Reward	Increase speed when climbing.	Passive
Crow's Hoard	3 Skill Points	Large capacity ammunition and resource satchels now available to purchase from merchants.	Passive
Eagle's Talon	Story Reward	While on a branch, use a Rope Arrow to kill and string up an enemy.
Eagle's Talon II	3 Skill Points (Story Reward)	While on a branch, use a Rope Arrow to kill an enemy and hide their corpse in the canopy.

Unlocked in New Game+

Eagle

Skill	Tier	Description	Use	Icon
Eagle Sight	4 Skill Point	Increase zoom factor for all weapons.	Passive
Eagle Perception	4 Skill Point	Increase range of Survival Instincts and Perception.	Passive
Owl's Feast	4 Skill Point	Harvest more resources from Spiders and Beetles.	Passive

Warrior

Combat and weapon abilities.

Skill	Tier	Description	Use	Icon
Puma's Rest	1 Skill Point	Increase precision by holding Charged Shots for a longer time.	Hold [Aim] and [Fire].
Raposa's Threat	1 Skill Point	Visual assistance when aiming at an enemy's head.	Passive
Raposa's Drop	1 Skill Point	Reduce damage when falling from heights.	Tap [Scramble] on impact to roll, and take no damage at all.
Howler's Speed	1 Skill Point	Never slip when grabbing ledges. More reaction time for traps and grappling enemies.	Passive
Raposa's Wit	2 Skill Points	Unlocks next weapon upgrade level.	Passive
Puma's Charge	2 Skill Points	Reach full draw weight more quickly. Reduce time between Charged Shots.	Passive
Jaguar's Fear	Story Reward	Craft fear Arrows. Send enemies into a panic, causing them to fire wildly.
Jaguar's Fury	2 Skill Points	Resist damage from enemies for a short period after performing a Stealth Kill Takedown.	Press [Melee] on unaware enemies to stealth kill them.
Puma's Brace	2 Skill Points	Resist damage from enemies for a short period of time after healing wounds in combat.	Press [Heal] to recover health.
Kinich Ahau's Boon	Challenge Tomb Reward	Health is instantly restored once, when near death in battle. Refreshes between encounters.	Passive
Puma's Feint	2 Skill Points	Incapacitate unarmored enemies with a counter attack after dodging.	Press [Scramble] to dodge enemies, then press [Melee] to kill them.
Jaguar's Paw	Challenge Tomb Reward	Increase chance to knock enemies down with melee attacks.
Howler's Troop	3 Skill Points	Loose arrows simultaneously at two locked targets.
Sip's Strike	Challenge Tomb Reward	Increase Charged Shot damage against armored enemies.
Jaguar's Dread	3 Skill Points (Story Reward)	Fear Arrow effects last for a longer period of time.
Heart of the Jaguar	2 Skill Points (Story Reward)	Endurance mixtures reduce damage from enemy melee and ranged attacks.
Heart of the Jaguar II	3 Skill Points (Story Reward)	Endurance mixture potency boosted. Reduce damage from fire and explosions, and increase breath capacity when swimming.
Howler's Troop II	3 Skill Points	Loose arrows simultaneously at three locked targets.
Heart of the Jaguar III	3 Skill Points (Story Reward)	Endurance mixture effects last for a longer period of time.

Unlocked in New Game+

Jaguar

Skill	Tier	Description	Use	Icon
Jaguar Rage	4 Skill Point	Gain damage resistance for a short time, after any kill.	Passive
Jaguar Strength	4 Skill Point	Enemies take longer to recover when knocked back or knocked down.	Passive
Jaguar's Intimidation	4 Skill Point	Enemy accuracy is slightly decreased for a short time after witnessing a Takedown.	Passive

Scavenger

Crafting and stealth skills.

Skill	Tier	Description	Use	Icon
Serpent's Skin	Story Reward	Apply mud as camouflage. Remain concealed in mud and vegetation-covered walls, and reduce detection by enemies when moving across open spaces.
Serpent's Strike	1 Skill Point	Perform a Stealth Kill Takedown without alerting nearby enemies.	Press [Melee] on unaware enemies to stealth kill them.
Caiman's Speed	1 Skill Point	Increase speed when swimming.	Passive
Boa's Coil	1 Skill Point	Automatically loot enemies killed by a Stealth Takedown.	Press [Melee] on unaware enemies to stealth kill them.
Huracan's Mantle	Challenge Tomb Reward	Reduce damage from fire and explosions.	Passive
Serpent's Fury	2 Skill Points	Kill a second enemy during a Stealth Takedown to perform a Chained Takedown.
Caiman's Breath II	Challenge Tomb Reward	Increase breath capacity when swimming underwater. Stacks with Caiman's Breath.
Caiman's Breath	2 Skill Points	Increase breath capacity when swimming underwater. Stacks with Caiman's Breath II.	Passive
Anole's Needle	2 Skill Points	Vestige outfits require fewer resources to restore to glory.
Viper's Snare	2 Skill Points	Craft Lure Traps on enemy corpses. Attract and kill nearby enemies with a shrapnel explosion when triggered.	Press [Action] to booby trap the bodies of enemies.
Viper's Lure	2 Skill Points	Craft Lure Arrows. Attract and kill nearby enemies with a poison cloud when triggered. Obscure lines of sight.
Serpent's Glint	2 Skill Points	Adds a Flare Round attachment to all pistols. Flare Rounds ignite unarmored enemies, and blind surrounding enemies for a few seconds.
Boa's Blow	3 Skill Points	Craft Concussive Shells. Temporarily stuns enemies. Useful for returning to concealment.
Viper's Venom	3 Skill Points	Craft Poison Grenades. Kill nearby enemies and obscure lines of sight.
Caiman's Heart	Challenge Tomb Reward	Health regenerates more quickly.	Passive
Scales of the Serpent	2 Skill Points (Story Reward)	Use Focus plants to improve reaction responses and slow down time when aiming.
Scales of the Serpent II	3 Skill Points (Story Reward)	Focus mixture effects last for a longer period of time.
Serpent's Fangs	3 Skill Points	Flare Rounds and Concussive Shells stun enemies for a longer period of time.
Scales of the Serpent III	3 Skill Points (Story Reward)	Focus potency boosted for increased Focus Time when aiming.

Unlocked in New Game+

Serpent

Skill	Tier	Description	Use	Icon
Serpent's Rage	4 Skill Point	Perform a Chained Takedown when two nearby enemies are stunned.	Passive
Viper's Cunning	4 Skill Point	Lure Traps are upgraded to an Incendiary Bomb, and attract multiple enemies.	Passive
Serpent Evasion	4 Skill Point	Enemies are less accurate at determining your location after return to concealment.	Passive

Trivia

• The Decision to include skills as a rewards for completing challenge tombs in Rise of the Tomb Raider was possibly a response to the online communities making jokes about the fact ancient Tombs would contain parts for modern weaponry, as is the case in Tomb Raider.