PEAK: 20 Best Beginner Tips and Tricks (July 2025)

Just crash-landed on a mysterious island with nothing but your wits and a rapidly draining stamina bar? I've been there, and let me tell you - PEAK doesn't mess around. After helping countless scouts reach the summit (and watching even more plummet to their doom), I've compiled the ultimate beginner's guide that'll transform you from a clumsy climber into a peak-conquering machine.

Whether you're playing solo or with your chaotic squad of up to four players, these battle-tested tips will save your life more times than you can count. Trust me, after selling over 2 million copies in just 9 days, PEAK has proven it's more than just another climbing game - it's a test of friendship, patience, and your ability to not eat all the team's food like a "greedy piece of lard" (as one Steam reviewer eloquently put it).

1. Master the Helping Hand Technique

When I first started playing PEAK, I didn't realize how game-changing the helping hand mechanic was. Simply hold down the right mouse button when you're above a teammate, and you'll extend your hand to pull them up without them using any stamina. This isn't just a nice gesture - it's often the difference between success and watching your friend fall into the abyss.

Pro tip: The player with the most stamina should always climb first, then help others up. This strategy becomes crucial in later biomes where every bit of stamina counts.

2. The Crouch Jump Boost is Your Secret Weapon

Here's a technique that'll blow your mind: the crouch jump boost. One player crouches, another jumps on their back, then the crouched player stands while the other jumps. You'll hear a satisfying "sproingy" sound effect, and the jumping player launches into the air without using stamina.

I've used this countless times to reach ledges that seemed impossible. It's especially useful when the fog is closing in and you need that extra height fast.

3. Plan Your Route Like Your Life Depends On It (Because It Does)

PEAK isn't a race - it's a puzzle. Before you start climbing, take a moment to analyze the terrain. Look for:

• Multiple ledges for stamina recovery
• Natural resting spots
• Alternative paths in case your first choice fails
• Routes with ropes or chains (they use less stamina)

Remember, when "The Fog Rises" message appears, you better have a solid plan or you'll be joining the ghost squad real quick.

4. Your Second Stamina Bar is for Emergencies Only

Think of your second stamina bar (the yellow one) as your emergency brake. When your first bar depletes while climbing, your speed tanks dramatically. But if you've got that second bar active, the slowdown won't hit as hard.

Keep energy drinks or bottled water handy to maintain that second bar, but only use it when absolutely necessary. I've seen too many beginners burn through both bars on easy climbs and have nothing left for the tough sections.

5. Identify Poisoned Food Before It's Too Late

Not all berries are created equal in PEAK. Poisoned items have subtle visual differences:

• Green berries = Always poisonous (rookie mistake #1)
• Purple or green tinge on other foods = Poisoned
• Slightly different texture = Suspicious

When you find a berry bush, show each berry to your teammates. It takes a few seconds but beats dealing with poison halfway up a cliff.

6. The Backpack Dilemma: Light and Fast vs. Prepared

That backpack you find at the start? It's both a blessing and a curse. Yes, it gives you four extra inventory slots, but it also reduces your stamina bar.

My strategy: In multiplayer, only one person carries the backpack. The others stay mobile and can scout ahead or escape the fog faster. The island has plenty of food if you know where to look.

7. Cook Everything (Yes, Even Energy Drinks)

This tip changed my game completely: you can cook literally any consumable item to increase its effectiveness. Mushrooms, berries, trail mix, even energy drinks - throw them on a campfire or portable stove for better healing properties.

Just don't cook your rope or tools. Trust me, a cooked rope is about as useful as a chocolate teapot.

8. Bridges Will Betray You

Some bridges in PEAK are held together by hopes and dreams. If a bridge starts creaking or wobbling, that's your cue to move fast. Don't stop to admire the view or wait for teammates - cross quickly and don't look back.

I've lost count of how many times I've seen players fall because they trusted a sketchy bridge too much.

9. Loot Every Single Piece of Luggage

Luggage scattered across the island contains lifesaving items like:

• Antidotes (for when you inevitably eat the wrong berry)
• Rope aids (for impossible climbs)
• Energy drinks (stamina saviors)
• Medkits and bandages (essential for ancient chests)

Use the middle mouse button to ping luggage for your team. Sharing is caring, especially when someone's about to die from poison.

10. Ancient Chests Require Payment in Blood

Those mysterious ancient chests? They hurt when opened, taking a chunk of your health. But here's the thing - medkits and bandages aren't just for healing; they're your keys to these chests.

