Sub-“structure 17 in White Knuckle has so many variations, the items you’ll need to escape this zone, regions and more in this complete guide.
Sub-Structure 17 Complete Guide
Welcome to the ultimate White Knuckle: Sub-Structure 17 escape guide your evolving survival companion for mastering every ledge, enemy encounter, and hidden item the game throws at you. Whether you’re just stepping into the subterranean chaos or you’re a seasoned climber looking to optimize your route, this guide breaks down the essentials: from core mechanics and rare tools to smart item usage and life-saving strategies.
Controls
Before you can escape the depths of Sub-Structure 17, you need to understand how to move, interact, and survive. Here’s a quick breakdown of all essential controls.
Movement Controls
- Walk: Standard movement using directional keys
- Run: Hold [Run Key] to move faster — great for timed jumps and escaping danger
- Crouch: Press [Crouch Key] to duck under obstacles or stealth past enemies
Climbing Mode
- Climb Prep: Hold [Climb Key] to ready your hands for grabbing ledges and walls
- Grab Surfaces: Use left and/or right mouse click to latch onto climbable areas
- Climbing Surfaces: Any ledge or red-marked surface is usually grabbable
Inventory System
- Open Inventory: Hold [Inventory Key] to bring up your inventory menu
- Use Items: Click and drag items into quick slots for faster access
- Quick Use: Press assigned hotkeys to instantly equip items from inventory slots
- Item Use in Hand:
- Left Mouse Button: Use item in left hand
- Right Mouse Button: Use item in right hand
Tip: Always check your inventory — some players don’t even realize it exists!
How to Climb in White Knuckle: Sub-Structure 17
Climbing is at the core of survival in Sub-Structure 17. Here’s how to do it efficiently, while managing momentum and stamina to your advantage.
Mantling Basics
- Grab a ledge or surface with one or both hands
- Look toward the wall and move forward to pull yourself up
- You’ll automatically mantle up if the surface is climbable
- Red surfaces usually indicate handholds, but you can grab any ledge with a decent angle.
Climbing Upward
- Use alternating mouse clicks (left/right) to simulate hand movement upward
- Shift your aim to reach new handholds or ledges above you
- Combine with movement keys for fluid vertical traversal
Mastering Climbing Momentum
Momentum isn’t just helpful it’s critical for navigating large gaps and difficult climbs.
How to Use Momentum:
- Swing using movement keys while holding onto a surface
- Time your jump at the peak of your swing to propel yourself forward
- Combine swinging and jumping to access hidden areas and shortcuts
- Momentum makes certain jumps possible that would otherwise be unreachable.
Stamina Management
Stamina is your lifeline while climbing. If you run out, you fall — and falling is rarely forgiving in White Knuckle.
Stamina Mechanics
- Each hand has its own stamina bar
- The longer you hold onto a surface, the more red your hands become
- Jumping or holding too long drains stamina faster
- Once a hand’s stamina runs out, it loses grip
How to Recover Stamina
- Let go with one hand to let it rest while the other keeps holding on
- Use consumables like the Bean Can or Pill Bottle to recover stamina or slow its drain
- Plan your climbs and breaks to avoid dangerous mid-wall fatigue
Items
Throwables and Placeables
These are the backbone of your survival kit. Whether you’re scaling vertical shafts or avoiding hostile creatures, mastering these tools will dramatically increase your chances of escape.
Piton
- A placeable climbing spike that creates a temporary ledge.
- Requires a hammer to anchor securely — otherwise, expect a quick fall.
- Ideal for unreachable ledges and vertical ascents.
Auto Piton (Rare)
- A self-drilling variant of the standard piton.
- Doesn’t require a hammer — perfect in high-pressure situations.
- Highly recommended for late-game or speedrunning strategies.
Rebarb
- A throwable steel rod that sticks into surfaces, usable for climbing or combat.
- Launching it pushes you back — use this mechanic for “Rebarb Boosting” to gain extra height.
- Essential for mobility across complex terrain.
Rope Rebarb (Uncommon Upgrade)
- Functions like Rebarb but deploys a rope upon impact.
- Lets you swing across gaps or climb large sections.
- Can skip large chunks of a level if used smartly.
Rebarb Rocket (Very Rare)
- Found mainly in vending machines.
- Launches forward and explodes on impact — limited practical utility in the current demo.
- Not recommended unless you’re experimenting.
Hammer
- Core multi-purpose tool: secures pitons, breaks boxes, and wards off enemies.
- Starts in your inventory — don’t lose it, as replacements are nonexistent (in the current demo).
Brick
- Basic throwable for stunning or distracting enemies.
- No alternate use — best kept for defense or lure strategies.
Consumables & Buff Items: Boost, Heal, Survive
Consumables offer short-term advantages, often making the difference between life and death. Always keep an eye out for these in secret stashes and hidden compartments.
Bean Can
- Fully restores stamina upon use.
- Commonly found throughout the game world.
Food Bar
- Similar to the Bean Can but leaves no waste — environmentally friendly option!
- Equally effective and easy to find.
Pill Bottle (Rare)
- Temporarily halts stamina drain while climbing.
- Incredibly useful for scaling long walls or speed-clearing sections.
Syringe (Rare)
- Grants a short-term boost to jump height and movement speed.
- Best used before difficult ascents or time-sensitive maneuvers.
Ethical Dilemma or Life-Saver?
THE SLUGGRUB (Legendary Creature)
- A mysterious and adorable creature hidden in rare spots.
- When crushed, grants the ability to climb any surface for a limited time.
- Ethically questionable, but invaluable in emergencies — use at your own moral discretion.
Quick Tips for Sub-Structure Survival
- Learn the Layouts: Many levels share design elements. Familiarize yourself with choke points and shortcuts.
- Use Vending Machines Wisely: Rare items often spawn here — stock up before a hard section.
- Master Rebarb Boosting: Time your throw-and-grab for maximum momentum and elevation.
- Conserve Tools: Some items have limited availability — don’t waste them on trivial jumps.