Peak’s Cannibalism Controversy: Feature Now Optional After Backlash

The survival comedy game Peak is known for its quirky and hilarious gameplay. However, in late July 2025, it stirred controversy when developers suddenly introduced a cannibalism feature that allowed players to eat each other. After receiving heavy criticism, Landfall Games decided to make it optional.

How Cannibalism Works in Peak

In Peak, players must manage their hunger levels to survive. With the update, if hunger reaches a critical level, other characters will appear like giant roast chickens ready to eat.

• If a player chooses to eat another:

  • Hunger is satisfied

  • The victim dies

  • The eater receives a curse

While certain items can remove the curse or death effect, many players felt the mechanic created an unpleasant and toxic gameplay experience. Some even reported that players were deliberately hiding food so others would be forced into cannibalism.

Landfall Games’ Response

According to Hanna Fogelberg, Head of Communications at Landfall Games, making cannibalism optional was the best way to keep the community comfortable.

• Players who enable the feature will see the option earlier

• There are stronger penalties to make it less appealing

• The core focus remains cooperation and friendship

“Not everyone wants to eat their friends. Peak is about working together, so it makes sense some players want to avoid it,” Hanna told Polygon.

Interestingly, the feature was first added by Aggro Crab while part of Landfall’s team was on vacation. “We were shocked but also amused, just like the players!” Hanna added.

Mesa Update: What’s New in Peak

Even with cannibalism nerfed, Peak isn’t going soft. The newly released Mesa Update brings fresh and exciting content, including:

• A new desert biome

• Explosive items like dynamite

• New badges for player progression

• Potential dust storms as environmental hazards

• Horror references, such as a flower crown inspired by Midsommar

Given Landfall’s Swedish roots, players can expect more creative yet darkly funny mechanics in the future.

Conclusion

The cannibalism feature in Peak may have sparked controversy, but making it optional ensures that gameplay remains fun for everyone. Meanwhile, the Mesa Update proves that Peak continues to deliver chaotic, absurd, and surprising content that keeps players hooked.

🎮 Would you enable the cannibalism feature, or stick to a friendlier playstyle?