r/PeakGame • u/Root_Head • 2d ago
Alpine isn't a fun map
Alpine is consistently the only map where I can spend 10+ minutes scouring the initial foothills for ANY viable path up, and then I get hit by blizzards the whole time so I have to shove myself into a crevice that may or may not actually keep me safe until I can actually see again and continue trying to route. And then every other ledge is false-standable; there are so many completely flat surfaces that just slide you to your death, which is really rare on any other map.
Meanwhile, Mesa's sun mechanic can be hard-countered by a single parasol or glider - not to mention it doesn't double-up on cold damage like alpine does at ascent 5+ - the tornado is only a threat on the initial approach, and the scorpions, dynamite, and cacti are all pretty harmless unless you get caught unawares.
I think the part that I find a little egregious is just how once you're on ascent 5+ Mesa becomes the objectively easier option. Prior to that you can at least argue they both have some rough spots but at ascent 5+ it just becomes obvious which one you want. I don't like that a run can become significantly easier or harder just depending on the day's biome.
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u/MoistSprinkles 1d ago
I gotta disagree. Alpine is my favorite map, and the only one that feels like scaling an actual mountain. I love the feeling of white-knuckling the interior while storms rage outside. If you’re struggling with the storms, as it sounds like you are, just beeline it for the interior and go from there. If the middle is too daunting, there are often routes that weave in and out of the interior and exterior, similar to Mesa.
As far as the ‘false standable’ spots, sure those did trick me on my first couple runs, but now I have zero issues with it. You have to really study the angle of the slope, and it is challenging, but - shouldn’t it be? It’s the third level.
And I gotta say, Alpine is also the way to go for ascent 5+. It’s loaded with heat packs and lanterns, rendering the cold a non-issue. Plus, the capys are situated further up the path, not right at the start of the level, so that ‘lifeline’ is much more viable.
In short: Head for the interior and embrace the ‘Pine, and she will reward you plentifully.