The Ascent - Cyber Heist expands the cyberpunk action-shooter RPG experience of the base game with a post-campaign contract that sends players into unfamiliar territory. Released in 2022 as downloadable content, it requires completion of the original story to access and focuses on high-stakes missions in a new corporate arcology. The title blends twin-stick shooting, character progression, and loot-driven combat in a dystopian setting filled with neon-lit sprawl and corporate intrigue.
Gameplay
Core combat revolves around ranged weapons supplemented by two new melee options that encourage closer engagements. The Rock Crusher delivers heavy, smashing blows while the Guillotine offers faster, slicing attacks that change how players approach groups of foes. Exploration shifts to fresh indoor and industrial spaces within the Malhorst-Gelb arcology, including areas like train lines and manufacturing facilities that introduce new verticality and cover opportunities. Enemy encounters scale higher than the base campaign, often pitting level 30 to 40 opponents against the player and demanding careful positioning alongside ability use. Progression includes an increased level cap, with new armor pieces and a tactical item helping bridge the gap, though side missions become essential for staying ahead of difficulty spikes. The loop of clearing objectives, gathering resources, and upgrading gear remains intact while the addition of melee creates more varied fight pacing.
Game Modes
Players tackle the content either alone or in co-op groups of up to four. The expansion unlocks once the host finishes the main campaign, allowing friends to join even if their own progress differs. Sessions emphasize mission-based objectives that mix main story beats with optional side contracts, all set against the new environments and enemy types. No separate competitive or versus modes exist; the focus stays on cooperative or solo runs through the contract structure.
Story and Setting
Events pick up after the conclusion of the original narrative, with former employer Kira offering a secretive assignment to an independent contractor. The job centers on retrieving advanced technology from a rival corporate facility, drawing competition from other interested parties. New characters such as Ontario and Zell appear during the missions, adding dialogue and objectives that expand the cyberpunk underworld. The shift to the Malhorst-Gelb arcology provides distinct visual and environmental variety compared to prior locations, while maintaining the same gritty, high-tech atmosphere.
New Features
Beyond the melee weapons, the expansion introduces several armor sets and weapon skins that alter appearance without changing core stats. Seven armor pieces and three skins accompany the two melee tools and one new tactical item. Side missions feature additional encounters and colorful personalities that flesh out the contract without altering the fundamental systems carried over from the base title. These elements extend playtime for those who have already cleared the campaign and seek fresh challenges.
Is It Worth Playing?
Reception sits at mixed levels, with 58 percent of Steam user reviews rating the content positively based on hundreds of submissions. Those who enjoyed the base game's combat and atmosphere often find value in the new locations, melee options, and continued story, particularly at the modest price point. The increased challenge and occasional balance issues may frustrate players seeking a smooth extension, yet the co-op accessibility and visual upgrades reward completionists or fans of the cyberpunk setting. It suits anyone who finished the original campaign and wants additional missions without starting over, though newcomers should begin with the base game first. Overall the expansion delivers targeted additions rather than a full sequel experience.
