How to Climb Mesa with Under 10% Heat

The Cool Cucumber Badge is one of the latest achievements added to PEAK, and it has quickly become a favorite challenge among players. As the name suggests, this badge is all about staying calm under pressure. More specifically, this badge is about keeping your heat level low while crossing the scorching Mesa biome. If you’re trying to unlock this achievement but are struggling in the harsh desert environment, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get the Cool Cucumber Badge in PEAK.

How To Get Cool Cucumber Badge in PEAK

To get the Cool Cucumber Badge, you need to reach the Mesa Campfire without ever letting your heat level rise above 10%. On paper, this sounds easy. In practice, the Mesa biome is filled with hazards, from blazing sunlight and shifting shadows to dynamite, tornadoes, and Antlion attacks.

The moment you set foot in its scorching desert, your Heat bar begins to climb. With the 10% cap in place, there’s no room for error. To get the Cool Cucumber Badge, you need to manage your heat level using the right strategies:

Travel At Night

The Mesa biome has a day/night cycle. When night falls, the burning sun is no longer a threat, meaning your heat won’t build up as quickly. This strategy is best for players who aren’t rushing through the climb and are comfortable taking their time. You can find a safe, shaded area and simply wait until nightfall. Once it’s dark, you’ll have a short window for safe climbing. This way, your heat level will stay under 10%.

Use Heat-Protection Items

Players who prefer to move during the day can use heat-protection items on their run through Mesa. These items can be found in luggage bags scattered around the biome. The best items to use are Sunscreen and Parasol. When used correctly, these can help you stay under the 10% threshold, and cross exposed areas without overheating.

Once you’ve carefully made your way through the Mesa and reach the Mesa Campfire with your heat level safely under 10%, the Cool Cucumber Badge will unlock instantly.

The Cool Cucumber Badge is only available while the Mesa biome is active. At the time of writing, Mesa has replaced Alpine, but this rotation is temporary. Once the update cycles out and Alpine returns, you’ll need to wait for Mesa to rotate back in before you can earn this badge in PEAK.