The Cool Cucumber Badge in PEAK is one of those achievements that sounds simple but can quickly turn into a frustrating challenge if you don’t know the right tricks. This badge rewards players who can navigate the scorching Mesa biome without letting their heat level exceed 10%. Sounds easy? Not quite. The Mesa is a brutal environment where even a few seconds in the sun can send your heat meter skyrocketing. But don’t worry—whether you’re a seasoned climber or just starting, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to earn this badge without losing your cool.
Before diving into strategies, it’s important to understand what the Cool Cucumber Badge actually requires. You must reach the Mesa Campfire without ever letting your heat level go above 10%. That means from the moment you enter the biome until you touch the campfire, you need to avoid overheating at all costs. Some players mistakenly think it only applies to the final climb, but the truth is, any heat damage taken earlier in the run—even before reaching the Mesa—can void the achievement.
The Mesa biome is currently active in PEAK, replacing the Alpine biome until August 18, 2025. So if you’re reading this before then, now’s the perfect time to go for it. After that, you might have to wait for the biome to rotate back in.
Best Strategies to Stay Cool
There are two main ways to tackle this challenge: playing it safe by traveling at night or hunting down a rare but incredibly helpful item called Sunscreen. Let’s break them both down.
- Travel at Night
If you’re not in a hurry, waiting for nightfall is the most reliable way to reduce heat buildup. The Mesa cools down significantly after dark, making it much easier to move through without overheating. However, there are some downsides—visibility is lower, and some paths might be trickier to navigate in the dark.
To make the most of this method:
- Plan your route in advance. Knowing where the shaded areas are can save you from accidental sun exposure.
- Move carefully. Sprinting generates more heat, so take your time and stick to walking where possible.
- Watch for hidden heat traps. Oddly, some shaded spots, like under cacti, might still cause heat damage due to bugs, so stay alert.
- Find and Use Sunscreen
Sunscreen is a game-changer for this challenge. Once applied, it significantly slows down heat buildup, giving you more leeway to move through the Mesa. The catch? It’s a rare drop, so you’ll need to do some searching.
Here’s where to look:
- Ancient luggage near the Mesa crash site. These bags have a higher chance of containing Sunscreen.
- The base of the Klin biome. Scattered luggage here can also hold the item, so check every one you see.
If you’re lucky enough to find Sunscreen, apply it before entering the Mesa and move with confidence—just don’t get too reckless, as it doesn’t make you completely immune to heat.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with the best strategies, a few slip-ups can cost you the badge. Here’s what to watch out for:
- Assuming shade always protects you. Some shaded spots, like under certain rocks or cacti, might still cause heat due to glitches. Test areas before lingering too long.
- Ignoring early heat damage. Some players take heat damage before even reaching the Mesa and don’t realize it voids the achievement. Keep an eye on your heat meter from the very start.
- Rushing. Sprinting might seem like a good way to get through quickly, but it actually increases heat buildup. Slow and steady wins this race.
