ABOVE Weapons Guide - Best Tools for Rescue & Survival

Overview of Weapons in ABOVE

In ABOVE, your role as a shelter manager in a 1960s alpine resort isn't about combat in the traditional sense. Instead, "weapons" refer to the essential tools and equipment you use to rescue stranded climbers, clear obstacles, and maintain the safety of your mountain. Understanding each tool's purpose and limitations is crucial for efficient rescue operations and expanding your resort. This guide covers every weapon-like item in the game, from the humble Ice Axe to the emergency Flare Gun.

The Ice Axe: Your Primary Tool

The Ice Axe is the first tool you acquire and remains your most versatile piece of equipment. It serves multiple purposes beyond its obvious use in climbing.

• Climbing Assistance: Essential for traversing icy slopes and creating safe passages for rescued climbers.
• Obstacle Clearing: Breaks apart small ice formations and debris blocking paths to new areas.
• Emergency Rescue: Can be used to anchor yourself when pulling climbers from crevasses.

You can upgrade the Ice Axe at the workshop using resources gathered from expeditions. Higher-tier axes break obstacles faster and provide better grip on steep terrain.

For a deeper look at progression, check our /en/guides/progression-guide/.

Flare Gun: Signaling and Scaring Wildlife

The Flare Gun is a ranged "weapon" primarily used for signaling rescue helicopters and scaring away aggressive mountain wildlife like wolves or bears. It is not designed for direct harm but for deterrence.

Key Uses:

• Signal Rescue: Fire a flare to mark your location for incoming air support during critical rescue missions.
• Wildlife Deterrence: A flare shot near a predator will cause it to flee, giving you time to evacuate a climber.
• Illumination: In dark caves or during night rescues, flares provide temporary light to navigate safely.

Rope and Climbing Gear

Rope isn't a weapon you swing, but it is an indispensable tool for securing climbers and creating safe descent paths. You can equip different rope types, each with unique properties.

• Standard Rope: Basic 30-meter length. Suitable for easy and moderate slopes.
• Static Rope: Less stretch, better for hauling equipment and injured climbers upward.
• Dynamic Rope: Elastic, ideal for arresting falls on steep, icy faces.

Pairing the right rope with your Ice Axe determines which routes you can safely navigate. Always check the route difficulty before heading out. Refer to our /en/guides/map-guide/ for detailed route information.

Survival Knife and Multi-Tool

The Survival Knife is a compact, multi-purpose blade carried by every experienced rescuer. While not a primary tool for climbing, it excels in close-quarters tasks.

• Cutting Ropes: Quickly sever tangled or damaged ropes during emergencies.
• First Aid: Cut bandages and splints from available materials.
• Food Preparation: Prepare meals from foraged berries or caught fish to maintain stamina during long expeditions.

The Multi-Tool is an upgraded version that includes pliers, a screwdriver, and a small saw, making it invaluable for repairing damaged shelter equipment on the go.

Specialized Rescue Equipment

As you progress, you'll unlock specialized gear that functions as "heavy weapons" against environmental challenges.

Avalanche Airbag: Deploys a large airbag to keep you on the surface during an avalanche. A literal lifesaver in late-game zones.

Ice Screw Set: Used to create temporary anchor points on sheer ice walls. Essential for rescuing climbers stuck on vertical faces.

Portable Winch: A mechanical device that can pull heavy loads or stranded climbers up steep inclines. Requires fuel to operate.

Weapon Maintenance and Upgrades

All tools degrade with use. Regular maintenance at the workshop is required to keep them effective. You can also invest in upgrades that improve durability, efficiency, or add new functionalities.

• Durability: Higher durability means fewer repairs and longer expeditions.
• Efficiency: Reduces stamina consumption when using the tool.
• Special Effects: Some upgrades add unique properties, like a flare that burns longer or an axe that causes minor avalanches to clear paths.

For a complete list of upgrades and their costs, see our /en/guides/upgrades-guide/.

FAQ

What is the best weapon in ABOVE? There is no single best weapon. The Ice Axe is the most versatile, while the Flare Gun is critical for specific emergencies. Your loadout should be chosen based on the mission objectives and terrain.

Can I use weapons to fight animals directly? No. Direct attacks on wildlife are ineffective and discouraged. Use the Flare Gun to scare them away or avoid encounters by planning your route carefully.

How do I unlock better weapons? Better tools are unlocked through the upgrade system at your base workshop. You need to gather resources from expeditions and complete specific rescue milestones to access new blueprints.

Do weapons break permanently? No, weapons degrade but can be repaired at the workshop using resources. However, if a weapon is completely destroyed in an avalanche or accident, you will need to craft a new one.