Megagon Industries, the studio behind the serene yet deceptively challenging downhill skiing game Lonely Mountains: Snow Riders, has hit a significant peak: the game has now welcomed over one million players across PC and Xbox platforms. This impressive milestone, no doubt significantly boosted by its inclusion on Xbox Game Pass, is certainly cause for celebration. And how does one celebrate mountain sports success? With more mountain to ride, of course.
In a free update rolling out now, players are treated to two distinct new game modes, specifically designed to test their skills and provide fresh incentives to return to the game`s beautifully rendered, isolated peaks.
Trick Mode: Precision, Style, and Potential Faceplants
First up is Trick Mode. Unlocked for players who have reached Level 20 through normal gameplay, this mode transforms familiar slopes into a playground for performers. Forget the straightforward race against the clock or the path; here, success is primarily measured in style, creativity, and the precise execution of maneuvers. Players will face over 100 specific challenges scattered across the mountainside. These aren`t just general goals, but tasks that require executing particular tricks, navigating scenarios just so, or chaining specific actions, all in pursuit of accumulating points. It`s a mode that demands patience and precision, turning the mountain into an intricate puzzle box where every jump and grind counts. Or, depending on your skill level, a hilarious series of failed attempts at airborne ballet.
Free Ride Mode: Unbridled Speed Down the Mountain
For those who prefer raw, unadulterated speed over technical finesse, the update introduces Free Ride Mode. Accessible once you`ve reached Level 35, this mode throws out the rulebook entirely – and more importantly, it removes all checkpoints and predefined paths. Your objective is singular and pure: descend the mountain from start to finish as fast as is humanly (or digitally) possible. The route is entirely left to your discretion, opening up possibilities for highly creative lines, death-defying shortcuts, and a true test of nerve and topographical understanding. It`s a pure speedrun challenge, rewarding daring descents and punishing any hesitation or poor line choice. Finding that perfect, albeit risky, path will be the key to topping these unique leaderboards.
Both new modes come complete with dedicated leaderboards, allowing players to compare their Trick Mode scores or Free Ride times against others (or simply track their own improvements). Achievements are also available for each addition, providing further goals for dedicated players. Crucially, for players who prefer a solitary journey down the slopes or find the competitive pressure of standard leaderboards intimidating, these modes provide alternative avenues to earn valuable experience points. This allows them to progress towards the maximum account level and unlock further content without needing to directly compete with other players` times on the core trails.
Beyond the exciting new gameplay modes, Megagon Industries has also implemented various accessibility features in this update. These include welcome options such as auto-brake and auto-accelerate, the ability to toggle button actions instead of requiring them to be held down, and comprehensive button remapping. These thoughtful additions help ensure that more players can comfortably enjoy the core thrill of speedy, physics-driven descent that defines the game.
The journey down the lonely mountains is clearly far from over. Players can look forward to even more content later this year, with a significant expansion planned for release in the fall. This expansion is set to coincide with the game`s upcoming debut on PlayStation 5, bringing the serene yet challenging slopes to a new platform and a fresh wave of potential riders.
