There’s definitely a bit of Darkest Dungeon vibe in the brand-new, and, I’d add, genuinely intriguing tactical RPG roguelite Ascenders: Beyond the Peak.
But more importantly, it brings something to the table that very few games have attempted so far: taking grid-based tactical gameplay and turning it vertical, putting you in the boots of mountain climbers scaling dangerous peaks.
As if that weren’t enough, developer Ludogram and publisher Twin Sails Interactive task you with managing a team of three climbers, all tied together by a rope that physically binds them.
As you traverse perilous terrain, you’ll need to account for distance, support the weight of anyone left dangling over the void, and deal with a range of other survival-focused mechanics.
Previously mentioned in my article as one of the most promising tactical RPGs currently in development, the demo I played, and briefly showcased below, confirmed my initial impressions. In the video below, we take a look at the opening tutorial and the camp system, a management layer that lets you recover stamina, treat injuries, and prepare between climbs.
Ascenders: Beyond the Peak is a turn-based exploration roguelite where the climb itself becomes the battlefield.
Players lead a team of alpinists across cursed mountains, managing rope positioning, survival choices, gear, and class abilities while dealing with avalanches, unstable terrain, and Lovecraftian threats hidden in the rock.
Every expedition is built around hard decisions, since losing a climber can affect morale, resources, and the team’s chances of reaching the summit. It’s a tactical game about going upward, but the real tension comes from deciding who gets to survive the ascent.
Ascenders: Beyond the Peak is expected for PC via Steam in Q3 2026, and there’s a lengthy demo to play. Below is my gameplay walkthrough video.
