WhileThe Ascenthad issues at launch regarding technical problems, it was still fun to play. It featured an isometric view, where players would be looking down on their characters.The Ascentis an indie game; however, it feels bigger because of how much it offers players. Being whatCyberpunk 2077was trying to be,The Ascentmanaged to pull off the cyber wave aesthetic very well.

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Even though it’s a smaller game,The Ascentstill has a lot of deep mechanics. If players enjoy the grinding that’s in some betterwestern made RPGs, thenThe Ascentwill be perfect for them. Thankfully,The Ascentis still being supported a year after its initial release, in the form of new content. The firstpost-launch content, called Cyber Heist, takes what players have learned in the base game and turns it up. While it does play likeThe Ascent,players will still find new things.

5It’s Even More Difficult Than The Base Game

Depending on who is asked,The Ascentis rather difficult, even if players are going into the world with a friend. But, this element can be alleviated if players go into the game witha head start on game knowledge. The best part of getting help inThe Ascentis that it can be transferred into the Cyber Heist, so all the things that players have mastered can be really useful in the DLC. However, the main thing that players should note is how much harder it gets.

Since the level cap is raised, players will need some serious leveling and grinding before attempting main missions. If players jump into theDLC with a friend, things do somewhat get easier, but not enough to make them feel safe. The difficulty isn’t a bad thing; in fact, it can help players get better at the game, learn Ascent,and fight more aggressively.

the ascent player attacking an enemy with an enemy beside them

4Finish The Base Game In Order To Start The DLC

This may be annoying for many players, but for Cyber Heist’s story, it does make sense. Since the story takes place after the base game, players can only access the content once they’ve beaten the game. Additionally, if players can get through the base game ofThe Ascent,Cyber Heist will be easier to play.

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the ascent two players in cover fighting a group of enemies

Players will still have those skills they’ve learned fresh in their head, and playing Cyber Heist will just feel like the base game. The only reason Cyber Heist is only accessible this way is that it takes place after the players have escaped the prison, and start their new life.

3Melee Weapon

One of the best parts ofThe Ascentis how deep the elements are, including how players can customize their characters to reflect their play style. Weapons are the best wayto emphasize this. Depending on the type of weapon, plus whatever build players are creating,The Ascentwill be a unique experience for all players.

What separatesThe Ascentfrom its DLC, is the inclusion of melee weapons. This can change the metaor make things a lot more difficult, because enemies will react differently. Since players can create builds, new weapons allow players to experiment more. They behave a lot like their ranged counterparts: each melee weapon will have attributes, some of which players may overlook, a mistakeplayer should avoid. These attributes can turnThe Ascenton its head, and allow players to become more fluid in how they fight.

the ascent character holding a hammer Cropped

On the other hand, melee combat is quite unforgiving in the Cyber Heist DLC. Players should verify when they opt for a melee weapon, they create a build around it.

2It’s A Short Story

WhileThe Ascentwas met warmly by critics and fans, regardless of the issues that it had, the length was the main thing that divided the community. Sitting at 12 hours for the main story, many players felt like thiswas long enoughfor a game likeThe Ascent.On the other hand, a lot of other players feel that since the world is massive, the story should accommodate the playtime.

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Because the world is rich and vibrant, a long game to allow players to explore the world makes sense. However, with so much going on for the player, the length becomes secondary. Cyber Heist is much like this. There’s a lot going on in the world, and players won’t notice how short it is. Since the Cyber Heist’s difficulty is harder, the length will be expanded, due to players dying a lot or grinding.

1Only One Player Needs To Buy It

Even thoughThe Ascenthad issues coming out, it was still fun to play, and with friends, things got better. Its capacity for up to 4 player co-op makesThe Ascentan easy choice to play with friends, because of the richness and fullness of the game. All this mixed together madeThe Ascentof thebest co-op gamesof 2021.

The Ascent and Cyber Heistare available now on Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PS5, PS4, and PC.

the ascent 4 players shooting a robotic spider

the ascent 4 players in a dome shield