Hey there, fellow PEAK enthusiasts! I’m super excited to share everything I’ve learned about the Book of Bones in PEAK. When I first stumbled upon this mysterious item during my mountain-climbing adventures, I was both intrigued and terrified. Let me tell you, this thing is a game-changer – literally! After spending countless hours experimenting with it and researching every nook and cranny of information, I’m ready to break down everything you need to know about this mystical tome.
My First Encounter with the Book of Bones
I remember it like it was yesterday. There I was, scaling one of PEAK’s treacherous mountains, my stamina bar hanging by a thread, when I spotted an Ancient Luggage bag tucked away in a crevice. “What the heck,” I thought, “might as well check it out.” Lo and behold, this purple book with swirling particles popped out, and I was instantly mesmerized. Little did I know I was holding one of the most powerful – and dangerous – items in the entire game!
What Exactly IS the Book of Bones?
Let me break this down for you in simple terms. The Book of Bones is a Mystical Item introduced in PEAK’s Roots update, and trust me, it’s not your average inventory filler. This bad boy weighs in at 2.5 units and comes with a whopping 25 Curse status effect right out of the gate. But here’s where it gets interesting – this book has the power to transform players into skeletons, either reviving dead teammates or turning yourself into one.
I’ve found that the Book of Bones is essentially a double-edged sword (or should I say double-edged tome?). It can save your bacon in desperate situations, but it can also get you killed faster than you can say “oops” if you’re not careful.
How to Find the Book of Bones – My Hunting Strategy
Alright, so you want to get your hands on this mystical book? I’ve spent way too much time hunting for these things, and I’ve learned a thing or two about where they like to hide. Here’s the scoop:
Primary Sources: Ancient Luggage and Ancient Statues
The Book of Bones can only be found in two places:
- Ancient Luggage bags scattered throughout the mountain levels
- Ancient Statues located at the peaks of levels
But here’s the catch – and this is crucial – these items are completely random. I’ve gone through entire expeditions without finding one, and then suddenly stumbled upon three in a single run. It’s all about luck, patience, and persistence.
Pro Tips for Maximizing Your Chances
From my experience, here’s what works best:
- Check EVERY Ancient Luggage – Don’t skip any, no matter how out of the way they seem
- Keep everyone alive for Ancient Statues – I learned this the hard way! The statue will only drop mystical items if ALL players in your party are alive when you interact with it
- Be prepared to reset – If you’re specifically hunting for the Book of Bones (like when I was going for the Applied Esoterica Badge), don’t be afraid to restart your expedition until you find it
- Look for the purple glow – Once you know what to look for, you’ll spot it easily. The Book of Bones has distinctive purple swirling particles that even show through your backpack
The Competition Factor
Here’s something that drove me crazy at first – there are multiple Mythical items that can drop from these sources, including:
- Anti-rope
- Cure-all
- Other mystical resources
This means even when you do find a Mystical Item drop, it might not be the Book of Bones. I’ve had to reset my expedition more times than I can count, but trust me, it’s worth it when you finally get that purple book in your hands.
What Does the Book of Bones Actually DO? My Detailed Breakdown
Okay, this is where things get really interesting. I’ve tested the Book of Bones extensively, and I’m going to break down exactly what it does in different scenarios.
Singleplayer Mode: The Self-Transformation
When you’re playing solo, the Book of Bones works pretty straightforwardly:
- You read the book
- You transform into a skeleton
- You gain some incredible benefits
- You also get some serious drawbacks
I tried this for the first time when I was starving to death and had no food left. Let me tell you, becoming a skeleton saved my life! But it also almost got me killed about five minutes later when I slipped off a small ledge. More on that in a bit.
Multiplayer Mode: The Revival Power
This is where the Book of Bones really shines in my opinion. In multiplayer, you have two options:
- Use it on yourself – Same as singleplayer, you become a skeleton
- Use it on a dead teammate – This is the cool part! You can revive them as a skeleton
I can’t tell you how many times this has saved our team during difficult climbs. When my buddy went down and we had no other revival options, the Book of Bones brought him back – albeit as a bony version of himself.
The Applied Esoterica Badge – My Favorite Reward
Here’s the big reason many players hunt for the Book of Bones: the Applied Esoterica Badge. When you use the Book of Bones to revive a teammate in multiplayer, you unlock this awesome achievement and get the exclusive Skeleton Top cosmetic.
I remember the first time I got this badge – my friend had died in a pretty stupid way (he walked off a cliff while admiring the view), and I happened to have the Book of Bones. One revival later, boom! Badge unlocked and looking fly with my new skeleton-themed top.
The Skeleton Transformation: Pros and Cons Based on My Experience
Let me break down what actually happens when you or someone becomes a skeleton. I’ve spent hours testing this in different scenarios, so I’ve got the inside scoop.
The Awesome Benefits (Why I Love Being a Skeleton)
When you transform into a skeleton, you become immune to almost everything:
- Hunger – No more starving to death! This alone has saved me countless times
- Burn – Walk through fire like it’s nothing
- Frost – Cold environments? No problem!
