Last year’s best climbing game was also a horror game, and it gets a big anniversary update today
White Knuckle, an early access horror-climber from Dark Machine, is receiving a major anniversary update. The game challenges players to rapidly climb out of a grimy, industrial environment while incorporating horror elements throughout the experience.
The game has garnered recognition as a standout climbing title, with PC Gamer highlighting it as one of 2025’s best climbing games. While other climbing games like Peak from Landfall achieved mainstream success with an absurdist approach to the genre, White Knuckle has carved out its own identity as a more serious, atmosphere-driven horror experience.
The anniversary update arrives today, marking a significant milestone for the early access title. This reflects Dark Machine’s continued development of the game following its early access launch and demonstrates the studio’s commitment to expanding and improving the experience based on player feedback.