How to Offer the Kiln a Worthy Sacrifice in PEAK: The 24 Karat Badge Guide
The latest Mesa update for PEAK has introduced a tantalizing array of new badges for players to conquer, and among them, the coveted 24 Karat Badge has emerged as a particularly enigmatic challenge. The official in-game clues are frustratingly vague, leaving many players bewildered about how to unlock this prestigious reward. Compounding the issue, the entrance to the Kiln’s location, the TOMB, is often inaccessible, either due to an intentional design choice or, more likely, a persistent bug. As of August 12th, reports indicate that the entrance remains locked for many, forcing players to seek alternative solutions, such as using mods to bypass the obstacle.
In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the intricacies of obtaining the 24 Karat Badge, exploring the mysteries surrounding the worthy sacrifice required by the Kiln and providing a step-by-step walkthrough to help you navigate the challenges and ultimately unlock this elusive achievement.
Understanding the Sacrifice: What Does the Kiln Demand?
The primary source of confusion surrounding the 24 Karat Badge lies in the ambiguous instruction to offer the Kiln a “worthy sacrifice.” The game provides no explicit details about the nature of this sacrifice, leaving players to experiment and speculate. However, the solution lies within the depths of the TOMB, the very location you’re struggling to access.
The worthy sacrifice is the Ancient Idol. This item is located within the TOMB. The entrance is rumored to have a low chance of appearing naturally, making it notoriously difficult to find. If you can access the TOMB, the Ancient Idol must be sacrificed to the Kiln, hopefully upon a future, patched version of the game.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Obtaining the 24 Karat Badge (While Acknowledging the Bugs)
Before we proceed, it’s crucial to acknowledge the elephant in the room: the 24 Karat Badge achievement is currently plagued by bugs. Many players have reported that even after completing the required actions, the badge remains stubbornly locked. While we anticipate that the developers will address these issues in future updates, the information below is based on player experiences, community findings, and insights gleaned from using mods to access the TOMB. We will update this guide as new information becomes available and the bugs are resolved.
1. Gaining Access to the TOMB: The (Frustrating) First Step
This is where the journey begins, and it’s also where many players encounter their first major hurdle. The TOMB, the gateway to the Kiln and the Ancient Idol, is a secret area on the island. Its entrance, unfortunately, seems to be intentionally locked or bugged for a large portion of the player base.
The “Legitimate” Approach (If You’re Lucky): According to some reports, the entrance to the TOMB has a small chance (rumored to be around 25%) of appearing naturally. This means that you might stumble upon it while exploring the island. Keep a close eye on your surroundings, and be vigilant for any unusual openings or hidden passages.
The Modding Solution (The Current Reality for Many): Given the persistent nature of the bug, many players have resorted to using mods to bypass the locked entrance. These mods typically allow you to clip through walls or teleport to specific locations, effectively circumventing the need to find the legitimate entrance.
- Disclaimer: Using mods can potentially violate the game’s terms of service. We advise you to proceed with caution and at your own risk.
2. Navigating the TOMB’s Depths: Torches, Abysses, and Stamina Management
Once you’ve managed to gain entry to the TOMB, prepare for a challenging descent into its depths. The initial area is shrouded in darkness, so it’s essential to acquire at least two torches to light your way.
Follow the Narrow Path: The path through the TOMB is relatively linear, so you shouldn’t get lost. However, it’s narrow and treacherous, so proceed with caution to avoid falling.
The Abyss: Eventually, the path will lead you to a massive abyss. This is where things get tricky. You’ll spot a door on the other side of the chasm, which is your ultimate destination.
Crossing the Abyss: To reach the door, you’ll need to utilize the ledges on either side of the abyss. This requires careful maneuvering and precise jumps.
Stamina is Key: Ensure that your stamina is as high as possible before attempting to cross the abyss. Running out of stamina mid-jump can lead to a fatal fall.
Essential Items: Parasol and Chain Launcher: Two items will significantly ease your journey across the abyss:
The Parasol: This item allows you to glide, enabling you to reach the ledges more easily.
The Chain Launcher: Once you’re close enough to the door, the Chain Launcher will allow you to grapple across the remaining distance.
3. Reaching the Kiln and Finding the Ancient Idol
After successfully navigating the abyss, continue down the straight path until you reach the Kiln. This is the heart of the TOMB, and it’s where you’ll find the Ancient Idol, the key to unlocking the 24 Karat Badge.
4. The (Bugged) Sacrifice: Throwing the Ancient Idol into the Lava
Here’s where the current bug truly manifests. Ideally, the next step should be to throw the Ancient Idol into the lava within the Kiln. This act of sacrifice is meant to trigger the completion of the 24 Karat Badge.
The Unfortunate Reality: As of the current game version, throwing the Ancient Idol into the lava does not trigger the badge unlock for most players. This is the primary bug that is preventing players from legitimately obtaining the achievement.
What Happens Instead: Instead of unlocking the badge, picking up the idol opens the exit from the TOMB.
5. Holding Onto Hope (and the Ancient Idol): What to Do in the Meantime
While the 24 Karat Badge remains unattainable due to the bug, there’s still a silver lining. The Ancient Idol, despite its weight, offers a degree of protection against various debuffs.
Carry the Idol: For now, it’s best to keep the Ancient Idol in your inventory. It might prove useful in your future adventures.
Patience and Anticipation: We remain optimistic that the developers will soon release a patch to fix the bug and allow players to legitimately sacrifice the Ancient Idol and unlock the 24 Karat Badge.
Beyond the Badge: Exploring the Lore and Mystery of the Kiln
While the 24 Karat Badge is currently out of reach for many, the journey to the Kiln and the exploration of the TOMB offer a glimpse into the rich lore and mysteries of the PEAK universe.
The Significance of the Sacrifice: The concept of a worthy sacrifice suggests that the Kiln is a place of great power or importance. What secrets does it hold? What purpose does the Ancient Idol serve? These are questions that may be answered as the game’s story unfolds.
The History of the TOMB: The TOMB itself is a place of intrigue. Why is it hidden? What secrets does it conceal? Its very existence hints at a deeper history and a hidden narrative within the world of PEAK.
Staying Updated: Keeping Abreast of the Bug Fixes and New Discoveries
As the developers work to address the bug affecting the 24 Karat Badge, it’s essential to stay informed about the latest updates and community findings.
Official Patch Notes: Keep a close eye on the game’s official patch notes. These notes will provide information about bug fixes, new features, and other changes to the game.
Community Forums and Discussions: Engage with other players in community forums and discussion boards. Sharing experiences, tips, and discoveries can help you stay ahead of the curve and learn about any potential workarounds or solutions.
Gaming News: We will continue to update this guide as new information becomes available. Be sure to check back regularly for the latest news and insights on the 24 Karat Badge and other PEAK-related topics.
Conclusion: The 24 Karat Badge – A Challenge Worth Pursuing (Eventually)
The 24 Karat Badge in PEAK is currently a frustrating experience due to the persistent bug affecting its unlock. However, the journey to the Kiln and the exploration of the TOMB offer a glimpse into the game’s rich lore and challenging gameplay. While we await a fix from the developers, we encourage you to continue exploring, experimenting, and engaging with the community. When the bug is finally resolved, the 24 Karat Badge will undoubtedly be a badge worth earning. In the meantime, hold onto your Ancient Idol, keep your torches lit, and prepare for the day when you can finally offer the Kiln a truly worthy sacrifice.