Low Piton vs High Protection

The Economics of Pitons

Pitons are your only manual save points. Managing them is managing your failure state.

Low Piton ("Running it out")

Strategy: Place pitons only before the "Crux" (hardest move) or at Bivouacs.

• Piton Count: 2-4 per heavy section.
• Risk: If you fall on an easy section, you lose massive progress.
• Benefit: Saves weight; faster flow (mini-game takes time).
• Requirement: High confidence in movement execution.

High Protection ("Sewing it up")

Strategy: Place a piton every 10-15 meters, or whenever stamina recovers poorly.

• Piton Count: 8-12+ per heavy section.
• Risk: Running out of pitons before the summit.
• Benefit: "Try hard" without fear. You can practice moves safely.
• Requirement: Heavy pack; lots of scavenging for scrap to craft more.

When to Place a Piton?

1. Before a Crux: If the next 3 moves look hard/dynamic, PLACE IT.
2. Stamina Critical: If you can't find a good rest stance and stamina is flashing yellow, PLACE IT to hang and recover.
3. Weather Shift: If the barometer drops or clouds darken, PLACE IT. You don't want to fall in a storm.
4. Psychological: If your hands (irl) are sweating.

The "Perfect" Placement

Remember the mini-game.

• Perfect: Can be retrieved by Climbot (Reusable).
• Good: Secure, but might be damaged on retrieval.
• Bad: Will fail if you fall. Waste of a piton.

Tip: If you are playing "High Protection", you MUST master the Perfect Placement to recycle your gear.