PEAK features several levels of difficulty, and as players ascend the ranks, they will notice the game becomes increasingly challenging.

How many difficulty levels does PEAK have?

PEAK includes nine distinct difficulty levels, which are listed as follows:

• Tenderfoot
• Peak
• Ascent 1
• Ascent 2
• Ascent 3
• Ascent 4
• Ascent 5
• Ascent 6
• Ascent 7

If you’re new to the game, you will start with two available difficulties: Tenderfoot and Peak.

Peak serves as the default setting, and upon successfully completing it, you will gain access to the next level, Ascent 1. Until then, the up arrow on the air ticket will remain inactive.

This pattern continues with all subsequent difficulties starting from Ascent 1–you must finish each level before unlocking the next one.

Overview of PEAK Difficulties

Tenderfoot provides a simpler gameplay experience compared to Peak. Here, stamina is consumed more slowly during climbs, and there’s no time limit, along with a slower rate of hunger accumulation.

If you’re aiming for 100% achievements in PEAK and want to collect various cosmetics, Tenderfoot is recommended for initial play.

Peak

The default difficulty of the island–complete PEAK at this level to unlock Ascent 1, along with earning the Tadpole Scout as a reward.

Ascent 1

With increased difficulty, fall damage becomes more significant, requiring better adaptation and communication with teammates. Unlocking this level follows the completion of the game at the Peak difficulty.

As more difficulties are unlocked, additional challenges are introduced.

Ascent 2

At Ascent 2, players will find that hunger builds up more quickly, in addition to the challenges from earlier levels. Maintaining stamina through increased food intake becomes essential. This level unlocks once you’ve finished Ascent 1.

Ascent 3

In Ascent 3, items will weigh more than before, which can significantly drain stamina, while previous hunger-related challenges continue. Unlocking this difficulty requires completing Ascent 2.

Ascent 4

At this level, Flares will no longer appear at The Peak. Players must find them at crash sites or campfires, while retaining all effects from previous levels. Ascent 4 opens after completing Ascent 3.

Ascent 5

Players will experience cold nights at this level, alongside all previous difficulty effects in play. Managing stamina becomes considerably tougher from this point onward. To access this difficulty, complete Ascent 4.

Ascent 6

Ascent 6 introduces even greater stamina drain while climbing. Effective use of ropes becomes crucial, as stamina management remains a significant challenge together with all effects from earlier levels. Finish Ascent 5 to unlock this difficulty.

Ascent 7

The most challenging level–Ascent 7 implements a Permadeath mode. If players go down, they must observe their teammates until they finish while maintaining all prior challenges. This level is not for the faint-hearted and unlocks after completing Ascent 6.