ABOVE Progression System: Unlock Buildings, Routes & Upgrades

Understanding the Core Progression Loop

The progression system in ABOVE is built around a rewarding cycle of management, rescue, and expansion. You start with a modest shelter and a handful of resources. Your primary goal is to transform this base into a thriving alpine resort that attracts and saves climbers from the harsh 1960s winter.

Progression is not linear. You must balance short-term needs, like keeping your guests warm and fed, with long-term investments, such as building new facilities and scouting dangerous routes. Every decision impacts your reputation and the flow of new visitors.

The main loop consists of three phases:

1. Resource Management: Gather wood, food, and funds to keep your shelter operational.
2. Guest Rescue & Care: Welcome climbers, treat their ailments, and fulfill their requests.
3. Expansion: Use reputation and resources to unlock new buildings and mountain routes.

For a complete overview of the game's foundations, check out our beginner's guide.

Key Progression Milestones

Your journey in ABOVE is marked by unlocking key structures and capabilities. These milestones gate your access to new content and more challenging climbers.

How to Unlock New Buildings and Routes

Unlocking new content in ABOVE relies on meeting specific requirements. These are primarily tied to your reputation level and resource stockpiles.

Reputation is earned by successfully rescuing and caring for climbers. The more positive experiences they have, the more your fame grows. This attracts more skilled climbers and unlocks blueprints for new structures.

Routes are unlocked by exploring the mountain. You will need to send expeditions to scout new paths. Each successful scouting mission reveals a new route, which may lead to resource nodes, abandoned camps, or even new climbers in distress.

Resource Management and Upgrades

Resources are the lifeblood of your resort. You manage several key types:

• Wood: Used for construction and heating.
• Food: Consumed by guests and staff.
• Funds: The currency for purchasing special items and blueprints.
• Reputation: The social currency for unlocking new features.

Upgrading your buildings is crucial. For example, a Level 2 Shelter provides more beds and better insulation, reducing wood consumption. A Level 2 Medical Tent can treat more severe conditions.

You can find a detailed breakdown of all upgrade paths in our upgrades guide.

Efficient Progression Strategy

To progress smoothly, avoid spreading your resources too thin. Focus on a "vertical" progression path: fully upgrade one building before moving to the next.

A recommended early-game strategy is:

1. Upgrade your Shelter to Level 2.
2. Build and upgrade the Medical Tent to Level 1.
3. Construct the Workshop and start crafting basic tools.
4. Use those tools to gather resources faster and unlock the Route Map.

This sequence ensures you have a stable base, can keep your guests healthy, and have the tools needed for expansion. For more strategic advice, see our tips and tricks guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the first thing I should build in ABOVE? Your first priority is to upgrade the Basic Shelter. This increases your capacity to host climbers, which is essential for earning reputation and resources.

How do I unlock new mountain routes? New routes are unlocked by sending expeditions from your Route Map. Each successful expedition reveals a new path or area on the mountain.

Can I lose progress if my resort fails? No, you cannot permanently lose progress. If your resort fails, you can restart from your last save or a checkpoint, retaining any unlocked blueprints and upgrades. Learn more in our restart guide.

What is the most important resource to manage? Reputation is arguably the most important resource, as it gates the majority of content. However, food and wood are critical for day-to-day survival.