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If you have ever wanted a roguelite platformer that feels both satisfying to learn and endlessly rewarding to master, Astral Ascent is exactly that game. Developed by Hibernian Workshop, it combines hand-crafted pixel art with fast, spell-based combat and a surprisingly rich cast of characters. The Epic Games Store is offering it at zero cost for a limited window, meaning you can add it permanently to your library with a single click.
Key features
- Four playable heroes: Each character brings a distinct playstyle, from aggressive melee rushes to ranged spell combos, giving every run a fresh feel.
- Zodiac boss gauntlet: Face 12 unique bosses inspired by the zodiac signs, each with handcrafted attack patterns that demand skill rather than memorisation.
- Deep spell customisation: Build and upgrade a personal deck of spells across each run, letting you experiment with hundreds of synergistic combinations.
- Solo or co-op play: Drop into full local co-op at any time, making it a perfect couch gaming session with a friend.
- Gorgeous hand-drawn pixel art: Every environment drips with colour and personality, from neon-lit temples to ethereal astral planes.
- Rich narrative and dialogue: Characters banter, grow and react to the world around them, adding story depth rarely seen in the roguelite genre.
- High replayability: Randomised rooms, rotating loot pools and evolving boss modifiers ensure no two runs ever feel identical.
Who is it for
Astral Ascent is ideal for players who love the loop of roguelite progression but want more narrative warmth and visual flair than the genre typically delivers. If you have poured hours into run-based action games and crave something with personality and polish, this title was made for you. It also works brilliantly for co-op duos looking for a shared challenge that does not require a massive time commitment per session. Casual players who simply enjoy beautiful indie games will find the accessible entry point rewarding, while hardcore fans will appreciate the mechanical depth hidden beneath the colourful surface.
How it compares
- Hades: Supergiant's celebrated roguelite is renowned for its seamless narrative integration and polished action combat, but it focuses on a single protagonist and a Greek mythology setting rather than a four-hero roster with zodiac-themed bosses.
- Dead Cells: Motion Twin's genre staple is praised for its brutally responsive movement and metroidvania exploration, though it leans more toward solo speedrunning than cooperative play or story-driven character arcs.
- Rogue Legacy 2: Cellar Door Games built one of the deepest progression systems in the genre here, offering class variety and legacy mechanics, yet its art style and tone are more whimsical and less narratively grounded than Astral Ascent.
- Curse of the Dead Gods: Focus Entertainment's dark action roguelite excels at atmosphere and punishing risk-reward mechanics, making it a natural pick for players who want tension over charm or co-op warmth.
Astral Ascent sits in a sweet spot between accessible storytelling and genuine mechanical depth. Players who want a roguelite with a strong visual identity, a lovable cast and smooth local co-op support will find it a more fitting choice than any of the alternatives above. It is the pick for anyone who wants heart alongside the challenge.
