PEAK: How to Get the Leave No Trace Badge (March 2026 Guide)
The Leave No Trace Badge in PEAK requires you to escape the island without placing ANY items on the mountain. This means no ropes, pitons, chain launchers, rope launchers, or portable stoves can be used throughout your entire run. When completed successfully, you’ll unlock the exclusive Incognito Mask cosmetic for your character.
| Badge Requirement | Reward | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Complete the game without placing items | Incognito Mask | Very Hard |
| No ropes, pitons, or launchers allowed | Face cosmetic | Best on Tenderfoot |
| Shelf Shrooms and Magic Beans ARE allowed | Achievement progress | Solo or Multiplayer |
Understanding the Leave No Trace Challenge in PEAK
I’ll never forget my first attempt at the Leave No Trace badge. There I was, halfway up the Alpine biome, instinctively reaching for my rope launcher when I suddenly remembered – oh no, that would ruin my entire run! After countless failed attempts and learning from the PEAK community, I’ve finally mastered this challenging achievement, and I’m here to share everything you need to know.
The Leave No Trace badge is widely considered one of PEAK’s most difficult achievements, and for good reason. In a game where climbing tools are essential for survival, deliberately avoiding them transforms the entire experience. But don’t worry – with the right strategy and knowledge, you can conquer this challenge and earn that sleek Incognito Mask.
What Items Are BANNED for Leave No Trace?
Understanding exactly what items disqualify your run is crucial. Through extensive testing and community reports, here’s the complete list of items you CANNOT use:
Prohibited Items Table
| Item Category | Specific Items | Why They’re Banned |
|---|---|---|
| Rope Tools | Rope Spools | Leaves permanent rope on mountain |
| Rope Launchers | Places rope lines | |
| Anti-Rope Launchers | Still counts as placing items | |
| Climbing Hardware | Pitons | Permanently attached to walls |
| Chain Launchers | Creates chain paths | |
| Camping Equipment | Portable Stoves | Placed on ground |
| Mini Campfires | Any placed fire source |
Important Note: If you’re playing multiplayer, EVERYONE in your party must avoid these items. One player using a rope launcher will ruin the achievement for the entire team!
What Items CAN You Use?
Here’s where things get interesting. Despite the strict restrictions, several helpful items are surprisingly allowed:
Permitted Items for Leave No Trace
| Item | Usage | Why It’s Allowed |
|---|---|---|
| Shelf Shrooms | Creates temporary platforms | Grows naturally, not “placed” |
| Magic Beans | Spawns climbable vines | Considered natural growth |
| Grappling Hook | Temporary climbing aid | Doesn’t leave permanent marks |
| All Consumables | Food, drinks, medicine | Consumed completely |
| Mystical Items | Various effects | No permanent placement |
I’ve personally tested Magic Beans multiple times, and despite some conflicting reports, they DO NOT void the achievement. The key difference is that these items create temporary or natural structures rather than leaving permanent equipment on the mountain.
How to Get the Leave No Trace Badge in PEAK: Strategy Guide
1. Choose the Right Difficulty
While you can complete this badge on any difficulty, I strongly recommend Tenderfoot mode for your first attempts. Here’s why:
- No time limits from rising fog
- Reduced stamina consumption (crucial without ropes)
- Less hunger degradation
- More forgiving fall damage
Remember, achievements work on all difficulties, so there’s no shame in making your life easier!
