PEAKis a difficult game. Although its first two difficulties are relatively simple once you learn the game’s mechanics, later options can pose a challenge. They go beyond changes to your stamina, adding some unexpected twists that require specific strategies to counter.
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All PEAK difficulty options
When you first start playingPEAK, you’ll have two difficulty options to choose from. After completing the game on its default difficulty, you’ll unlock a third option, with subsequent settings available afterwards.
Let’s check out each difficulty option, including its unlock requirements and features.
Tenderfoot
PEAK’sfirst difficulty, Tenderfoot, is easier than the game’s default option in every way. It’s ideal for new players who are trying to learn the game. You won’t be able to unlock any new difficulties with this one, though.
Peak
You won’t receive any major buffs, nerfs, or challenges with the game’s default difficulty, Peak. If you want to unlock more difficulties, this is the one you need to choose and complete.
If you’d like to check out some tips on beating Peak difficulty and unlocking your first Ascent, check out ourcompletePEAKlevel guide, including some tips on how to complete them.
Ascent 1
After completingPEAKon its Peak difficulty, you’ll unlock Ascent 1, which makes falls much more lethal. While the previous two difficulties have some leniency with how far you’re able to fall before taking damage, this one will punish you even if you have a slight tumble or jump off a ledge that’s just a little too high. Watch your step during this one.
From this point forward, every Ascent will include the debuffs of the previous option. If you haven’t yet, start taking advantage ofPEAK’sitems, especially legendary options, as these can completely change the outcome of your playthroughs.
Ascent 2
Ascent 2 focuses on hunger. As you travel through each level, your hunger will drain much faster, requiring you to eat more food to manage your stamina.
Ascent 3
The next option is Ascent 3, which focuses on item weight. On top of more fall damage and hunger debuffs, any item you carry will have increased weight, limiting your stamina much more than usual.
Ascent 4
Ascent 4 is unique. This time, the flares that normally appear at the game’s end won’t be there anymore, requiring you to either pick one up at the Shore’s plane crash site or find out throughout your travels. Without it, you won’t be able to finish this part ofPEAK’sstory, preventing you from unlocking additional difficulty options.
Ascent 5
If you didn’t like the cold effects of Alpine, you won’t like this Ascent. In this difficulty, you’ll also receive cold debuffs during the night, regardless of your level. Combining this with previous effects makes it extremely difficult to manage your stamina, even if you’re constantly picking up food and traversal gear. Don’t worry: it’ll only get more challenging from here.
Ascent 6
The penultimate difficulty option inPEAKis Ascent 6. Alongside every previous effect stacking, you’ll now have to deal with the struggles of increased stamina consumption while climbing. Considering most of this game involves climbing up mountains, this makes for an especially tricky situation if you run out of rope, can’t access any vines and chains, or have a particularly steep wall to climb.
Ascent 7
PEAK’sfinal challenge is to unlock and complete Ascent 7. There are no new debuffs impacting your stamina in this one. Instead, it’s a permadeath mode. If you fall at any point during your run, your teammates won’t be able to revive you, forcing you to spectate until everyone else passes or until they reach the very end.
