# Tier Upgrades

## **Upgrade Paths**

Tier upgrades are **one-way and permanent**. You can never downgrade.

- **Crew** → Clique *or* Cartel (skipping Clique is allowed)
- **Clique** → Cartel only
- **Cartel** → no further upgrades (maximum tier)

Only the **Owner** or **Co-Owner** can initiate a tier upgrade.

## **How the Cost Is Calculated**

The system calculates what you *would have paid* for your current levels at the target tier, then subtracts what you already paid at your current tier. You pay only the difference — a catch-up payment.

- Upgrading at **level 0** before buying any levels is the cheapest time to upgrade.
- The more levels you have already purchased, the higher the catch-up cost, because higher tiers have steeper per-level pricing.

Payment uses the same 50/50 split as level-ups: half from **gang bank money**, half from **gang credits**. Both must be sufficient to proceed.

## **Getting a Quote**

Preview the exact cost before committing:

- The **Tier Upgrade** panel inside the in-game gang menu