The Ascent is an action RPG and twin-stick shooter set in a cyberpunk world. Players take on the role of a worker in the Ascent Group arcology on the planet Veles, where a corporate collapse throws districts into chaos filled with rival factions and threats from across the galaxy.
Gameplay
The core loop centers on top-down combat where players aim weapons at different heights, switch between firearms and gadgets, and use cover while navigating destructible environments. Enemies require constant tactical adjustments as new types appear throughout the districts.
Progression involves leveling up to allocate skill points and equipping cyberware augmentations that alter combat approaches, such as deploying drones or deploying area effects. Loot drops from defeated foes and exploration provide gear with varying rarities that can be upgraded or sold at vendors.
Exploration spans multiple districts ranging from lower slums to upper luxury areas, with a hacking tool used to access restricted zones and containers. Fast travel options via subway and taxi systems reduce backtracking during longer sessions.
Game Modes
The game supports single-player throughout the full campaign. Co-operative play allows up to four participants in either local or online sessions, with shared loot and progression that carries across all players in the group.
No player-versus-player options exist. The structure focuses on mission-based progression through the main story and side objectives that encourage repeated visits to districts for additional loot and upgrades.
World and Progression Systems
The setting features a densely populated arcology where districts host distinct enemy groups and environmental hazards. Factions compete for control after the central corporation's shutdown, creating varied combat encounters tied to the narrative of survival and investigation.
Character development remains classless, relying instead on weapon choices, augment loadouts, and stat investments that influence reload speed, critical chance, and mobility. These systems encourage experimentation across multiple playthroughs without locking players into permanent builds.
Is It Worth Playing?
The Ascent delivers satisfying twin-stick combat paired with straightforward RPG progression for players who enjoy loot-driven action in a cyberpunk environment. Co-operative sessions amplify the chaotic enemy encounters and shared inventory management, making it particularly suitable for groups seeking short to medium-length campaigns.
Updates have added new weapons, story content through expansions like Cyber Heist, and additional locations since the initial release. The game remains available on PC and consoles with ongoing community discussion into 2025 regarding its solo and group viability.
Those drawn to isometric shooters with customization depth and atmospheric world traversal will find consistent engagement, while players seeking extensive endgame systems or competitive modes may prefer titles with broader ongoing support.