- Poison – Those toxic areas become harmless
- Sleepiness – No more passing out from exhaustion
- Spores – Fungal hazards won’t affect you
I’ve used this to get through areas that would normally be impossible. There was this one time in CALDERA where I needed to cross a lava field – as a skeleton, I just walked right through it like it was a warm bath!
The Dangerous Drawbacks (Why I’ve Died So Many Times)
But here’s where you need to be careful, and I’m speaking from painful experience:
- Fall damage is multiplied by 8 – I’m not kidding. A tiny drop that would normally chip your health bar will now kill you instantly. I’ve died from falls that were literally knee-high as a skeleton.
- Explosion damage is also multiplied – Dynamite becomes your worst enemy. I learned this when a teammate threw dynamite near me, and I went from full health to dead in one blast.
- The Fog deals Injury instead of Cold – While this might sound better, Injury damage is much more dangerous for skeletons.
- No unconscious state – When you take too much damage, you don’t just pass out like normal. You die immediately and explode into bones everywhere. It’s actually pretty hilarious to watch, but not so fun when it’s happening to you!
- Stamina still drains normally – Don’t think you get unlimited stamina. You’ll still get tired and need to rest.
- Items weigh the same – Being a skeleton doesn’t make you stronger or able to carry more.
My Personal Strategy for Using Skeleton Form
After lots of trial and error, here’s how I make the most of skeleton form:
- Use it as a last resort when I’m about to die from hunger or environmental effects
- Avoid any heights whatsoever – I stick to flat ground when I’m a skeleton
- Stay away from dynamite and other explosive hazards
- Use it strategically for specific challenges, like crossing lava or poison areas
- Keep Medkits and Bandages handy – they still work on skeletons!
The Curse Effect: What You Need to Know
I want to talk about the Curse effect because it’s something that caught me off guard at first. The Book of Bones comes with a 25 Curse status effect, which is pretty significant. But here’s the interesting part:
- Using it on yourself gives you 25 Curse
- Using it on a teammate only gives you 5 Curse (much better!)
- Cooking the Book of Bones before using it removes 25 Curse instead of adding it
I discovered the cooking trick by accident when I was experimenting with different items. It’s a game-changer if you’re worried about the Curse effect stacking up.
Also, here’s a cool tip I found: if you’re already a skeleton and use the Book of Bones on yourself, you turn back into a normal Scout and lose 25 Curse. This is great for removing the Curse effect once you’re done with your skeleton form.
Getting the Applied Esoterica Badge: My Step-by-Step Guide
Since this is one of the main reasons people hunt for the Book of Bones, let me walk you through exactly how to get it. I’ve done this multiple times now, and I’ve perfected the process.
Step 1: Find the Book of Bones
First things first, you need the actual book. I’ve already covered how to find it, but just to recap:
- Search Ancient Luggage bags
- Check Ancient Statues (with everyone alive)
- Be prepared for multiple attempts
- Look for the purple glow
Step 2: Play in Co-op Mode
This is crucial – you can’t get the Applied Esoterica Badge in singleplayer. You need at least one other player with you.
Step 3: Have Someone Die (Safely!)
This is the part that feels a bit weird – you actually need someone to die. But don’t worry, you’re going to revive them! I recommend having the person die in a safe location where you can easily reach them.
Step 4: Use the Book of Bones on the Dead Player
Once your teammate is dead and their skeleton is on the ground, approach them with the Book of Bones. You’ll see a prompt that says something like “[Player]’s Skeleton. (E) Revive?” Hold down the interact button, and watch the magic happen!
Step 5: Enjoy Your Rewards
As soon as the revival is complete, you’ll unlock the Applied Esoterica Badge and get the awesome Skeleton Top cosmetic. Your teammate will be alive again (as a skeleton), and everyone wins!
Advanced Tips and Tricks I’ve Discovered
After spending so much time with the Book of Bones, I’ve picked up some advanced strategies that most players don’t know about.
The Balloon and Parasol Trick
Since fall damage is so dangerous for skeletons, I’ve found that using balloons or a parasol can significantly reduce the damage you take. It’s not perfect, but it can mean the difference between life and death when you need to make small drops.
Checkpoint Flags Are Your Best Friend
I always plant a Checkpoint Flag when I’m about to take risks as a skeleton. Since I know I might die from a small fall, having a respawn point nearby is essential. This has saved me so much frustration!
Team Coordination is Key
When playing with friends, I’ve found that communication is crucial. I let my team know when I’m using the Book of Bones so they can:
- Stay away from me if I’m about to become fragile
- Help protect me from falls and explosions
- Be ready to revive me if things go wrong
The Emergency Escape Plan
I sometimes use the Book of Bones as an emergency escape tool. If I’m trapped in a room filling with poison gas or about to freeze to death, becoming a skeleton gives me immunity and a chance to escape. It’s risky, but it’s better than certain death!
