How to Upgrade | The Precinct Guide
Image Credits: Fallen Tree Games Ltd, The Precinct
Upgrading in The Precinct is tied directly to how well you do your job. You don’t need to grind collectibles or complete side content as the entire upgrade system runs through your performance on the streets.
Here’s how upgrades work, what you’ll need to unlock them, and which categories you should focus on first.
Read More: The Precinct Tips and Tricks
How Upgrades and Upgrade Tokens Work
Upgrades are unlocked using Upgrade Tokens, which you earn by gaining XP. You don’t get XP for just showing up; you get it for doing police work properly:
Making lawful arrests
Responding to crimes correctly
Writing tickets and citations
Completing shift objectives
At the end of each shift, you’ll be shown a performance summary. Level up, and you’ll receive one token.
Where to Spend Upgrade Tokens
Once you’ve got Upgrade Tokens, pause the game and go to the Player Menu, then open the Upgrades tab. This is where you’ll see the four skill trees:
Physical (Stamina, health, sprinting)
Combat (Gun handling, reload speed, weapon slots)
Policing (Investigation tools, faster writeups, suspect scanning)
Vehicle (Driving perks, car durability, commandeering)
Each tree is structured in a branching path. Some upgrades require you to unlock others first, so you’ll need to plan your build around your playstyle.
Upgrade Tips for New Officers
1. Get ‘Timed Breath’ early.
This Physical upgrade lets you keep running while recovering stamina, and it makes chasing suspects way easier.
2. Unlock extra weapon slots.
Under the Combat tree, you can hold more guns. Very helpful when things get out of control.
3. Focus on Commandeer.
In the Vehicle tree, unlock the ability to take civilian cars. It gives you way more mobility during shifts, especially when your patrol car is toast.
4. Improve ticket and report writing.
Policing upgrades speed up the busywork, which helps you finish missions faster and earn more XP per shift.
5. Don’t ignore health.
The Physical tree also has upgrades for health and damage resistance. These make a big difference later when you’re dealing with gang bosses and armed suspects.
How to Earn XP Faster
Don’t break the law. Using excessive force or skipping steps in arrests can cost you XP.
Complete optional objectives in each shift.
Use different tools. Breathalyzers, ticket pads, and evidence scanning all contribute to your performance.
Avoid skipping crimes. The more you handle in a shift, the more XP you rack up.
Final Blurb
If you want to rise through the ranks in The Precinct, your upgrades will come from doing your job right. Focus on clean arrests, smart upgrades, and a well-rounded loadout. Whether you're boosting your stamina or unlocking better vehicles, every decision you make out there affects how strong you get back at HQ.
FAQ
Q: How do I get Upgrade Tokens in The Precinct?
Earn XP by completing your shift objectives and handling crimes correctly. Leveling up gives you Upgrade Tokens.
Q: Can I reset or respec my upgrades?
As of now, there’s no option to respec your skill trees. Choose your upgrades wisely.
Q: What’s the best upgrade to get first?
Most players start with “Timed Breath” or the extra weapon slot, depending on whether you prefer chasing or combat.
Q: Can you unlock everything in one playthrough?
Yes, if you consistently complete crimes and don’t waste XP, you can eventually unlock every upgrade.
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