Is The Ascent a Long Game? A Detailed Look at Playtime and Completion
Is The Ascent a long game? The answer depends entirely on your playstyle and goals. For players who primarily focus on completing the main storyline, The Ascent clocks in at around 12 hours. However, if you are a completionist aiming for 100% completion, including all side quests, exploration, and item collection, expect to spend around 26 hours in the cyberpunk world of Veles. This places The Ascent in the middle range of game lengths, not overly short but also not requiring an excessive commitment of time. This balance makes it accessible for various types of gamers, from those seeking a quick action fix to those wanting a more immersive, thorough experience.
Main Story Length vs. Completionist Run
Focused Playthrough
The core campaign of The Ascent consists of 12 main missions spread across four distinct regions within the Veles Arcology. If your primary objective is to follow the main storyline, you can expect to finish it in about 12 hours. This playthrough typically focuses on combat encounters and progression through each mission’s objectives, minimizing time spent on side quests and optional exploration.
Completionist Endeavors
For players who prefer to explore every nook and cranny, the game offers a considerable amount more to do. This includes completing all side missions, collecting all available weapons, armor, and upgrade items, and experiencing all the game’s content. Such a playthrough will likely take about 26 hours. The extra time is spent immersing in the world, engaging with its inhabitants, and uncovering all the secrets hidden in Veles.
Factors Affecting Playtime
Several factors can influence the time it takes to complete The Ascent:
Difficulty Setting
The game’s difficulty level can significantly impact your playtime. Playing on higher difficulties might mean that you require more retries on boss encounters, and you’ll need to spend more time crafting the perfect weapon and armor combination, ultimately lengthening your playthrough.
Co-op Play
Playing in co-op mode, which supports up to four players, can either shorten or lengthen your playtime. Teaming up with friends may help you clear areas faster due to increased firepower, potentially speeding up your progression through the story. Alternatively, coordination and planning in a group can sometimes slow things down.
Exploration and Side Content
The amount of time spent exploring the environment and engaging in optional content will significantly impact total playtime. The Ascent features a fully open world, encouraging players to uncover hidden areas, engage with NPCs, and complete side quests that can add many hours to your overall time in the game.
Endgame Activities
Even after the main storyline concludes, there are several endgame activities that you can undertake, providing additional hours of gameplay. While the game doesn’t have a New Game+, there are still options for players looking to extend their time in the world, like seeking out challenges in previously visited areas.
Is The Ascent Grindy?
One common criticism of The Ascent is its emphasis on grinding. While the game received positive reviews for its visuals, combat, and soundtrack, some players have found the need to repeat areas or fights to obtain better gear or resources to be tedious. If you are aiming for 100% completion, you will find yourself needing to grind to level up, earn money, and to find certain crafting materials.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About The Ascent’s Length
1. How many main missions are in The Ascent?
There are 12 main missions in The Ascent, which are split up across four distinct regions of the Veles Arcology. These main missions can be played solo or in co-op groups.
2. Is The Ascent playable solo?
Yes, The Ascent is fully playable solo, although it also supports local and online co-op for up to four players. You can choose to play entirely on your own or engage with friends for a different experience.
3. Does The Ascent have a New Game+ mode?
No, The Ascent does not have a traditional New Game+ mode. However, there are endgame activities available to players after completing the main story, which can extend playtime beyond the initial campaign.
4. What is the max level in The Ascent?
There is technically no level cap in The Ascent. However, after maximizing all stats, your character will likely be around level 160, which players consider the “cap” for all practical purposes.
5. Is The Ascent an open world game?
Yes, The Ascent features a fully open world. Unlike some other isometric RPGs, The Ascent allows you to explore a seamless, expansive cyberpunk environment.
6. How many bosses are in The Ascent?
There are nine main bosses that you’ll need to defeat throughout The Ascent’s main storyline, each providing a unique challenge to overcome.
7. What is the final boss in The Ascent?
The final boss in The Ascent is Dakyne, and defeating him concludes the main story campaign.
8. How many guns are in The Ascent?
The Ascent offers extensive choices for player customization, including five weapon categories and over thirty unique guns.
9. Is there a katana in The Ascent?
Yes, the Guillotine is a katana melee weapon available in The Ascent. It is a powerful option for players who prefer melee combat, dealing high base damage and enabling powerful whirlwind attacks.
10. What is the Overwhelmer weapon in The Ascent?
The Overwhelmer is one of the most powerful weapons in the game. It delivers a devastating area of effect attack, combining ballistic and fire damage, and is found in an area called the Edge.
11. What is the best armor in The Ascent?
The best armor pieces vary based on player builds. Popular choices include:
- Custom Mechrhino Helmet (Head Armor)
- P-50 Propulsion Protectors (Leg Armor)
- Custom Sec-5 Rig (Torso Armor)
12. What are the best skills in The Ascent?
Top skills in The Ascent include:
- Vital Signs
- Critical Hit Rate
- Tactical Sense
- Body Battery
- Weapon Handling
13. Can you gamble in The Ascent?
Yes, you can gamble by using slot machines within the game. While it’s not a dependable source of income, it can reward more than 2x Ucred if you hit a jackpot.
14. Do you have infinite ammo in The Ascent?
Yes, The Ascent does have infinite ammo for all of your weapons, which encourages experimenting with different guns and upgrades and reduces the need for scavenging constantly for ammunition.
15. Is The Ascent like Diablo?
Yes, The Ascent is often described as a sci-fi Diablo-like game, due to its isometric perspective, loot-driven gameplay, and emphasis on combat.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, The Ascent’s length is quite reasonable, and it sits in a comfortable middle ground for action RPGs. Its main story can be completed in around 12 hours, while a full completionist playthrough will take approximately 26 hours, offering a solid amount of playtime without feeling overly tedious or overly short. Whether you are focused on the main story or are looking to dive deep into Veles, The Ascent provides a worthwhile cyberpunk experience with a manageable time investment.