Are you sure Snake Pass is the game you were intending this question for? There aren't many opportunities do die, and chekpoints save your progress. If it is a big problem, then you probably need to learn to climb better.

First, do you have a controller? This game is best played with a controller.

Do not use the "grip" function, it only stiffens the snake, impeding your movement. It doesn't provide any actual extra grip.

If you are having trouble staying on the wooden poles, coiling around them can give you more grip and stability. However, since it requires you to go underneath the pole if it is postioned horizontally, it can be challenging or dangerous depending on how well you coil. Oftentimes, it is easier and quicker to just slide on top of them instead of coiling around each one.

When you reach for a new handhold (snakehold?), try slinging the snake's head and a little bit of its body over the obstacle to be in a stable position. The snake will slide if its centre of gravity is hanging in thin air, and the head is heavier than the tail, so by bringing the snake's head across the obstacle, you will achieve good balance and prevent falling.

If you are sliding backwards, you can press a button to ask your bird friend to pick up your tail. It can be useful in tricky situations, but don't overdo it. If you are sliding forwards, or if bringing the tail up will uncoil you, you will fall to your doom.

A checkpoint will save your progress at the moment you touched it. If you have collected lots of stuff and died, you will lose everything you've gathered since last touching a checkpoint. Consider returning to a checkpoint you've already reached after making significant progress in order to save it. Checkpoints can be re-activated as many times as you like, and you don't have to go to a different one each time, you can activate the same chekpoint over and over again.

The only things you are required to take to progress in this game are the large colourful crystals. Everything else is optional. In particular, the gold coins usually provide significant challenge. If you feel you're struggling too much, feel free to skip some of the collectibles and concentrate on the goal. You can always come back to collect what you've missed later. But do keep in mind that each successfully completed challenge will increase your climbing skills.

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