Ascendant.com

About Ascendant.com

Ascendant is a 6v6 tactical shooter built by Playfusion, the team behind State of Decay. It blends action FPS gameplay with strategy elements, set in a chaotic BioPunk world teeming with environmental hazards and unpredictable events. Players extract biocores in shifting arenas while fending off opponents and mutant threats. Released in 2023 for PC, it’s a high-intensity multiplayer experience that emphasizes teamwork and adaptability. The game’s dynamic matches ensure no two sessions feel the same, with scripted events like sudden weather changes or boss encounters reshaping the battlefield mid-game.

Gameplay

Each match revolves around a four-stage extraction objective, where squads collect biocores and defend them while navigating hazards like toxic zones or swarms of hostile creatures. The 6v6 format requires coordination, with roles like snipers, engineers, and medics balancing damage and utility. Weapons and gear are randomized per match, pushing players to adapt strategies on the fly. The fast-paced combat mixes cover-based shooting with movement mechanics like wall-jumping and sliding. Matches typically last 10-15 minutes, ending in a timed extraction or a team’s elimination. The BioPunk setting means terrain can shift during gameplay, with collapsing structures or new pathways appearing to disrupt plans.

What Players Think

Ascendant holds a 4.7/5 rating on PlayPile, with 55% of players completing its core campaign and an average playtime of 3.8 hours. Community moods are split: 35% call it “exhilarating,” 25% “frustrating,” and 20% “confusing.” Reviewers praise the chaotic matches and team synergy but cite inconsistent difficulty and a steep learning curve. Twitch rankings place it at #46 in popularity, suggesting niche appeal. One player wrote, “The biocore extraction is a masterclass in tension, but the lack of respawns can feel punishing.” Over 120 achievements are unlocked via completionist tasks, with 18% of players hitting 100% mastery.

PlayPile's Take

Ascendant is worth a try if you crave fast, unpredictable multiplayer with a focus on squad coordination. It leans into chaos, which may alienate players seeking methodical strategy. At $30 (if available), the short playtime means it’s a gamble, but the high completion rate suggests it hits its mark for those who stick with it. Prioritize co-op play to soften its learning curve, and brace for wild swings in match balance. Not for everyone, but its unique blend of FPS action and dynamic challenges makes it a standout pick for adrenaline seekers.

Storyline

High stakes, high chaos, and the most unpredictable twist on capture-the-flag yet. Outwit ruthless opponents, face mutant wildlife, and secure four biocores in this fast-paced FPS where wild events can turn the tables in an ever-shifting BioPunk arena. This is ASCENDANT - bring backup.s