Why Early Access?

“We are releasing in Early Access to develop Ascend the Pixel Dungeon together with players.

Our goals during Early Access are to:
- Gather feedback on core systems (spellbooks, adaptations/factors, race starts, and run branching)
- Balance combat, progression, and loot based on real play data
- Expand content (biomes, bosses, spellbooks, adaptations, crafting) while keeping the game playable
- Fix bugs and polish UX based on community reports

We are committed to continuing development through Early Access, listening to feedback on Steam discussions and updates, and working toward a full 1.0 release. Customers should buy based on the game as it is today, not on future promises.”

Approximately how long will this game be in Early Access?

“currently estimate roughly 6–18 months in Early Access, but this may change based on feedback, content scope, and polish needs. We will not promise a fixed end date.”

How is the full version planned to differ from the Early Access version?

“The full version is planned to include more biomes/bosses, more spellbooks and adaptations, deeper crafting and balance pass, and overall polish. Exact additions may change based on community feedback.”

What is the current state of the Early Access version?

“The Early Access build is a playable turn-based dungeon crawler. For the full list of implemented features and content, please refer to the About This Game section on this store page.

In short, players can currently:
- Explore procedurally generated dungeon runs with turn-based combat
- Build around spellbooks and invest progression into them
- Find and absorb factors to gain adaptations that change rules such as vision, hunger, equipment limits, and combat
- Start runs from branching openings (for example sewers or jungle, depending on the run)
- Face themed bosses and obtain spellbook rewards
- Use campfire crafting with recipes and materials
- Choose a starting race (Human or Gnoll)
- Fight equipped monsters and use their drops for further progression

Some systems, content volume, balance, and polish are still in progress and will change during Early Access based on feedback.”

Will the game be priced differently during and after Early Access?

“Yes. We plan to keep the Early Access price lower relative to the amount of content available at launch into Early Access, and we may gradually raise the base price as we add major content and features. Early Access purchasers will not be charged again for the full 1.0 release; owning the game during Early Access includes the completed version when it leaves Early Access.”

How are you planning on involving the Community in your development process?

“During the development process, we will collect player feedback through official channels and disclose whether it will be reflected in the patch.

1) Steam
- We use Steam forums and news as official communication channels.
- Post patch notes for each update and respond to bug, balance, and usability feedback.
- Important changes will be notified in advance through Steam News.

2) Discord
- We operate a community server that collects bug reports, balance opinions, and play experiences.
- Separate channels (bugs/feedback/notices) to organize opinions and fix recurring issues first.

3) Reflection method
- Feedback is not fully reflected. We adopt only those that fit the core direction of the game (spellbook, adaptation, biome).
- Leave a brief explanation of the reason for adoption or withholding in the patch notes or Discord notice.
- During the Early Access period, priorities for balance, bugs, and new content will be adjusted based on community opinions and play data.”