Ascend to ZERO Wiki - FAQ

It depends on your experience level, but Chrono Child is confirmed as the best starting pick for beginners -- its AOE explosion on time-resume clears nearby enemies without requiring precise aiming, making the first 5-10 runs far more forgiving. For a stronger long-term pick once you understand Resume timing, Golden Gunslinger offers a safer, ranged playstyle. Experienced players chasing the highest raw damage often gravitate to Blossom Blade, a melee-focused glass cannon that rewards tight positioning.

It functions as your health bar, not a separate countdown. Taking damage shortens your remaining time; defeating enemies and picking up rewards extends it. Runs start with roughly 30 seconds, and you have to actively earn more time to keep going, rather than simply surviving until a fixed clock runs out.

6 confirmed at launch: Chrono Child, Blossom Blade, Golden Gunslinger, Windborne Spearmaster, Scarlet Pirate, and Frost Moon Hacker -- each with distinct weapons, mobility, and chip synergies.

Yes -- acclaimed Japanese voice actress Akari Kito voices Chrono Child and Frost Moon Hacker directly, plus four additional characters representing alternate-timeline versions of the same protagonist.

Yes -- confirmed as a day-one Xbox Game Pass title via Xbox Play Anywhere, alongside its Steam release.

This has not been officially confirmed -- players should not assume a Steam save will carry over to the Xbox/Microsoft version, or vice versa.

Official compatibility is listed as unknown, though player reports indicate it runs smoothly with minor graphics settings adjustments.

The Supporter Pack DLC adds avatar skins, sold alongside the base game and a separate digital soundtrack as part of the game's Steam bundle.