PEAK's Mesa update brings a scorching desert biome into the rotation (released August 11, 2025). It all boils (get it, boils?) down to whether you prefer heat stroke or frostbite, except you don't have a choice, it's one or the other. The Mesa biome introduces a heat mechanic, as well as six new survival items, badges, and cosmetics.
Mesa Update Key Features:
- New desert biome with a heat status system
- 6 new items - Balloons, Scout Cannon, Parasol, Sunscreen, Aloe Vera, Dynamite
- Bug Phobia Mode for accessibility (say bye to ticks, say hi to even more Bing Bong!)
- Performance improvements and bug fixes
- Controller navigation support
How to Survive the Mesa Heat System
It's always the weather that's the issue, and now you'll have to figure out how to survive the new Mesa Heat System and fight the sun. Essentially, your stamina will be draining as you are getting scorched in the sun. The first step to surviving the boiling heat is moving in the shadow. Travelling during night time only would also be extremely efficient, if it weren't for that blasted fog. So what can you do when you can't avoid travelling in the sun?
Well of course, you use items found in luggage to help you out. Familiar items like the Sport Drinks and Energy Drinks will cool you off, but there's some new items added to the game that can also help you out.
How to Use Parasols for Maximum Protection
If you can't come to the shade, well the shade can come to you with Parasols. Use them to create shade even on the move which can protect both you and your teammates. This new items is definitely useful to pick up for the Mesa section to keep you cool, but there's more. You can also use the Parasol to glide down to different areas without taking any damage Mary Poppins style (or Yondu-style).
How to Apply Sunscreen
Sunscreen can't reduce previous burn damage, but it can stop it from happening again. After you find a bottle of Sunscreen in luggage, save it for when you have to traverse in the sunlight. This is a limited use item, so you really have to conserve it for the right moments.
To apply Sunscreen, simply equip the bottle and spray it into the air. Walk through the cloud of sunscreen and you'll be protected for a while.
How to Heal Burn Damage with Aloe Vera
If you want to heal some burn damage and don't have any liquids on you, make sure to grab the Aloe Vera plant. All you have to do is consume it and your stamina will instantly increase. Be careful when picking up the plants near Cacti, or you might get stuck on those thorns.
How to Use Balloons in Mesa
Apart from the Parasol which can help you glide down, the Balloons will help you fly up. You can find either a single balloon or multiple in a luggage, and once you have six, you can combine them and achieve flight. Using Balloons in such a way will give you the Aeronautics Badge in PEAK, along with Astronaut Suit.
Keep in mind that the Balloons will pop and you'll come crashing down. The two things that can slow down your fall are the Parasol and another Balloon, so try to have either one of those, if you are looking to survive.
Apart from the badge, Balloons are super effective when you are stuck on a certain map area and need to go further up (especially if you are running from the fog).
How to Use Dynamite in PEAK
Dynamite can be found sticking in the walls, as well as spawning in luggage. It will set off if you get too close to it. You have time to grab it and throw it in a specific direction, hopefully somewhere helpful. Make sure you do this as quickly as possible to avoid getting blown up.
If your health is in danger already, then I'd avoid Dynamite and head a different direction. However, if you know your run is going to fail, it might be worth it to actually try and use it to get away from the fog. It's a risk-reward situation that you have to very carefully calculate.
How to Use the Scout Cannon Effectively
The Scout Cannon launches you across significant gaps instantly, making it perfect for emergency escapes. Light a fuse and you'll have a few seconds to jump into a cannon. Even if you miss it, the Cannon can be used multiple times so it's not an issue.
If you have the available space, you should keep the Scout Cannon ready for emergencies. However, keep in mind that it takes up quite a good chunk of your stamina due to its heavy weight. So if you come across it at the start of a level, it might also be a good idea to use it quickly and give yourself a head start. Launching another person in the Cannon will give you the Peak Daredevil Badge as well as the Daredevil helmet.
What Bug Phobia Mode Changes in Mesa
For those with an understandable fear of the creepy crawlies, the Bug Phobia mode changes their appearance across the game with the Mesa update. You can access it through the Settings Menu under the Accessibility tab. However, keep in mind that this change can only be made in the lobby. If you've already started a run, you won't be able to toggle Bug Phobia mode on.
While their behavior remains the same, you will now instead be getting attacked by cute little Bing Bongs instead of Ticks, for example.
How Mesa Fits Into Biome Rotation
For the first week of the update in August, Mesa is fully replacing the Alpine biome in PEAK. However, once that's up, Mesa and Alpine will rotate. It will also be randomized, so you won't know whether to expect a cold or a hot environment, making preparation even more challenging.
The week-long Mesa biome period is extremely useful as you can learn the new mechanics, as well as try to earn some achievements.
Essential Mesa Equipment Priority
When it comes to Mesa, Sunscreen should be at the top of your list for items you will carry with you. Parasols are second for both the shade protection as well as glide ability. The rest of the items will be situational, especially considering previous mobility, food and healing items. You'll adjust your equipment to each run, as well as based on whether you're playing the game solo, or in a team.
Mesa Performance and Bug Fixes
The Mesa update includes significant performance improvements, as well as fixes and balances, like the fog rising slower in the tropics for example. Additional patches also adjusted the difficulty of the Mesa Update itself, as it was deemed a little too hard. Most of this includes reduced damage from creatures, as well as specific items in the game (looking at you Dynamite).
Specific Bug Fixes in Mesa Update:
- Fixed an issue where MESA-specific items wouldn’t spawn until the end of the MESA.
- Fixed an issue where The Fog would continue to rise in the Caldera onwards.
- Fixed Scout eye-look not working.
- Fixed an issue where 24 Karat badge would not trigger
- Fixed an issue where settings dropdown wouldnt show up in Korean
Fixed an issue where if the hosting player was dead, sometimes the new backpack would de-spawn when lighting the campfire. - Fixed an issue where the Ultimate Badge couldn’t be completed.
If you want to get the Bing Bong Beanie, make sure to read How to Get the 24 Karat Badge here on PGG.
PEAK Mesa Update FAQ:
- Release Date: August 11, 2025
- Duration: Mesa replaces Alpine for one week, then enters rotation
- New Items: 6 total (Balloons, Scout Cannon, Parasol, Sunscreen, Aloe Vera, Dynamite)
- Accessibility: Bug Phobia Mode available in Settings
- Performance: Improved across all hardware configurations
- Platform: Available on Steam for PC
