You have been snatched from your world to take part in a challenging Pilgrimage that very few have completed.. Surf, jump, climb and keep your flow while finding secrets and beating time trials! Go on Pilgrim, I have faith in you.
The core gameplay revolves around mastering unique movement mechanics that borrow from popular FPS genres like surfing and bunnyhopping. Players primarily use the W key to gain speed and momentum, with the mouse controlling their camera and direction. This simplified control scheme, where strafing is not required, makes the game more accessible to new players while still allowing skilled players to find advanced techniques and optimal routes through levels.
At the heart of the experience is the act of surfing - using ramps and other level geometry to build and maintain speed. The game takes the basic surfing mechanics from Counter-Strike and refines them, requiring players to carefully control their momentum and timing to seamlessly transition between surfaces. Mastering the nuances of this surfing system is key to achieving fast clear times and unlocking new movement options.
In addition to surfing, the game incorporates bunnyhopping and other aerial maneuvers to allow players to clear gaps and reach new areas. The bunnyhopping mechanic is described as "forgiving" compared to other games, making it more accessible. Players can also utilize double jumps and boost pads to gain extra height and distance, adding further depth to the platforming and traversal.
The game's 30+ hand-crafted levels are praised for their variety and open-ended design. Each level offers multiple routes and shortcuts for players to discover, encouraging exploration and replayability as they seek to optimize their times. The levels also incorporate a range of environmental obstacles and gimmicks, like jump pads and antigravity zones, that add new challenges and possibilities for skilled players to take advantage of.
A key aspect of the experience is the active community and emphasis on speedrunning. The game features robust leaderboard functionality, allowing players to compare their times with others. Additionally, the inclusion of ghosting - where the replays of other players' runs are displayed alongside the player's own - provides motivation and inspiration to continually improve one's skills and routes.