ABOVE Quests Guide: All Missions and Objectives

Understanding Quests in ABOVE

Quests form the backbone of your journey in ABOVE. As the manager of a 1960s alpine resort, you'll receive missions that guide you through rescuing stranded climbers, upgrading your shelter facilities, and expanding the network of mountain trails. Each quest contributes to the overarching narrative while teaching you core mechanics.

The quest system is divided into three main categories: Rescue Operations, Facility Upgrades, and Route Exploration. Completing quests rewards you with resources, new characters, and access to higher-altitude areas. For a broader overview of the game's structure, check our gameplay overview guide.

Rescue Operations Quests

Rescue quests are the heart of ABOVE. You'll receive distress calls from climbers caught in avalanches, blizzards, or crevasses. Each rescue requires careful resource management and timing.

Key Rescue Missions:

• The First Call – Your tutorial rescue. A lone hiker is stranded on the lower slopes. This quest teaches you how to dispatch rescue teams and manage their stamina.
• Blizzard Rescue – A group of three climbers is caught in a sudden storm. You must upgrade your radio equipment first to pinpoint their location.
• Avalanche Zone – Multiple climbers are buried after an avalanche. This quest introduces specialized digging equipment and prioritization mechanics.

Facility Upgrade Quests

Your shelter starts as a basic cabin. Upgrade quests transform it into a fully operational alpine resort capable of handling extreme conditions.

Essential Upgrade Chains:

• Heating System – Requires collecting firewood and repairing the furnace. Completing this quest prevents guests from freezing during night cycles.
• Medical Wing – Unlocks after rescuing three injured climbers. Allows you to treat frostbite and altitude sickness, reducing recovery time for rescued guests.
• Communications Tower – A multi-stage quest where you climb to the summit to install radio relays. Each stage expands your rescue range significantly.

For more details on managing your resort's facilities, see our upgrades guide.

Route Exploration Quests

The mountain holds many secrets. Exploration quests task you with mapping new trails, discovering abandoned huts, and finding hidden caches left by previous climbers.

Notable Exploration Quests:

• The Old Cable Car – Restore a broken cable car station to access the mid-mountain region. Requires mechanical parts found in avalanche debris.
• Summit Push – The ultimate exploration quest. Organize a multi-day expedition to the peak, managing oxygen supplies and team morale.
• Cave Systems – Discover a network of ice caves beneath the mountain. Contains rare resources and lore about the resort's history.

1. Prepare for Exploration

   Stock up on climbing ropes, food rations, and weather-appropriate gear. Check the forecast before departing.

2. Mark Your Route

   Place flags along your path to create permanent trail markers. This reduces travel time on future expeditions.

3. Document Discoveries

   Take photographs of landmarks and record coordinates. These unlock new quests and bonus rewards.

Seasonal and Event Quests

ABOVE features a dynamic calendar with seasonal events that introduce limited-time quests. These often tie into real-world holidays or in-game anniversaries.

Winter Festival – A holiday event where you decorate the shelter and host climbers for a celebration. Rewards exclusive cosmetic items.

Spring Thaw – Melting snow reveals lost equipment and artifacts from previous seasons. Quest rewards include rare upgrade components.

Anniversary Expedition – Commemorates the founding of the resort. Features a special climb with unique storytelling elements.

For a complete list of timed events, refer to our event guide.

Quest Rewards and Progression

Every quest completed contributes to your overall progression system. The game tracks your reputation, rescue count, and exploration percentage.

Reputation Tiers:

• Bronze – Unlocks basic gear and the first rescue dog companion.
• Silver – Grants access to advanced medical supplies and helicopter support.
• Gold – Unlocks the summit route and legendary climbing gear.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replay quests? Yes, after completing a quest, you can replay it from the journal menu. This is useful for achieving better outcomes or collecting missed rewards.

Do quests have time limits? Some rescue quests have implicit time limits based on weather conditions. If a storm is approaching, you must act quickly or the climber's condition deteriorates.

What happens if I ignore a quest? Ignored quests remain in your journal indefinitely. However, failing to respond to rescue calls reduces your reputation and may cause climbers to avoid your resort.

Are there hidden quests? Yes, several secret quests are triggered by exploring off-trail areas or interacting with specific objects in the environment. Check our secrets guide for locations.