The Ascent Announced – Cyberpunk Action-RPG

Revealed during the recent Inside Xbox event, The Ascent is an upcoming cyberpunk action-RPG with a focus on co-op multiplayer. The game is expected to come to Xbox Series X and Steam later this year. It promises a free-roam playstyle, classic RPG mechanics, an unprecedented sense of verticality, and a strong narrative. Here’s the official reveal trailer:

And roughly 12 minutes of gameplay footage, courtesy of IGN:

Finally, here’s the game’s description:

The Ascent is a solo and co-op action RPG, set on Veles, a packed cyberpunk world.

Welcome to The Ascent Group arcology, a self-contained corporate-run metropolis, stretching high into the sky and filled with creatures from all over the galaxy.

You play as a worker, enslaved by the company that owns you and everyone else in your district. One day, whilst sent on a routine assignment to make use of your skills with a cyberdeck, you are suddenly caught in a vortex of catastrophic events. The Ascent Group, the largest mega corporation on the planet, shuts down for unknown reasons, causing the automated security systems to go haywire.

The survival of your district is threatened: rival corporations are trying to force appropriation and crime syndicates are looking to boost their black-market augmentation trade. You must take up arms to stop them from seizing control and embark on a new mission to find out what started it all.

You belong to the corporation. Can you survive without it?

EXPLORE THE ASCENT GROUP ARCOLOGY

Make allies as well as enemies as you explore the brimming arcology and its wide range of districts, from the deep slums to the higher luxury spheres.

SHOOT AND LOOT

Consider enemies’ height and weaknesses into account when fighting, making the most out of every opportunity. Take down even the worst opponents to find the rarest loot.

CUSTOMIZATION

Modify your body with cyberware and gear up with weapons and equipment that suit your playstyle. Take a slick and precise approach or arm yourself to the teeth and go full chrome.

SOLO OR CO-OP

Play the entire game alone or work together with up to three friends in local or online co-op.