KEY POINTS

  • "The Ascent" features RPG mechanics on top of satisfying shooter gameplay
  • Players should focus on constantly upgrading their character and equipment
  • The game's world is filled with hidden loot and secrets 

As far as isometric RPG shooters go, “The Ascent” goes to great lengths to prove that it’s more than just another game in the genre. The game incorporates a fairly hefty RPG system with upgradeable weapons and armor, abilities, specializations and more on top of being an amazing shooter game that gets gunplay right.

All of these combined give players plenty of options to try out within “The Ascent’s” 10-hour or so journey from start to finish. Some players may even find themselves overwhelmed with all of the possible character builds and options that the game throws at them.

Here are some tips on how to start on the right foot in “The Ascent.”

The Ascent is an action shooter RPG with in-depth character customization, cybernetic abilities and very big guns
The Ascent is an action shooter RPG with in-depth character customization, cybernetic abilities and very big guns Neon Giant

Focus on one attribute

After leveling up, points can be spent on the many attributes found in the Character screen. Each attribute will give bonuses to specific stats like health, reload speed, weapon handling and critical hit chance.

Since individual points give only minuscule bonuses to each stat, it’s better to invest most points into just one attribute, especially at the early game.

Upgrade the Cyberdeck

The Cyberdeck is an essential piece of equipment that’s required to hack electronics. This can be used to unlock terminals, open doors, crack locked chests and more, but it needs to be upgraded or else it won’t be usable in the game’s later stages.

There are Cyberdeck upgrades hidden throughout the world. Some upgrades can be obtained by naturally progressing through the story, while others need a bit of effort to find, so try to keep an eye out.

Upgrade gear constantly

Unlike in loot-based games like “Borderlands” or “Diablo,” the equipment stats in “The Ascent” are fixed, which means that one kind of item will always have the same stats as the rest except for certain occasions. Due to this, it’s best to always upgrade weapons and armor whenever possible to gain an edge in combat.

Use cover wisely

The game lets players duck behind waist-high walls and shoot safely behind them. This is usually effective against other ranged enemies, but it isn’t always necessary.

Run-and-gun playstyles are completely viable in “The Ascent,” and sometimes, sticking to cover is simply not a good idea, especially when there are plenty of swarmer-type melee enemies on-screen.

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