Prepare to Climb in White Knuckle
Dark Machine Games, in partnership with publisher DreadXP, has officially rolled out the Anniversary Update for its horror speed-climbing roguelike White Knuckle. The update arrives exactly one year after the game first launched in Early Access on Steam, where it quickly built a strong reputation for its punishing climbing mechanics and addictive roguelike structure.
With this major update, the three-person team at Dark Machine Games is expanding the experience in meaningful ways. Players can now experiment with Trinkets and Bindings, which introduce dynamic buffs and debuffs that shape each run. Facility Upgrades further deepen progression by unlocking new stations, permanent boosts, and cosmetic rewards across both sector-based and global systems. A new Facility Credits economy ties everything together, giving players a clearer sense of long-term progression.
The update also introduces a fresh Challenge Map called the Boost Course, designed to push players’ mastery of momentum and mid-air traversal. For those seeking competition, a dedicated Competitive Mode joins existing difficulty options, catering especially to speedrunners aiming to perfect their escape routes. Additional improvements include updated score systems, new Interlude levels, and expanded customization options.
Alongside the release, the developers shared a heartfelt retrospective, reflecting on the game’s unexpected success and thanking the community for its continued support. They also hinted at more content to come as development continues.
White Knuckle remains available in Early Access on Steam, complete with a free demo and an “Overwhelmingly Positive” reception from players. This Anniversary Update reinforces the game’s momentum while setting the stage for even more ambitious additions ahead.