ABOVE Loadout Guide: Best Gear and Skills for Your Playstyle

Understanding Loadouts in ABOVE

In ABOVE, your loadout determines how effectively you manage your alpine resort, rescue climbers, and expand your operations. Unlike traditional combat-focused games, ABOVE's loadout system revolves around tools, equipment, and skills that enhance your management capabilities. A well-crafted loadout can mean the difference between a thriving resort and a stranded shelter.

Your loadout consists of three main categories: Gear, Skills, and Upgrades. Each category offers unique bonuses that affect everything from resource gathering speed to rescue efficiency. As you progress, you'll unlock more powerful options that synergize with your preferred playstyle.

Core Loadout Categories

The loadout system is divided into three distinct categories, each serving a specific purpose in your resort management journey.

Best Loadouts for Beginners

If you're just starting your journey in ABOVE, we recommend focusing on loadouts that maximize resource efficiency and reduce early-game struggles. Check out our beginner guide for more foundational tips.

The Resourceful Manager Loadout

This loadout prioritizes gathering speed and storage capacity, perfect for players who want to build a solid economic foundation.

• Gear: Sturdy Backpack (increases carry capacity by 30%), Efficient Pickaxe (20% faster resource gathering)
• Skills: Quick Hands (reduces crafting time by 15%), Resourceful Mind (10% chance to double resources from gathering)
• Upgrades: Expanded Storage (adds 50% more storage space), Basic Workshop (unlocks simple tool crafting)

For more details on resource management, read our resource management guide.

The Rescue Specialist Loadout

This loadout focuses on improving your rescue operations and climber satisfaction, ideal for players who enjoy the narrative and character-driven aspects of ABOVE.

• Gear: Advanced Radio (increases rescue range by 25%), Medical Kit (improves climber recovery speed)
• Skills: Eagle Eye (highlights climbers in need of rescue on the map), Steady Hands (reduces rescue failure chance by 20%)
• Upgrades: Medical Bay (heals climbers faster), Lookout Tower (expands your search radius)

Advanced Loadout Strategies

Once you've mastered the basics, you can create specialized loadouts for different game phases. Our progression guide offers deeper insights into mid and late-game strategies.

Speedrunner Loadout

For players aiming to complete objectives quickly:

• Gear: Lightweight Boots (increases movement speed by 20%), Compact Tools (reduces equipment weight, allowing faster action execution)
• Skills: Pathfinder (reveals shortest routes between points), Efficiency Expert (all actions cost 15% less stamina)
• Upgrades: Fast Travel Network (unlocks quick travel between discovered locations), Premium Accommodations (attracts more climbers faster)

Endgame Optimizer Loadout

For late-game players looking to maximize every aspect of their resort:

• Equip Legendary Ice Axe for 40% faster trail clearing
• Master 'Avalanche Prediction' skill to prevent disasters
• Install Advanced Weather Station upgrade for accurate forecasts
• Unlock 'Master Negotiator' skill for better trade deals

Common Loadout Mistakes to Avoid

Many new players make these common errors when building their loadouts. Our tips and tricks guide covers these in more detail.

Ignoring Synergies: Simply picking the highest-level gear without considering how skills and upgrades complement each other can lead to inefficient gameplay. Always check for bonus effects when combining items from the same category.

Over-specializing: While focusing on one aspect like rescue operations is valid, neglecting resource gathering entirely will leave your shelter understocked during harsh weather events.

Skipping Upgrades: Some players focus exclusively on gear and skills, forgetting that permanent upgrades provide the most consistent long-term benefits. Prioritize shelter upgrades early.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my loadout after starting a game? Yes, you can modify your loadout at any time from the main shelter menu. There's no penalty for respeccing skills or swapping gear.

What is the best all-around loadout for ABOVE? The Balanced Approach loadout (Medium Backpack, Standard Pickaxe, Quick Hands skill, and Basic Workshop upgrade) works well for most early to mid-game situations.

Do gear items break or wear out? No, gear in ABOVE is permanent once acquired. You can switch between different items without losing them.

How do I unlock legendary gear? Legendary items are obtained through completing major story milestones, rescuing VIP climbers, and exploring hidden locations on the mountain. Check our secrets guide for more details.