Common Mistakes I’ve Made (And How to Avoid Them)
Let me share some of the painful lessons I’ve learned so you don’t have to make the same mistakes.
Mistake #1: Using It Near Cliffs
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve transformed into a skeleton near a cliff edge, only to immediately slip and fall to my death. Now I always make sure I’m on flat, stable ground before using the Book of Bones.
Mistake #2: Forgetting About the Curse
Early on, I didn’t pay attention to the Curse effect and ended up with so much Curse that it was affecting my gameplay. Now I keep track of my Curse level and use the cooking trick when needed.
Mistake #3: Not Having an Exit Strategy
I used to transform into skeletons without thinking about how I’d turn back. Now I always have a plan – either another Book of Bones to reverse it, or a safe place to wait out the effects.
Mistake #4: Using It Dynamite Zones
This one still makes me facepalm. I once used the Book of Bones in an area where my teammate was setting up dynamite charges. Let’s just say the explosion was… spectacular. And fatal. Always check your surroundings before transforming!
My Personal Rating and Final Thoughts
After all my testing and experimentation, here’s my honest take on the Book of Bones:
Pros:
- Incredibly useful for survival situations
- Can revive teammates when nothing else will work
- Opens up new strategies for difficult areas
- Looks really cool (skeleton cosmetics are awesome!)
- Essential for the Applied Esoterica Badge
Cons:
- Extremely fragile to fall and explosion damage
- The Curse effect can be problematic
- Random to find, which can be frustrating
- Limited to one-time use
- Can be more trouble than it’s worth if used incorrectly
My Overall Rating: 8/10
I’d give the Book of Bones an 8 out of 10. It’s an incredibly powerful tool when used correctly, but it requires knowledge and caution to use effectively. It’s not something I’d recommend for beginners, but once you understand the mechanics, it becomes an invaluable part of your PEAK toolkit.
FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About the Book of Bones
How rare is the Book of Bones?
From my experience, it’s pretty rare! I’ve gone through entire expeditions without finding one, and then found three in a single run. It’s completely random when you open Ancient Luggage or interact with Ancient Statues, so patience is key.
Can you use the Book of Bones multiple times?
Nope, it’s a single-use item. Once you use it, it’s gone forever. That’s why I always recommend saving it for when you really need it or when you’re specifically trying to get the Applied Esoterica Badge.
What happens if you cook the Book of Bones?
This is a cool trick I discovered! Cooking the Book of Bones before using it actually removes 25 Curse instead of adding it. It’s a great way to avoid the negative effects of the Curse.
Can you turn back into a human after becoming a skeleton?
Yes! If you’re already a skeleton and use another Book of Bones on yourself, you’ll transform back into a normal Scout and lose 25 Curse. It’s a great way to reverse the transformation when you’re done with it.
Is the Book of Bones worth the risk?
In my opinion, absolutely! While it can be dangerous, the benefits often outweigh the risks, especially in survival situations or when you need to revive a teammate. Just make sure you understand the mechanics and use it wisely.
Do skeleton cosmetics carry over to normal gameplay?
Yes! Once you unlock the Skeleton Top cosmetic from the Applied Esoterica Badge, you can wear it anytime, even when you’re not a skeleton. It’s a great way to show off your achievement.
Can you use the Book of Bones in PvP modes?
I haven’t tested this extensively, but from what I’ve seen, the Book of Bones works the same way in PvP as it does in PvE. Just be extra careful about the increased damage vulnerability!
What’s the best way to farm for the Book of Bones?
My best strategy is to focus on Ancient Luggage bags since they’re more common than Ancient Statues. Check every single one you find, and don’t be afraid to reset your expedition if you’re specifically hunting for it.
Does the Book of Bones work on all character types?
Yes, it works on any character type in PEAK. Whether you’re playing as a Scout, Explorer, or any other class, the Book of Bones will transform you into a skeleton the same way.
Can you stack multiple Book of Bones effects?
No, you can only be affected by one Book of Bones transformation at a time. If you try to use another one while already a skeleton, it will just turn you back to normal.
Final Thoughts from Your Fellow PEAK Explorer
Whew! That was a lot of information, but I wanted to make sure I covered everything I’ve learned about the Book of Bones. This item has become one of my favorites in PEAK, not just for its practical uses but for the unique gameplay experiences it creates.
There’s something incredibly satisfying about transforming into a skeleton to overcome impossible odds, or reviving a teammate when all hope seems lost. The Applied Esoterica Badge and Skeleton Top cosmetic are just icing on the cake!
I hope this guide helps you on your PEAK adventures. Remember, the Book of Bones is a powerful tool, but with great power comes great responsibility (and great fragility to fall damage). Use it wisely, communicate with your team, and most importantly, have fun with it!
If you found this guide helpful, make sure to bookmark it for future reference. I’ll be updating it as I discover new tricks and strategies for using the Book of Bones. Happy climbing, and may your skeleton transformations be many and your falls be few!
Stay tuned for more PEAK guides and tips – I’m always exploring and discovering new things in this amazing game!