ABOVE Progression Guide: Build Your Mountain Resort

Understanding Core Progression Systems

ABOVE combines narrative-driven simulation with strategic management. Your progression hinges on three interconnected pillars: shelter management, rescuing stranded climbers, and expanding the mountain's network of accessible routes. Each action you take feeds back into the others, creating a satisfying loop of growth and discovery.

As the new manager of a 1960s alpine resort, you must balance limited resources against the needs of guests and the mountain's unpredictable weather. The game does not hand you a linear path; instead, it rewards experimentation and careful planning. For a broader overview of gameplay mechanics, check our gameplay overview guide.

Phase One: Establishing Your Base

Your first hours in ABOVE focus on stabilizing the shelter. You begin with basic facilities and a handful of supplies. Prioritize upgrading the heating system and kitchen, as cold and hunger will quickly deplete your guests' morale.

Start by completing the early tutorial objectives, which introduce you to resource management. Collect wood from the surrounding area, repair broken windows, and set up sleeping quarters. Do not neglect the common area—a warm fire and comfortable seating boost the mood of everyone in the shelter. For more specific advice on early survival, read our beginner guide.

Once the shelter is functional, your next goal is to attract your first wave of climbers. This requires a basic level of comfort and a visible signal from the mountain. Build a small lookout post and light a beacon fire to draw attention from nearby expeditions.

Rescuing and Recruiting Climbers

Rescuing climbers is the heart of ABOVE's progression. Each climber you bring to safety has a unique personality, backstory, and skill set. Some are experienced mountaineers who can help plan new routes, while others are cooks, carpenters, or storytellers who improve your shelter's capabilities.

When a distress signal appears on your map, weigh the risks. Sending a rescue party consumes food and medical supplies, and weather conditions can turn deadly. Successful rescues reward you with reputation and new companions.

After a rescue, talk to the climber in the shelter. Their personal stories often unlock side quests or reveal hidden locations on the mountain. These narrative threads are essential for deepening your connection to the world and unlocking rare upgrades. Learn more about character interactions in our character collection guide.

Planning and Opening New Routes

The mountain is vast and unforgiving. To reach new areas and rescue more climbers, you must plan and open new routes. This is a strategic layer that requires careful allocation of resources and personnel.

Route planning involves selecting a path through the terrain, accounting for elevation, crevasses, and weather patterns. Each route requires a certain number of expedition supplies, such as ropes, crampons, and tents. You assign climbers with relevant skills to lead the expedition.

Tip: Always send at least one climber with navigation experience to reduce the chance of getting lost.

Once a route is established, it becomes a permanent asset. You can use it to reach new rescue sites, gather rare resources, or discover scenic viewpoints that attract more visitors. Regularly check your map for unexplored paths and consider upgrading your expedition gear to tackle more dangerous terrain. For a deeper dive into resource allocation, see our resource management guide.

Upgrades and Facility Expansion

As your reputation grows, you unlock the ability to expand the shelter and add new facilities. These upgrades directly impact your progression speed and the quality of life for your guests.

Priority upgrades include:

• Medical Wing: Treats injured climbers faster and reduces recovery time.
• Workshop: Allows you to craft advanced gear for expeditions.
• Radio Room: Improves communication with distant rescue parties and unlocks new story events.
• Dining Hall: Increases food efficiency and provides a morale bonus.

Each upgrade requires specific materials and sometimes the help of a skilled climber. Plan your upgrade path based on your playstyle. If you enjoy exploring, invest in the workshop early. If you prefer narrative depth, prioritize the radio room and common areas.

For a full list of available upgrades and their costs, refer to our upgrades guide.

Long-Term Goals and Endgame

The endgame in ABOVE is not about a single victory condition but about building a thriving, self-sustaining community on the mountain. Your long-term goals include:

• Rescuing every climber and completing their personal stories.
• Opening all major routes to the summit.
• Achieving a five-star reputation rating for your resort.
• Unlocking secret areas and hidden lore scattered across the mountain.

To reach these goals, you must master the balance between expansion and maintenance. Overextending your resources can lead to disaster, while playing too cautiously may cause you to miss time-sensitive events.

Keep an eye on the seasons. Winter storms bring new challenges and opportunities, while summer offers safer travel but fewer dramatic rescues. Adapt your strategy to the changing conditions and always prepare for the worst.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most important early upgrade in ABOVE? The heating system and kitchen are critical for maintaining morale and preventing sickness. Focus on these before expanding into other areas.

How do I unlock new climbers with rare skills? Rare climbers often appear during extreme weather events or after completing certain story quests. Keep your radio room active and respond to distress calls quickly.

Can I lose progress if a climber dies? Yes, climbers can die if you send them on poorly prepared expeditions or fail to rescue them in time. Their unique skills and stories are permanently lost, so plan carefully.

Is there a time limit for completing the game? No, ABOVE does not enforce a strict time limit. However, seasonal changes and dynamic events encourage you to act within certain windows for optimal outcomes.

How do I increase my resort's reputation? Reputation grows by successfully rescuing climbers, maintaining high morale, and keeping the shelter clean and well-stocked. Completing side quests also boosts your standing.