The Last Of Us Tools Complete Tool Locations And Upgrade Guide
Upgrading weapons in The Last of Us is vital for surviving tough encounters with infected and hostile survivors. While collecting weapon parts allows you to purchase modifications, your overall upgrade potential is capped by finding specific red toolboxes scattered throughout the game. Tracking down all five tool levels unlocks maximum stats for your firearms, making combat significantly more manageable.
Understanding How Tool Upgrades Function
Toolboxes are special collectible items that raise your overall tool level from one to five. You do not spend these tools when modifying weapons; instead, acquiring a toolbox permanently unlocks higher upgrade tiers at any workbench. Missing a toolbox in an early chapter means the next toolbox you discover will grant the next missing level rather than being lost forever.
Early Game Tool Locations in Bill's Town and Pittsburgh
The first set of tools is found inside Bill's armory in the church basement right next to the weapon workbench. You can collect the second level of tools inside the garage unlocked immediately after the initial hunter ambush in Pittsburgh. Securing these early upgrades gives Joel a major advantage before facing tougher encounters in urban environments.
Mid-Game Tools in The Suburbs and The University
The third toolbox rests inside the drainage sewers in the Suburbs, located in the equipment room shortly after operating the water platform. Finding the fourth set requires using a shiv to unlock a locked door at the end of the second-floor corridor inside the University's science building. Players should always save a shiv for this specific door to ensure they do not miss out on vital weapon enhancements.
Final Tool Location and Workbench Strategy
The fifth and final toolbox resides inside the large medical triage tent outside the Bus Depot. Finding this final kit allows you to max out weapon capabilities like reload speed, clip capacity, and weapon range. Players aiming for complete gear upgrades should also review comprehensive guides like to optimize their resource allocation across every chapter.