Before you start
- Use the platform and version named below; announcement details can change before release.
How many Shades fit your group?
Shades repeat an imprinted action rather than making independent AI decisions. These are the announced rules, not a test of the released game.
| Human players | Available Shade places |
|---|---|
| 1 | Up to 3 |
| 2 | Up to 2 |
| 3 | Up to 1 |
| 4 | None within the four-character limit |
Sources for this section
- Windup / Knights Peak on Steam: Meet the Shade System: Your Co-Op Team When You’re Playing Solo · Checked 2026-09-28 · Published 2025-12-05
What a Shade can contribute
| Example | Puzzle role |
|---|---|
| Holding an object | Keeps a task occupied. |
| Trampoline | Provides a movement aid. |
| Rope anchor | Maintains an anchor point. |
Sources for this section
- Windup / Knights Peak on Steam: Hela: Of Mice & Magic Is Coming in Q4 2026 · Checked 2026-09-27 · Published 2026-07-16
Record an action, not just a position
Create the Shade while performing the action you need repeated. The developer also describes leaving one at a safe position and switching back after a fall. This is an in-session traversal aid; it does not establish disk saves, respawn rules or cross-session persistence. Exact button bindings and duration remain unverified.
Sources for this section
- Windup / Knights Peak on Steam: Meet the Shade System: Your Co-Op Team When You’re Playing Solo · Checked 2026-09-28 · Published 2025-12-05
The developer’s solo catapult example
This published example explains the action-copying sequence. No named puzzle location or button prompt has been verified here.
- Pull the catapult rope yourself.
- Create a Shade to keep holding the rope.
- Move your mouse into the scoop for the launch.
Sources for this section
- Windup / Knights Peak on Steam: Meet the Shade System: Your Co-Op Team When You’re Playing Solo · Checked 2026-09-28 · Published 2025-12-05
Froggy Backpack movement
The developer describes these capabilities; the article does not give their input bindings or a complete unlock route.
| Action | Announced use |
|---|---|
| Tongue grapple | Swing, climb, lower yourself or move objects. |
| Link to a player or Shade | Make a traversable rope connection. |
| Inflate in the air | Glide. |
| Inflate on the ground | Provide a bouncing platform. |
| Forest-friend training | Learn abilities such as double jump. |
Sources for this section
- Windup / Knights Peak on Steam: Meet the Froggy Backpack: The Magic That Shapes How You Move · Checked 2026-09-28 · Published 2026-02-27
Your checklist
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Sources and how this guide was made
This guide uses the linked sources and any attributed demonstrations. Kingy has not independently play-tested these steps. Platform differences and limitations are noted with the advice they affect.
Coverage: Prelaunch edition · PC requirements source reviewed October 6, 2026 · gameplay not tested. Research checked 2026-09-28. Updated 2026-09-28
Sources and coverage →