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Steam News28 April 20262mo ago

Demo Update - April 28

Hello Ascenders, We want to thank all of you who have already dove into the Ascend to ZERO Demo! We have already gotten quite a bit of feedback, so we prepared an update to the Demo!

In this update10

Full notes

Full Ascend to ZERO update

Read the full published notes in a cleaner layout. The original post stays linked below.

Repeated intro

Hello Ascenders,

What changed

5 fixes10 additions10 changes0 removals
  • UI and audio
  • Gameplay
  • Balance
  • Fixes
  • Maps
  • Store
fixedImproved Gamepad SupportWe have reorganized the default gamepad controls to feel more natural (players can still adjust most of the button mapping themselves!). We also worked on making sure that certain menus that were difficult to navigate with a gamepad have been fixed.
addedImproved Gamepad SupportGamepad users can now see what status effects enemies have on them, letting players plan out their attacks much more efficiently.
changedImproved Gamepad SupportThe equipment preset feature has also been improved!
addedHow to PlayTrying a roguelike for the first time can be a daunting task, especially one where time-bending is the core mechanic. Therefore, the team has added a simple "How-to" guide into the game so that players can take a look, get an idea of how to play Ascend to ZERO, and then learn to be true masters of time. We have also added certain missions to help players better navigate through all the systems that Ascend to ZERO has to offer (like unlocking the storage).
addedCombat DataThis is a small addition, but we think it can help shape how players plan their loadouts - we added a total DPS counter. On top of having a DPS tracker for each weapon players use, a total DPS tracker has been added so that players can see just how much punishment they have dealt!
addedStatus Based BuffsWhen playing as certain avatars, some tech chips and abilities may grant players a buff or a status change. Based on feedback received from our players, it was clear that this information wasn't so easily accessible, especially for gamepad users. Therefore, the team added a buff/debuff tab to the Avatar information screen! Now players will be able to confirm what buffs and debuffs they have picked up!

Ascend to ZERO changes

fixedWe have reorganized the default gamepad controls to feel more natural (players can still adjust most of the button mapping themselves!). We also worked on making sure that certain menus that were difficult to navigate with a gamepad have been fixed.
addedGamepad users can now see what status effects enemies have on them, letting players plan out their attacks much more efficiently.
changedThe equipment preset feature has also been improved!
addedTrying a roguelike for the first time can be a daunting task, especially one where time-bending is the core mechanic. Therefore, the team has added a simple "How-to" guide into the game so that players can take a look, get an idea of how to play Ascend to ZERO, and then learn to be true masters of time. We have also added certain missions to help players better navigate through all the systems that Ascend to ZERO has to offer (like unlocking the storage).
addedThis is a small addition, but we think it can help shape how players plan their loadouts - we added a total DPS counter. On top of having a DPS tracker for each weapon players use, a total DPS tracker has been added so that players can see just how much punishment they have dealt!

We want to thank all of you who have already dove into the Ascend to ZERO Demo! We have already gotten quite a bit of feedback, so we prepared an update to the Demo! Read on below to see all of the details!

Improved Gamepad Support

We recognized that a lot of our players have been enjoying Ascend to ZERO with a gamepad, so we worked really hard to improve the gamepad experience!

We have reorganized the default gamepad controls to feel more natural (players can still adjust most of the button mapping themselves!). We also worked on making sure that certain menus that were difficult to navigate with a gamepad have been fixed.

Gamepad users can now see what status effects enemies have on them, letting players plan out their attacks much more efficiently.

The equipment preset feature has also been improved!

Please keep giving us feedback, whether you are a keyboard/mouse player or a gamepad player!

How to Play

Trying a roguelike for the first time can be a daunting task, especially one where time-bending is the core mechanic. Therefore, the team has added a simple "How-to" guide into the game so that players can take a look, get an idea of how to play Ascend to ZERO, and then learn to be true masters of time. We have also added certain missions to help players better navigate through all the systems that Ascend to ZERO has to offer (like unlocking the storage).

We wanted to keep it short and efficient, so let us know if you want to see anything else in the How to Play sections!

Combat Data

This is a small addition, but we think it can help shape how players plan their loadouts - we added a total DPS counter. On top of having a DPS tracker for each weapon players use, a total DPS tracker has been added so that players can see just how much punishment they have dealt!

Status Based Buffs

When playing as certain avatars, some tech chips and abilities may grant players a buff or a status change. Based on feedback received from our players, it was clear that this information wasn't so easily accessible, especially for gamepad users. Therefore, the team added a buff/debuff tab to the Avatar information screen! Now players will be able to confirm what buffs and debuffs they have picked up!

Stat Change Readability

When players equip or unequip their gear, it can be cumbersome to have to calculate what exactly has changed. If I unequip this axe, how does that affect my Avatar passive ability?

A small quality-of-life improvement that the team added is that when you equip or unequip gear in the inventory, you can see the stat changes immediately. We hope this helps players have an easier understanding of what exactly is changing when you swap out gear.

Other Quality of Life Changes

In addition to these changes, we have also fixed and added a variety of small QoL changes that players will enjoy.

  • Enhanced gray-tone effects have been added to make it easier to distinguish before/after time-stop.

  • Can now zoom in and out to adjust the camera size (use the scroll wheel on keyboard/mouse or the right analog stick on gamepad)

  • Added dedicated transitions and color changes during time-stop.

  • Fixed issues regarding enemy spawning and player respawn issues.

  • Polished monster hit detection in Stage 1.

  • Improved damage calculations regarding status effects.

  • Improved the Handbook UI.

  • Improved the item sorting function.

  • Items purchased from the shop and score shop are now auto-equipped.

  • Rewards are now displayed on the world map and mini-map UI.

  • Improved overall visual distinctions and quality of various assets in the game.

  • Fixed an issue where certain effects did not occur as intended.

  • Added a scroll function to lengthy tooltips.

  • Fixed various minor bugs and inconveniences.

  • The time machine upgrades that you used on the previous run will automatically be loaded before you go on your next run.

Notes

What does this mean for the Next Fest Event reward?

Players who unlocked Chrono Child - Midnight Sun will be able to use the avatar in the updated demo. For the Steam Next Fest Event reward, the new demo does not affect your eligibility nor does it alter your save data, but please do not delete your save file. Deleting the save file can make it extremely difficult to deliver the reward at launch.

Going Forward

If you have any suggestions or feedback, please feel free to let us know! A lot of your feedback has helped shaped the bright future of Ascend to ZERO!

Ascend to ZERO Demo

https://store.steampowered.com/app/3279910/Ascend_to_ZERO_Demo/

Stay connected and follow our channels: Discord: Join the community X/Twitter: @AscendtoZERO YouTube: @flywaygames

  • Ascend to ZERO Team

Source

Steam News / 28 April 2026

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