2. Master Natural Climbing Routes
Without ropes and pitons, you’ll need to become an expert at finding natural paths:
- Study rock formations for ledges and handholds
- Use trees extensively in the Tropics biome
- Follow vine paths when available
- Look for Shelf Shrooms on cliff faces
- Utilize boulders and outcroppings as stepping stones
3. Biome-Specific Strategies
Each of PEAK’s five biomes presents unique challenges without climbing equipment:
Shore (Starting Area)
- Relatively easy without tools
- Focus on collecting food for later
- Practice your natural climbing skills
- Stock up on coconuts and berries
Tropics
- Trees are your best friend here
- Use the interconnected canopy to navigate
- Watch for naturally occurring vines
- Beware of poison sources
Alpine
- Most challenging biome without ropes
- Look for gradual slopes instead of cliff faces
- Use Magic Beans strategically for difficult sections
- Keep warm to maintain stamina
Caldera
- Navigate carefully around lava flows
- Use rock formations to cross gaps
- Shelf Shrooms are particularly helpful here
- Save stamina for the final push
The Kiln
- Indoor environment with preset paths
- Actually easier without equipment
- Focus on stamina management
- Sprint through when possible
4. Essential Inventory Management
Since you can’t rely on climbing tools, your inventory becomes even more critical:
Priority Items to Carry:
- Food: Cooked items for maximum stamina recovery
- Big Lollipops: Temporary infinite stamina
- Energy Drinks: Speed and stamina boost
- Healing Items: Medkits and bandages
- Magic Beans: Your rope replacement
- Shelf Shrooms: Natural platform creators
5. Multiplayer Coordination Tips
If attempting with friends, communication is vital:
- Brief everyone thoroughly before starting
- Assign roles: Navigator, food collector, path finder
- Use voice chat to warn about prohibited items
- Help each other up ledges (right-click mechanic)
- Share Magic Beans for difficult sections
Common Mistakes to Avoid
After watching countless failed attempts on streams and helping friends, here are the most frequent errors:
The “Muscle Memory” Mistake
Players instinctively grab and use ropes when stressed. To combat this:
- Don’t pick up prohibited items at all
- Drop them immediately if grabbed accidentally
- Have teammates call out reminders
The “Helpful Friend” Problem
In multiplayer, one player trying to “help” with a rope launcher ruins everyone’s run:
- Communicate the challenge clearly
- Consider playing with experienced players
- Use PEAK’s Discord to find achievement-hunting groups
Pre-Existing Equipment Confusion
Some players wonder about equipment already placed on the mountain:
- Using existing ropes/pitons is SAFE
- You just can’t place new ones
- Take advantage of other players’ equipment
The Magic Bean Debate
Despite conflicting reports, extensive testing confirms:
- Magic Beans ARE allowed
- Multiple users have confirmed getting the badge while using them
- Don’t let outdated information discourage you
Advanced Techniques
The “Helping Hand Highway”
In multiplayer, create human chains:
- Strongest climber goes first
- Pull teammates up one by one
- Repeat for each difficult section
- No equipment needed!
Strategic Death Warping
If you’re stuck without a path:
- Have one player die intentionally
- Revive them at the next checkpoint
- They’ll respawn at the campfire above
- Use this sparingly as it costs revival resources
The Shelf Shroom Staircase
Master the art of Shelf Shroom placement:
- Look for walls with multiple shroom spots
- Create ascending patterns
- Combine with natural ledges
- Perfect for vertical sections
Troubleshooting: “I Didn’t Get the Badge!”
If you completed a run without placing items but didn’t receive the badge:
- Check for accidental placements: Review if anyone used prohibited items
- Verify completion: Ensure you actually escaped via helicopter
- Wait a moment: Sometimes achievements take time to register
- Check your passport: The Incognito Mask might already be there
- Try again: Maps reset daily, offering new routes
Why This Badge Matters
Beyond the cool Incognito Mask cosmetic, the Leave No Trace badge represents:
- Mastery of natural climbing mechanics
- Deep map knowledge and route planning
- Team coordination at its finest
- Perseverance through PEAK’s toughest challenge
Plus, wearing the Incognito Mask instantly signals to other players that you’re a seasoned climber who’s conquered one of the game’s hardest achievements.
