The Ascent will receive a significant update in November 2026, promising improvements for solo and co-op play. Publisher Krafton and developer Neon Giant have also suggested that a sequel and new platform versions are in development
The Ascent, Neon Giant's cyberpunk twin-stick action RPG, is set to receive a substantial update to coincide with its fifth anniversary. Publisher Krafton has confirmed that the update will arrive in November 2026, bringing a range of technical and gameplay improvements for both solo and co-op players. Alongside these changes, there are strong indications that a sequel is now in active development, with the franchise expected to expand to additional platforms and potentially new genres.
Anniversary Update Details
The upcoming update is designed to address several longstanding issues and enhance the overall experience for The Ascent's player base. Krafton has stated that players can expect improvements to co-op teleportation, encounter design, save-game reliability, and progression tracking. These changes are intended to deliver a more stable and dependable experience, particularly for those playing in co-op mode, which has previously been affected by technical inconsistencies.
While the full patch notes have not yet been released, Krafton has committed to sharing final details closer to the November launch. The update is positioned as a significant milestone for the game, reflecting feedback from the community and the developer's ongoing commitment to post-launch support. The Ascent has attracted over 12 million players since its original release in 2021, underlining the scale of its audience and the importance of continued technical refinement.
Sequel and Platform Expansion
In addition to the anniversary update, Krafton has revealed plans to expand The Ascent across new platforms and genres, with explicit mention of "future sequels." While no specific titles or platforms have been confirmed, this language strongly suggests that The Ascent 2 is now in development. The reference to new genres also raises the possibility of the franchise moving beyond its original twin-stick shooter format, potentially exploring first-person action RPG territory or other gameplay styles.
There is also speculation that The Ascent could be heading to upcoming hardware, such as Nintendo Switch 2, given the publisher's stated intention to broaden platform availability. However, no official confirmation has been provided regarding which systems will be supported or whether any new versions will launch alongside the update.
Neon Giant's Broader Ambitions
Swedish studio Neon Giant, which consists of just 20 developers, is managing multiple projects in parallel. Alongside ongoing support for The Ascent, the team is also developing No Law, a cyberpunk-inspired open-world title that has drawn comparisons to Cyberpunk 2077. In a recent feature on major franchise expansions, the trend of established series branching out to new platforms and genres was explored, highlighting the growing ambition of independent studios like Neon Giant.
Studio leadership has emphasised their pride in The Ascent's success and their intention to build on player feedback. With Krafton's backing, the studio appears well positioned to evolve The Ascent into a broader franchise, though the precise direction and timeline for sequels remain unannounced.
For players, the most immediate consequence is the promise of a more reliable and polished experience later this year, with the potential for new content and platform options on the horizon.
When a game receives a major update several years after launch, it often addresses technical debt accumulated during initial development and early post-release patches. Improvements to co-op systems, save reliability and progression tracking can significantly affect player retention and satisfaction, especially in titles with large, active communities. Such updates also lay the groundwork for future sequels by demonstrating ongoing support and technical competence, which can influence both player trust and platform-holder confidence in the franchise's long-term viability.
