Chrono Dispatch - June 6, 2025
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Hello, Ascenders! Welcome to the second edition of Chrono Dispatch.
In this update, we’d like to share our thoughts on level design, enemy concepts, and farming systems we explored while building Stage 2—and how they point to the future of Ascend to ZERO.
We hope you enjoy the new content and keep a close eye on what lies ahead in Ascend to ZERO’s evolution!
[/p][h3]◼ Stage 2: Expanding into the Unknown[/h3][p]
A new stage spanning levels 20,000–60,000 awaits. This time, the battlefield takes us to the desert region!
Rather than relying on repetitive sand dunes, we’ve made an effort to deliver distinct atmospheres and palettes within the desert theme itself.
In combat, you’ll encounter enemies that break the established rules of time. These foes are not just a one-off surprise—they’re a signpost pointing toward future update directions.
We’re excited to hear your thoughts as you step into the unfamiliar and experience what’s new!
[/p][h3]◼ Enemy Design[/h3][p]
We didn’t want Stage 2 to feel like just a higher-level version of earlier areas. So we rethought combat, too.
In this update, you’ll see enemies with projectile-based attack patterns that require fresh strategies when combined with your time-stop ability.
At the same time, we understand the challenge: time-stop mechanics make it difficult to deliver fresh encounters simply through difficulty spikes or reused patterns. But punishing, unfair mechanics aren’t the answer either—we felt that firsthand while testing.
In the end, the fun of battle comes from overcoming challenges in a way that feels fair and rewarding. We’re always working to hit that sweet spot of fun versus difficulty.
Give it a try—and tell us what you think!
[/p][h3]◼ Farming System[/h3][p]
We’ve been gradually laying the groundwork for meaningful farming through special items and underlying systems. Our goal is to make item acquisition feel rewarding—and the power boost it gives, real.
But we also know that farming isn’t always fun. The more rare and desirable an item is, the more frustrating it becomes when you don’t get it—and that fatigue adds up.
So, we’re rethinking the structure to ensure farming feels more worthwhile. Even if you don’t get what you want, we want the process to feel meaningful and enjoyable in its own right.
[/p][h3]◼ Hard Mode: Current Status & Vision[/h3][p]
Right now, Hard Mode reuses the same stages, with stronger enemies and added loot. It’s fun as extra content, but we admit it hasn’t offered much of a change in play experience.
In the future, Hard Mode will be reworked to include unique enemies and structural challenges that require new strategies. Not just a tougher version—but an entirely new combat rhythm, exclusive to Hard Mode.
Looking even further ahead, we see Hard Mode not as just a “difficulty toggle,” but as a preview of new gameplay systems to come. While current progression is linear, Ascend to ZERO’s true potential lies in systems that support endless growth and challenge.
We’ll share more about that direction in a future edition of Chrono Dispatch!
[/p][h3]◼ Steam Next Fest & What’s Coming[/h3][p]
Ascend to ZERO joins Steam Next Fest on June 9! This is a major opportunity for us to showcase the game and gather feedback from even more players.
To celebrate, we’ll be revealing a new avatar with a distinct and exciting playstyle. We hope you look forward to it!
We’re also planning to give away a special limited-time skin reward to everyone who plays during Next Fest—our way of saying thank you to the early Ascenders who joined us at the start of the journey.[/p][p]This reward can be obtained by defeating the level 60,000 final boss of Stage 2 during the Next Fest period.[/p][p]
And finally, we’re working on adding new voice talent to breathe more life into gameplay. With full voiceovers in the works, characters will feel even more alive—stay tuned!
[/p][h3]Thank You, Ascenders![/h3][p]
We’ll continue to use Chrono Dispatch to share our thoughts and direction with you.
Your feedback always means a lot to us. Please share your thoughts through Steam discussions, reviews, or on Discord.
Thank you!
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