Community Tips and Tricks
The PEAK community has discovered several helpful strategies:
The “Tenderfoot Tourist” Method
- Play on Tenderfoot difficulty
- Take your time exploring every natural path
- No fog pressure means thorough route planning
- Perfect for learning Leave No Trace routes
The “Speed Run Hybrid”
- Combine with Speed Climber badge attempt
- Natural routes are often faster anyway
- Two challenging badges in one run
- Requires extensive map knowledge
The “Vegan Climber Combo”
- Pair with Naturalist badge
- Both restrict item usage
- Efficient achievement hunting
- Extra challenge for veterans
Platform Availability and Considerations
Since PEAK isn’t cross-platform, all Leave No Trace attempts must be on PC. This actually works in your favor:
- Precise mouse control for difficult climbs
- Better visibility on larger screens
- Easier communication through Discord
- Consistent performance for challenging sections
Preparing for Your Leave No Trace Run
Before attempting this badge, I recommend:
- Complete the game normally first
- Learn all biome layouts thoroughly
- Practice natural climbing in earlier zones
- Watch successful runs on YouTube/Twitch
- Find a dedicated achievement group
- Set aside 60-90 minutes for the attempt
- Choose a favorable daily map
The Psychology of Leave No Trace
This achievement fundamentally changes how you approach PEAK:
- Forces creative problem-solving
- Encourages exploration of alternate routes
- Builds confidence in basic climbing skills
- Creates memorable moments with friends
Many players report that completing Leave No Trace made them better climbers overall, as they learned to rely less on equipment and more on map knowledge and teamwork.
Seasonal Considerations and Updates
As of March 2026, the Leave No Trace badge remains unchanged from launch. However, stay informed about:
- Potential bug fixes that might affect allowed items
- New mystical items that could help
- Community discoveries of new strategies
- Map rotation patterns for optimal attempts
Integration with Other Achievements
The Leave No Trace badge synergizes well with several other achievements:
| Compatible Badges | Strategy |
|---|---|
| Balloon Badge | No fall damage + no equipment |
| Naturalist Badge | Dietary restrictions + no tools |
| Speed Climber | Fast natural routes |
| Survivalist | Never lose consciousness |
| Gourmand | Cook specific foods + no tools |
Solo vs. Multiplayer Approaches
Solo Advantages:
- Complete control over item usage
- No risk of teammates ruining the run
- Can take your time on Tenderfoot
- All Magic Beans for yourself
Multiplayer Advantages:
- Helping hand mechanic crucial
- Shared resources and knowledge
- Motivation from teammates
- More fun despite the challenge
Technical Tips and Performance
For the smoothest Leave No Trace experience:
- Ensure stable framerate for precise platforming
- Adjust FOV to see more climbing options
- Use headphones for spatial audio cues
- Optimize graphics for clarity over beauty
- Practice movement tech in safe areas
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pick up ropes/pitons without using them?
Yes, but it’s risky due to muscle memory. Most players recommend avoiding them entirely to prevent accidental use.
Do pre-existing ropes on the map count against me?
No! You can freely use any equipment already placed by other players in previous games.
What if my teammate accidentally uses a rope?
Unfortunately, this voids the achievement for everyone in the party. Clear communication before starting is essential.
Can I complete Leave No Trace on higher difficulties?
Absolutely! The badge works on all difficulties, though Tenderfoot is recommended for your sanity.
Do thrown items like coconuts count as “placing”?
No, throwable items that break or disappear are fine. Only permanent climbing equipment is prohibited.
How long does a typical Leave No Trace run take?
On Tenderfoot difficulty, expect 45-90 minutes depending on your experience and route efficiency.
Can I use the grappling hook mystical item?
Yes! Mystical items including the grappling hook are allowed since they don’t leave permanent fixtures.
Is the Incognito Mask purely cosmetic?
Yes, all unlocked items in PEAK are cosmetic only and don’t provide gameplay advantages.
What happens if I die during the run?
You can be revived and continue your attempt. Just ensure you don’t use any prohibited items after respawning.
Will future updates change the requirements?
While possible, the developers haven’t indicated any planned changes to achievement requirements.
Final Thoughts
The Leave No Trace badge epitomizes what makes PEAK special – it’s a game that rewards creativity, patience, and mastery of its core mechanics. While challenging, the satisfaction of completing this achievement and earning your Incognito Mask makes every failed attempt worthwhile.
Remember, the island resets every 24 hours, offering fresh opportunities to find the perfect route. Whether you’re going solo or rallying your most trusted climbing partners, the Leave No Trace badge awaits those brave enough to abandon their tools and trust in their climbing skills.
So gather your Magic Beans, study those natural paths, and prepare for one of PEAK’s most rewarding challenges. When you finally see that achievement pop and equip your hard-earned Incognito Mask, you’ll know you’ve truly mastered the art of climbing without leaving a trace.
See you at the peak, fellow scouts – equipment optional, determination required!