Tomb Raider Guide | How to Use Salvage Points

Here's a guide on how to use Salvage Points in Tomb Raider.

Game Guide by Shadi on Dec 14, 2025

Salvage points serve as the main currency used to buy upgrades in Tomb Raider, and accumulating a sizable quantity is required to obtain the best upgrades.

This guide explains the goal of salvage points and how to get them.

Salvage Points' Objective

Salvage points are spent to buy upgrades, which are detailed in a later chapter. You should begin collecting these points immediately, as the most valuable upgrades require large quantities.

Tomb Raider, Guide, How to Use Salvage Points

Methods of Obtaining Salvage Points

You obtain salvage points through several primary actions. Destroying salvage crates and caches is a common method. You can search for these containers after acquiring the Pry Axe early in the game.

Each container yields between a dozen and several dozen points. Note that some salvage containers are inside bags suspended on ropes; you must first set the bag on fire, using your Torch or a Fire Arrow, to access the contents.

Opening large crates and lockers also provides salvage points. Exploring optional tombs is a highly profitable activity; reaching the treasure chest in each tomb rewards you with 250 salvage points.

You can also examine the bodies of defeated enemies for points. Examining animal corpses is possible, but only after you purchase the Bone Collector skill.

Tomb Raider, Guide, How to Use Salvage Points

Spending Salvage Points

Once you have accumulated enough, you can visit any campsite. Select the final tab to begin spending your salvage points on upgrades.

A key detail is that many upgrades are locked initially; they become available for purchase only after you obtain the specific weapon or piece of equipment they modify.

Skills That Increase Salvage

Certain skills increase the number of salvage points you receive for performing specific actions, such as destroying crates. It is helpful to unlock these skills early to maximize your point accumulation from the start of the game.

Also, check our Tomb Raider (2013) Review and Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition Review, and other guides below.