PEAK’s Mesa Update has brought with it a bunch of new achievements and badges, each tied to the challenges of surviving the scorching desert biome. The Mesa isn’t for the faint of heart, and those who clear this biome get rewarded with the Nomad Badge in PEAK. It seems like a relatively straightforward achievement, but the path to it is anything but easy. This guide will break down trips and tricks to help you clear the Mesa biome in PEAK and earn the Nomad Badge with confidence.
How to Get Needlepoint Badge in PEAK
Here’s how you can get the Needlepoint Badge, a new achievement in PEAK’s Mesa update.
How to Get the Nomad Badge in PEAK
Unlike other badges that can be earned through simple exploration or minor milestones, the Nomad Badge requires you to fully conquer the Mesa biome. To earn it, you must survive every hazard the biome throws at you, climb to the summit of the Mesa mountain, and light the final campfire at the top.
The Mesa is the third major biome in PEAK you'll come across on your climb, replacing the Alpine biome in a rotation. It's a desert environment with a day/night cycle and an unforgiving scorching sun that inflicts heat damage if you stay exposed too long.
As you climb, you’ll face dynamite planted on ledges, ready to explode if you get too close, and unpredictable tornadoes that can fling you off the mountain. The terrain itself is littered with cacti. Small cactuses can deal damage on contact, while larger ones can trap you.
Tips for Clearing the Mesa Biome in PEAK
The Mesa is unforgiving, but with the right strategy, you can conquer this level and make it to the top. Here are some tips to help you out:
Stay in the Shade
The most important rule for surviving the Mesa is to stay out of the sun. Plan your route so you're moving from one shaded area to another. The sun shifts quickly, so don’t stay in open areas for long.
Wait for Nighttime
If you find a safe, shaded spot, you can simply wait for the sun to go down. The night cycle lasts for a few minutes and gives you a chance to climb more freely without the threat of heat damage.
Use Heat-Protection Gear
The Mesa update introduced several items specifically designed to combat the heat. Items like Sunscreen, Parasol, and Aloe Vera can help you counter heat damage.
Watch For Hazards
Watch out for all the new hazards. Listen for the sound of dynamite fizzing, steer clear of tornadoes, and be mindful of where you're climbing to avoid getting stuck on cacti or falling into a sandpit.
Work as a Team
If you're playing PEAK with friends, help free stuck teammates, share shade, and call out dangers to keep everyone climbing strong.
-
OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 83 /100 Critics Rec: 100%
- Released
- June 16, 2025
- Developer(s)
- Landcrab
- Publisher(s)
- Aggro Crab, Landfall





- Engine
- Unity
- Genre(s)
- Adventure, Exploration, First-Person