Always have healing items before opening ancient chests. The mythical items inside are often game-changers.

11. Master the Biome-Specific Hazards

Each biome has unique challenges:

• Shores: Sea urchins (poison) and jellyfish (make you slip)
• Tropics: Rain makes climbing harder - wait it out
• Alpine: Freezing winds destroy stamina - hide behind terrain
• Caldera: Rising lava and fire explosions - stay high and use chains
• The Kiln: Fire surfaces and claustrophobic paths - plan carefully

12. Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

In co-op, communication is everything. Call out:

• Food locations
• Dangerous areas
• Your stamina status
• Items you don't need but others might

Remember, Peak "punishes lone wolves, especially early on." Share resources, help each other, and you'll all make it to the top.

13. Save Items for Later

Even if you don't need that bandage or antidote right now, keep it. Your teammate might desperately need it in 10 minutes. With only 3-4 inventory slots (7-8 with backpack), inventory management becomes a strategic element.

14. The Scout Statue Revival System

If a teammate dies and becomes a ghost, don't panic. You can revive them at the Ancient Statue near each biome's campfire. This statue normally gives mythical items, but it'll resurrect dead teammates instead.

There's also the rare Scout Effigy item that can revive one teammate anywhere, but don't count on finding it.

15. Coconuts Are Your Best Friend

Palm trees aren't just decoration - they're food dispensers. Climb them, knock down coconuts, then throw the coconuts to crack them open. Each coconut gives you two pieces of food, making them incredibly efficient for hunger management.

Just remember that coconut halves don't stack, so manage your inventory accordingly.

16. Ropes and Chains Are Stamina Savers

Environmental ropes and chains use significantly less stamina than wall climbing. Even better, if you jump onto them from height, you'll slide without using any stamina at all.

Always prioritize routes with these features, especially in Caldera where chains let you cross lava gaps efficiently.

17. Use Rope Items Strategically

Understanding rope items is crucial:

• Regular Rope: Drop it down for teammates
• Rope Launcher: Fires a rope downward from your target point
• Chain Launcher: Connects your position to the target

Get players with ropes up first, then have them help others. It's exponentially more efficient than everyone climbing raw surfaces.

18. Manage Hunger to Maintain Stamina

Hunger directly affects your stamina cap. When that hunger bar drops, so does your climbing ability. Always carry backup food and eat before your hunger gets critical.

The island provides plenty of food if you explore - from berries to mushrooms to those precious coconuts.

19. Movement Costs Stamina - Choose Wisely

Every jump, every movement drains your precious stamina. This isn't a platformer where you jump for fun. Plan your movements, use ledges for recovery, and never waste stamina on unnecessary acrobatics.

Remember: you move faster and use less stamina when climbing down or sideways compared to climbing up.

20. The Daily Map Rotation Keeps Things Fresh

PEAK's map changes every 24 hours, keeping the experience fresh and challenging. What worked yesterday might not work today. Use this to your advantage - if you're struggling with a particular layout, try again tomorrow with a completely different mountain configuration.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I die in PEAK?

When you die, you become a ghost and can guide living teammates. You can be revived at Ancient Statues at the end of each biome or with a rare Scout Effigy item.

Is PEAK harder solo or with friends?

While PEAK can be completed solo, it's significantly easier with friends due to helping mechanics, resource sharing, and revival options. However, coordinating with teammates adds its own challenges!

How long does it take to complete PEAK?

A successful run typically takes 30-60 minutes, depending on your skill level and whether you're playing solo or co-op. Factor in failed attempts, and you're looking at several hours of gameplay.

Can I play PEAK on console?

Currently, PEAK is only available on PC through Steam. The developers haven't announced plans for console versions, focusing instead on bug fixes and stability improvements.

What's the best strategy for the fog?

The fog rises steadily, giving you limited time in each area. Always have an escape route planned, prioritize vertical movement over exploration, and don't get greedy with loot when the fog is approaching.

Final Thoughts

PEAK might seem simple - just climb a mountain, right? But beneath its charming exterior lies a challenging game that tests your planning, teamwork, and ability to adapt. These 20 tips will give you a massive head start, but remember: every climb teaches you something new.

Now get out there and show that mountain who's boss! And hey, if you see someone eating all the team's food... maybe "accidentally" forget to extend that helping hand. Just kidding - teamwork makes the dream work in PEAK!