If you’ve seen gamers raging online, you’ve probably heard of Only Up. In this Only Up review, we’ll look at how this indie climbing game took the internet by storm in 2023 with its brutal difficulty and viral streaming moments. We’ll break down what makes Only Up unique, why it became such a hit, and why people still talk about it today.
What Only Up! Is and What Makes It Unique
Only Up! is a daring 3D platformer released in 2023 that quickly became a surprise hit thanks to its extreme difficulty and viral fame among streamers. In the game, players guide Jackie—a young teen—through surreal environments filled with junk piles, scaffolding, and floating objects, climbing higher with every careful step.
What sets the game apart is its punishing design. There are no checkpoints, and one slip can send you all the way back to the start. This high-stakes tension makes every jump nerve-wracking and every success feel unforgettable.
The strange world and the thrill of constant risk attracted streamers and content creators, who turned the game into a viral challenge. Watching players fall or succeed created dramatic, shareable moments that helped Only Up! explode in popularity across Twitch and TikTok.
Gameplay Mechanics
At its core, Only Up! is all about climbing. Players take control of Jackie, who must move across an endless stack of objects that rise into the sky. The game is played from a third-person view, giving you full control over running, jumping, and grabbing onto ledges.
The challenge comes from the fact that there are no checkpoints. Every step feels risky, because a single mistake can send you falling all the way back to the start. This design makes even small jumps feel intense, and reaching higher areas feels like a huge achievement.
The world is built with a mix of strange objects—like floating cars, pipes, and crates—so the path is never straightforward. Players must use timing, precision, and patience to progress. The longer you climb, the more the game tests your nerves and focus.
What makes it engaging is the balance between frustration and reward. Each failed attempt teaches you something new, and each success pushes you closer to the top. That constant cycle is what keeps players hooked.
Tips for Beginners
If you’re just starting out with Only Up!, here are some quick tips that can help:
- Take it slow. Rushing increases mistakes and falls.
- Plan your jumps. Look ahead and spot safe landing spots.
- Use small movements. Precise steps are better than big leaps.
- Learn from each fall. Every mistake shows you where to improve.
- Stay calm. The game is meant to test patience as much as skill.
f you enjoy training your focus and speed outside of platformers, fun learning games like Hit The Button can sharpen your reflexes while keeping it lighthearted.
Visuals & Design
The look of Only Up! is part of what makes it stand out. Instead of polished levels, the game builds a strange world using a patchwork of everyday objects. Players climb across train cars, furniture, pipes, and even giant toys, all floating in mid-air. This gives the game a surreal, dream-like atmosphere where nothing feels normal.
The art style is simple but effective. Colors are bright, and the mix of random objects creates a chaotic playground that feels unpredictable. Sometimes you find yourself climbing through a quiet neighborhood scene, and moments later you’re balancing on a rocket or skipping across floating platforms.
This odd design choice adds to the game’s tension. The cluttered visuals can make jumps harder to judge, while the huge vertical scale makes you feel both amazed and nervous at the same time. Even though the graphics aren’t realistic, the sense of height and danger is very real.
For many players, the unusual visuals are part of the charm. They turn the climb into more than just a challenge—it becomes an adventure through a world that feels weird, exciting, and a little unsettling.
Reception & Popularity
When Only Up! first appeared, it quickly became a viral hit. Streamers on Twitch and YouTube made it famous by showing their dramatic reactions to falling or finally reaching new heights. Clips of players failing or succeeding spread across TikTok and Twitter, drawing millions of views.
Just like retro classics that tested patience back in the day, some of the Best N64 games also challenged players with difficult but rewarding gameplay.
Best Streamers Who Played Only Up!
Part of the game’s viral fame came from streamers who made it entertaining to watch. Some of the most popular included:
- xQc – Known for rage moments and dramatic falls.
- Ludwig – Shared both frustration and laughs during his climb.
- Kai Cenat – Brought humor and chaos to the challenge.
- Smaller indie streamers – Many gained quick followers by showcasing their reactions.
These creators turned the game into shareable entertainment, helping it spread across Twitch, YouTube, and TikTok.
The game was often compared to Getting Over It with Bennett Foddy, another rage-inducing climbing challenge.
| Feature | Only Up! | Getting Over It |
|---|---|---|
| Release Year | 2023 | 2017 |
| Core Mechanic | 3D climbing, no checkpoints | 2D climbing with hammer |
| Difficulty Style | Punishing, reset to start | Punishing, reset to start |
| Viral Factor | TikTok & Twitch streamers | YouTube rage clips |
| Visual Style | Surreal, random objects | Minimalist, realistic physics |
Like that game, Only Up! mixes frustration with a sense of accomplishment. Many players admitted it was stressful, but they kept returning because the thrill of reaching higher was addictive.
Critics and players gave mixed opinions. Some praised the creativity, tense gameplay, and unforgettable moments. Others pointed out issues with bugs, inconsistent visuals, and the lack of checkpoints. Still, the game’s popularity showed that its raw design struck a chord with a wide audience.
Even though the developers later removed it from Steam, the short burst of fame made Only Up! one of 2023’s most talked-about indie games. Its mix of challenge, humor, and chaos left a mark on the gaming community.
Why the Game Was Removed from Steam
In late 2023, Only Up! was suddenly removed from Steam by its developer, SCKR Games. The reasons included:
- Stress on the solo developer. They said the viral fame was overwhelming.
- Licensing issues. Some assets in the game reportedly came from pre-made libraries.
- Personal choice. The developer wanted to move on from the project.
Even though it’s no longer available, its short burst of popularity gave it cult status in the gaming world.
Final Thoughts
Only Up! is more than just a climbing game. It’s an experience built on pressure, patience, and persistence. Every step forward feels like progress, but every mistake reminds you of the risk waiting below. That mix of excitement and fear is what makes the game unforgettable.
Players who enjoy a tough challenge will find it rewarding. The lack of checkpoints and the unpredictable world make success feel earned. For others, the frustration may be too much—but even then, watching the game can be just as entertaining as playing it.
And if you’re looking for modern challenges beyond indie hits, exploring the Best PS5 games in 2025 offers plenty of action-packed adventures with polished design.
FAQs About Only Up!
What is Only Up!?
It’s a 3D climbing game released in 2023 where players guide Jackie through surreal environments with no checkpoints.
Why is Only Up! so hard?
Because one mistake can send you back to the beginning, creating high tension and challenge.
Is Only Up! still available on Steam?
No, it was removed in 2023 by its developer, but clips and gameplay remain popular online.
In the end, Only Up! stands out as one of the most surprising indie hits of recent years. Its viral popularity, simple concept, and unforgiving design turned it into a game people will remember, whether they loved the climb or hated the fall.
Disclaimer:
This article is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Only Up! is developed and published by SCKR Games. Details about its gameplay, reception, and removal from Steam are accurate at the time of writing but may change over time. Mention of streamers is for reference only and does not imply endorsement.
I’m Emma Rose, the founder of tryhardguides.co.uk, and a content creator with a passion for writing across multiple niches—including health, lifestyle, tech, career, and personal development. I love turning complex ideas into relatable, easy-to-digest content that helps people learn, grow, and stay inspired. Whether I’m sharing practical tips or diving into thought-provoking topics, my goal is always to add real value and connect with readers on a deeper level.