The popular Steam game, Peak, has received a new patch (version 1.25.a) that significantly impacts both Steam Deck users and speedrunners known for exploiting game glitches. This update introduces several key changes, alongside numerous minor adjustments.
Steam Deck Verification Achieved
Most notably, Peak has officially achieved Steam Deck Verified status. The development team expressed their satisfaction in the patch notes, stating, “Finally… the game is good on Steam Deck.” They acknowledged that “Deck players will know it`s been good for a while,” attributing the final push for the Verified badge to the Mesa Update`s controller support and text adjustments implemented in the current patch.
The Scout Cannon Glitch Patched
Beyond Steam Deck verification, the patch includes a host of other fixes and refinements. A significant change is the increased difficulty in using glitches to quickly reach the mountain`s summit, a popular speedrunning tactic in recent weeks. Team Peak explained, “We`ve made fog walls taller to prevent players from using the Scout Cannon exploit to shoot over them and win the game in under a minute.” They also noted, “While many requested not to alter the Scout Cannon, no commitments were made regarding changes to the map itself.”
Previously, the Scout Cannon allowed players to propel themselves to extreme heights, bypassing all five biomes and directly reaching the peak. While the updated fog walls make this specific exploit much harder—players are now more likely to collide with the fog and fall—it`s still possible to achieve considerable distances. During testing, it was observed that players could still clear a couple of biomes using the cannon before eventually falling, indicating that spectacular cannon-based maneuvers are not entirely eliminated.
New Features and Fixes
- The Looker Toggle: An intriguing addition in this patch is the option to disable “The Looker,” a mysterious character that would spontaneously appear behind rocks and vanish upon close approach or prolonged observation. For those who choose to keep the feature active, the character`s appearances will now be less frequent.
- Merit Badge Resolutions: A common frustration among Peak players was the failure of certain merit badges, linked to Steam achievements, to unlock despite fulfilling their requirements. This patch addresses and resolves these unlocking issues for the Cool Cucumber, Plunderer, Clutch, and First Aid badges.
- Additional Updates: Further updates in this patch tackle various other concerns, such as beehive mechanics (insect phobia textures are now functional, and beehives can no longer be stored in backpacks). Several balance adjustments have also been implemented, including correct damage application from hot rocks in the Kiln, the ability for the Cure-All item to treat certain thorns in the Mesa biome, and an increased climbing speed for the Magic Beanstalk.
Peak`s Success in the “Friendslop” Genre
Peak stands out as a prime example of the emerging “friendslop” genre – a term affectionately (or satirically) used by gamers for straightforward, co-op-focused games incorporating humor, similar to titles like R.E.P.O. and Lethal Company. While reaching Peak`s summit demands skill and strategic understanding, elements such as exploding spores, the risk of losing consciousness and falling, and numerous other dangers are clearly designed to elicit laughter and provide a lighthearted challenge.
Geoff Keighley reported that Peak has surpassed 10 million sales on Steam, with recent additions including a Mesa biome and even cannibalism mechanics, further solidifying its unique appeal.