Skip to main content

Long read: How TikTok's most intriguing geolocator makes a story out of a game

Where in the world is Josemonkey?

If you click on a link and make a purchase we may receive a small commission. Read our editorial policy.

How Rise of the Tomb Raider's microtransactions work

Buy packs of Expedition Cards for mission modifiers.

Xbox timed-exclusive Rise of the Tomb Raider includes microtransactions for blind packs of game-modifying cards.

Expedition Cards are used in modes outside of the main campaign to select new aesthetic options such as costumes or a Big Head Mode, as well as gameplay-changing items such as better armour or perks.

For example, one card gives you higher bullet resistance, while another lets you bandage yourself without using resources.

Rise of the Tomb Raider is set to include a Score Attack mode, where gameplay is all about chaining together attacks and movements to keep building a score multiplier.

Then there's Remnant Resistance, where you can replay Hub areas with Expedition Card modifiers and a choice of objectives and enemies. Beating your version of the mission then lets you challenge friends to try it too, and best your score.

Browse your modifiers...
...select your choices...
... then play your creation.

Expedition Card packs are bought with credits, which can be earned in-game. Or you can also buy the packs separately with real-world currency.

Packs contain common cards, which can be used a single time, and foil cards, which can be used repeatedly.

300 cards will be available when the game launches on 10th November and more will be added over the following four months.

There will also be a Rise of the Tomb Raider season pass, which will add an "extreme" Endurance Mode, a new tomb and a wave-based mode.

Watch on YouTube

Read this next