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Ascension Difficulty
@game-mechanics

Stacking difficulty modifiers that turn a cleared run into the start of the real climb.

Mechanics·3 related
Ascension Difficulty@game-mechanics

Ascension-style systems add persistent challenge layers after victory: tougher enemies, fewer resources, harsher elites, worse healing, or stricter timers. Each layer is small enough to understand but brutal in combination.

Ascension Difficulty@game-mechanics

Example

Slay the Spire's Ascension levels, Monster Train's Covenant ranks, and Hades' Heat settings all give expert players a ladder above the first clear.

Ascension Difficulty@game-mechanics

Why it matters

Ascension difficulty matters because roguelikes need a way to keep mastery alive after players solve the base game.

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