Climbing a mountain in a video game can feel great when the gameplay is fine-tuned to a T. This is downright necessary in titles where this is the sole gameplay loop, which is understandable.
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If players love the idea of conquering immense peaks, then these titles will be right up their alley. Slowly mastering the gameplay loop, securing upgrades, and making slow yet meaningful progress is a huge part of what makes these mountain-climbing games so special.
Peak
A Co-Op Climbing Game That's Surprisingly Engaging
PEAK
- Released
- June 16, 2025
WHERE TO PLAY
- Genre(s)
- Adventure, Exploration, First-Person
Players who want to climb an imposing mountain with their friends will love what PEAK brings to the table. This excellent title lets up to four players combine their efforts to conquer a mountain after crash-landing on an unknown island.
The threats in this game are oppressive enough to encourage creativity, and the moments of chaos in an otherwise methodical game ensure that players are thoroughly entertained with the time they spend in PEAK. Climbing ropes, curing poison, and running away from the Scoutmaster are just a few of the many ways that the gameplay in PEAK is engaging from start to end.
A Short Hike
A Short, Fun Open-World Game About Reaching The Top Of A Mountain To Get Cellphone Reception
A Short Hike
- Released
- April 5, 2019
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- E For Everyone
- Genre(s)
- Adventure
Players who want to enjoy a short and simple open-world game about getting cellphone reception by climbing a mountain will love what A Short Hike brings to the table. This charming game is full of anthropomorphic characters that add a ton of personality to the game.
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Getting golden feathers that improve the protagonist's ability to leap, glide, and climb helps players slowly but surely make progress. Reaching the top of the mountain feels rewarding without being too overbearing and is a huge part of what makes A Short Hike so much fun to play.
The Climb 2
An Excellent VR Game About Mountain Climbing
The Climb 2
- Released
- March 4, 2021
- ESRB
- t
- Developer(s)
- Crytek
- Genre(s)
- Platformer
The Climb was a hit on VR, with the simple act of rock-climbing being perfect for this immersive medium. So, it's easy to see why a sequel was a no-brainer for developers, with The Climb 2 making the act of climbing a mountain feel more refined than ever before.
Crytek's visuals make for immersive environments as players climb everything from massive mountains to towering skyscrapers. Finding handholds, using chalk to enhance their stamina, finding shortcuts, and maintaining their grip at all times are a must for players who want to make the most of The Climb 2's fun gameplay.
Getting Over It With Bennett Foddy
One Of The Most Frustrating Mountain Climbing Games Of All Time
Getting Over It With Bennett Foddy
- Released
- December 6, 2017
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- e
- Genre(s)
- Platformer
Bennet Foddy is known for making games that intentionally frustrate players, and Getting Over It is no exception. Featuring the voice of the developer himself as a narrator, players must climb one of the most surreal mountains in video game history as they fail over and over again.
The gameplay is simple yet frustrating, with players experiencing dreadful falls that send them back to the very start of the climb. Nailing the game's challenging gameplay and reaching space is a cathartic moment, although players should be aware of the frustrations that accompany this experience.
Celeste
A Charming Platformer Where The Protagonist Wants To Reach The Top Of A Mountain
Celeste
- Released
- January 25, 2018
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- E10+ For Everyone 10+ Due To Alcohol Reference, Fantasy Violence, Mild Language
- Genre(s)
- Platformer
Celeste is one of the greatest video games ever made and an indie breakout for the ages. Madeline's struggles to climb the eponymous mountain end up being an exploration of anxiety and self-doubt, making it a riveting experience that platforming fans will love.
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Players who enjoy tight platforming, fun storytelling, and engaging characters in their video games will love what Celeste brings to the table. It's a glowing example of what makes indie gaming so great, with players overcoming tough situations to help Madeline accomplish her goal and overcome her doubts in the process.
A Difficult Game About Climbing
Inspired By The Frustrating Brilliance Of Bennet Foddy's Infamous Title
A Difficult Game About Climbing
- Released
- March 6, 2024
WHERE TO PLAY
- Genre(s)
- Adventure
Getting Over It with Bennet Foddy sparked a wave of indie games that strove to emulate the same level of challenging gameplay. One of the more notable mentions here is A Difficult Game about Climbing, another hilarious title that goes out of its way to frustrate players.
Once again, players must climb a surreal mountain and reach its peak, which is way, way easier said than done. Players must push themselves to the very limit and harbor a great deal of patience to not get unreasonably angry after every fall.
Horizon Call Of The Mountain
A Huge Chunk Of The Game Involves Climbing Sunspear Mountain To Find The Protagonist's Missing Brother
Horizon Call of the Mountain
- Released
- February 22, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- Rated T for Teen for Fantasy Violence and Mild Language.
- Genre(s)
- Action, Virtual Reality
Horizon Call of the Mountain is an excellent VR title for people who love Guerrilla Games' imaginative world. Players control Ryas, a master of archery and climbing, who must find his brother, Urid, who went to climb Sunspear Mountain, and figure out the mystery surrounding some unprovoked monster attacks.
The bulk of the game's title involves climbing said mountain, with the player's repertoire of tools slowly expanding over the course of a memorable and beautiful journey. Taking out machines with Urid's bow and succeeding at nailing certain tricky climbs is a huge part of what makes Call of the Mountain such a special VR title, and it's a shame that Sony didn't support its VR platform with more first-party games.
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