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