In the merciless vertical realm of PEAK, each action you take, including steps to climb and precious gear to collect determines whether you succeed with an epic victory or whether you fall into dismal defeat. There is an enormous variety of mysterious consumables that can be found across the cliffs, but one in particular stands out. It is rather colorful and tempting - The Big Lollipop.

Is oversized candy to be regarded as a downfall, or call it a rescue in disguise? The Big Lollipop serves both purposes. So let me analyze licking it in PEAK alongside with other prizes and risks it offers and answer whether it is worthy to take along in your survival kit.

What Happens When You Eat the Big Lollipop?

First things first, yes, you can eat it. Or more accurately, lick it. When you do, two immediate effects hit your climber:

The Reward

Upon licking the Big Lollipop, you’re blessed with a surge of pure rainbow-fueled energy. For around 10 glorious seconds, your stamina bar becomes essentially infinite. That means no exhaustion, no rest stops, and full climbing or sprinting power perfect for:

• Escaping a risky ledge
• Crossing dangerous gaps
• Making a last-ditch dash to a checkpoint

This is arguably one of the most powerful utility boosts in the game, especially if you're mid-trek with no rest zone in sight.

The Risk

Of course, there’s a catch. Right after your sugar-fueled frenzy, your body crashes hard. A few seconds post-lick, your climber is hit with the “Sleeping” status effect, which temporarily fills about one-third of your stamina bar. During this time, you’ll move slower, have reduced stamina regeneration, and be generally more vulnerable.

Thankfully, this isn’t permanent, the effect wears off after a few seconds. But timing is everything. If you trigger the Lollipop too early or too late, you might find yourself dozing off mid-climb, dangling from a ledge with no strength left.

When to Use the Big Lollipop

The Big Lollipop is best treated like a panic button or precision tool. Use it wisely when:

• You’re stuck on a near-impossible jump
• You need to escape an avalanche or collapsing structure
• You're close to a checkpoint but dangerously low on stamina

Avoid using it:

• Right before a long section with no safe platforms
• In cramped areas where losing control could mean a fatal fall
• Without a nearby place to rest off the sleep effect

Should You Carry It?

PEAK has space restrictions and the Lollipop isn’t the easiest thing to carry around. However, if you are embarking on new adventures or assess a demanding climb, this treat can prove handy. It does not have universal applications but stashed away in a backpack, it could quite literally be the difference between life and death during desperate times.

The Big Lollipop in PEAK is a strategic tool. Used smartly, it grants a powerful upper hand in a game where stamina is your lifeline. Just don’t get too sugar-happy, or you might end up napping at 10,000 feet.