ABOVE Mechanics Guide: Master Resort Management & Survival

Understanding the Core Gameplay Loop

ABOVE places you in charge of a high-altitude resort in the 1960s. The core gameplay loop revolves around three interconnected pillars: managing your shelter infrastructure, rescuing climbers from the harsh elements, and expanding your network of mountain routes. Success depends on balancing limited resources against the escalating needs of your guests and the unpredictable mountain weather.

Your primary objective is to transform a basic refuge into a thriving alpine haven. This involves constructing and upgrading facilities, attracting a diverse cast of characters, and making strategic decisions that affect both the short-term survival and long-term prosperity of your resort. The game's narrative unfolds through your interactions with rescued climbers, each with their own backstory and needs.

Shelter Management and Facility Upgrades

The heart of ABOVE is your shelter. You must manage a variety of facilities to keep your guests alive and happy. Key structures include dormitories for sleeping, a kitchen for preparing meals, a medical bay for treating injuries, and a common area for morale. Each facility can be upgraded to improve its efficiency, capacity, or the quality of service it provides.

Upgrading facilities requires resources, primarily wood, stone, and food. These are gathered through expeditions, trading, and by completing specific objectives. The upgrade system is tiered, with each level unlocking new capabilities or passive bonuses. For example, a level 2 kitchen might allow you to cook more complex meals that provide longer-lasting warmth buffs.

Rescue Operations and Character Recruitment

Rescuing climbers is a primary source of new characters for your resort. Events will trigger, alerting you to a climber in distress on the mountain. You must assemble a rescue team, equip them with appropriate gear (ropes, warm clothing, medical supplies), and send them out. The success of a rescue mission depends on the skill of your team, the quality of their equipment, and the current weather conditions.

Each rescued character has unique traits, skills, and a personal storyline. Some are expert climbers, others are skilled cooks or builders. Integrating them into your community is key to unlocking new abilities and progressing the narrative. Building relationships with these characters through dialogue and quests is a central part of the ABOVE experience.

1. Assess the Situation

   When a rescue alert appears, check the climber's location and the weather forecast. A blizzard may require a more experienced team.

2. Equip Your Team

   Select the best available gear for your rescuers. Ropes are essential for steep sections, while warm clothing prevents frostbite.

3. Execute the Rescue

   Send your team on the mission. You can monitor their progress and sometimes make tactical decisions to ensure their safe return.

4. Welcome the Survivor

   Once rescued, the climber will join your resort. Talk to them to learn their story and assign them to a suitable role.

Route Planning and Expansion

The mountain is not static. You must actively explore and establish new routes to reach different areas. These routes provide access to new resources, rescue locations, and story events. Route planning is a strategic mini-game where you must consider the terrain, altitude, and weather patterns. Investing in route markers, shelters, and bridges makes travel safer and faster for your teams.

Expanding your route network is crucial for long-term success. New areas might contain rare resources, abandoned equipment, or unique characters. However, each new route requires resources to establish and maintain. Balancing the cost of expansion against the potential rewards is a key strategic decision. The Map Guide provides a detailed breakdown of all explorable regions.

Resource Optimization and Seasonal Challenges

ABOVE features a dynamic weather system and seasonal changes. Winter brings brutal cold and heavy snow, making travel dangerous and resource consumption high. Summer offers milder conditions but may present different challenges, such as melting ice revealing new paths or creating treacherous conditions. You must adapt your strategy to the season.

Efficient resource management is the key to survival. This means not only gathering enough food and materials but also ensuring they are used wisely. Assigning characters to tasks that match their skills (e.g., a strong climber to gathering expeditions, a skilled cook to the kitchen) will greatly increase your efficiency. Learning to predict and prepare for seasonal shifts will separate a thriving resort from a struggling one.

FAQ

What is the most important mechanic to learn first? Mastering resource management is the foundation of ABOVE. Without a steady supply of wood, stone, and food, you cannot upgrade your shelter or equip rescue teams. Focus on establishing a stable resource income before expanding too aggressively.

How do I unlock new characters? New characters are primarily unlocked through rescue missions. Pay attention to rescue alerts and ensure your team is well-equipped to handle the mission. Some characters may also be discovered while exploring new routes.

Can I fail a rescue mission? Yes. If your rescue team is under-equipped or the weather is too severe, the mission can fail, potentially injuring your team members or losing the climber. Always check the mission difficulty before sending a team out.

What happens if I run out of food? Running out of food will cause your guests' morale to plummet and can lead to injuries or characters leaving the resort. Always maintain a food surplus and consider building a kitchen upgrade to improve food efficiency.

Is there a way to speed up the game? ABOVE allows you to adjust the game speed, which is useful during routine tasks or while waiting for expeditions to return. However, be cautious as time passes for your characters and the weather can change rapidly.