ABOVE Walkthrough: Complete Guide to Managing Your Alpine Resort

Introduction to ABOVE

Welcome to the ultimate ABOVE walkthrough. In this narrative management simulation set in the 1960s, you take on the role of a shelter manager deep in the mountains. Your goal is to transform a humble refuge into a thriving alpine resort while rescuing climbers, expanding your facilities, and uncovering heartfelt stories.

This guide will walk you through every critical phase of the game, from your first day to endgame optimization. Whether you're a newcomer or looking to perfect your strategy, this walkthrough provides step-by-step instructions for success.

Getting Started: Your First Day

When you begin ABOVE, you start with a basic shelter and limited resources. Your immediate priorities are establishing a warm, safe environment for incoming climbers. Begin by inspecting your initial facilities and understanding the core mechanics.

问题：What should I do first in ABOVE?
Your first task is to light the fireplace and check your food supplies. Without heat, climbers will refuse to stay, and without food, they cannot regain strength for their expeditions. Use the management panel to assign tasks to available staff members.

The game introduces you to a small cast of characters right away. Talk to each one to learn their backstory and immediate needs. These conversations unlock early quests that provide essential resources and blueprints.

For more beginner strategies, visit our beginner guide.

Rescuing Climbers and Opening Routes

Rescuing climbers is the heart of ABOVE's gameplay. Climbers arrive at your shelter with varying levels of exhaustion and injury. Your medical station and warm meals restore their health before they attempt new ascents.

问题：How do I rescue climbers in ABOVE?
Climbers appear on your map during storms or after failed expeditions. Send your rescue team to their last known location. The rescue mission's success depends on your team's equipment and the weather conditions.

Once rescued, climbers share information about new routes. Each route requires specific gear and preparation. Use the route planning interface to select which paths to open first. Easier routes yield fewer rewards but build your reputation quickly.

1. Prepare Rescue Equipment

   Craft ropes, ice axes, and warm clothing at your workshop. Without proper gear, rescue attempts may fail and endanger your own staff.

2. Plan the Rescue Route

   Check the weather forecast before deploying. Storms reduce visibility and increase risks. Wait for clear conditions when possible.

3. Bring Climbers to Safety

   Once rescued, escort climbers back to the shelter. Treat their injuries immediately and provide hot meals to restore their morale.

Explore our resource management guide for detailed tips on maintaining supplies.

Expanding Your Alpine Resort

As your reputation grows, more climbers visit your shelter. Expansion becomes necessary to accommodate everyone. Focus on building new wings, upgrading existing rooms, and adding specialized facilities.

The research tree unlocks advanced technologies. Prioritize heating improvements, kitchen upgrades, and medical advancements. Each upgrade chain offers unique benefits that synergize with your management style.

问题：What should I upgrade first in ABOVE?
Always upgrade your kitchen first. Better meals mean faster recovery for climbers, which leads to more successful expeditions and higher reputation gains. Follow with heating upgrades to survive harsh winter nights.

Your shelter can eventually include a library, a game room, and a observatory. These recreational facilities boost climber happiness and unlock special story events. Each building adds visual charm to your growing resort.

Check our upgrades guide for a complete breakdown of every building and its benefits.

Story Events and Character Quests

ABOVE's narrative unfolds through character-driven quests and seasonal events. Each character has a personal story arc that intersects with the main plot. Completing these quests rewards you with unique items and permanent stat boosts.

问题：How do story events work in ABOVE?
Story events trigger automatically when certain conditions are met, such as reaching a specific reputation level or having particular characters at your shelter. Pay attention to dialogue choices, as they affect relationships and available quests.

Key characters include the seasoned mountaineer Elara, the young cartographer Finn, and the mysterious hermit Old Kael. Each offers distinct quest lines that reveal different aspects of the mountain's history. Complete all three arcs for the full narrative experience.

For more on character interactions, read our lore explained guide.

Endgame and Completion Tips

Reaching the endgame in ABOVE means achieving a fully upgraded resort and completing all major story arcs. The final challenge involves a massive storm that tests everything you've built. Preparation is key.

问题：How do I prepare for the final storm in ABOVE?
Stockpile at least 200 units of food and 150 units of wood before the storm warning appears. Upgrade your shelter's insulation to maximum level. Ensure all staff have top-tier equipment and are well-rested.

The final storm lasts three in-game days. During this time, you must manage resources carefully while dealing with emergency situations. Successfully weathering the storm triggers the game's ending sequence, which varies based on your choices throughout the campaign.

• Maximize all facility upgrades
• Complete all character quests
• Stockpile emergency resources
• Equip staff with best gear
• Save before the storm arrives

After completing the main story, you can continue playing in free mode, expanding your resort indefinitely. Try different strategies or aim for 100% completion by unlocking every route and achievement.

For a complete list of achievements, visit our achievements guide.