Astria Ascending Launches Today with Xbox Game Pass

Xbox enthusiasts, Rise! 

We’re very excited to announce the release of The Ascension of AstriaS and with Xbox Game Pass.|S and with Xbox Game Pass. The French-Canadian studio Artisan Studios has developed The Ascension of AstriaIn collaboration with some talented and famous Japanese creators, names that might sound familiar.

Here’s five reasons to check out this new turn based JRPG. Let’s get started! 

The story is rich, mature and supported by an exquisite score

Eight fateful heroes are selected in a world of chaos. Eight fateful heroes are chosen to become demigods. They will be responsible for the fate of the whole world. Kazushige Nojima (known for his Final Fantasy and Kingdom Hearts work) is responsible for this captivating story. He wanted to tell a complex story that would be both engaging and informative, focusing on the relationships of people and how they choose their duties. 

“Each hero has their own perspective, but it’s the relationships they form with one another that truly brings the story to life,” said Artisan Studio’s Game Director Julien Bourgeois.

How fate will be for The Ascension of AstriaHitoshi Saimoto composed a powerful soundtrack that supports the characters. He is known for his evocative music. Valkyria ChroniclesReiheFinal Fantasy XII Vagrant StoryYou can also find many other songs. They are supported by the music that draws them into their lives and helps to overcome their fears.

“My music supports The Ascension of AstriaPlayers will be able to understand the characters. (…) That means my music must invite players to have faith in the potential of people,” said Hitoshi Sakimoto in reference to his musical contribution to the game.

Richly imagined, hand-drawn and designed 2D environment

Astria AscendingExplore the richly animated world of Orcanon and journey through five cities full of diverse inhabitants. You will love the style and art of The Ascension of Astria, you should know that the backgrounds and the beautiful animations are hand-drawn and created by Akihiko Yoshida and Hideo Minaba’s CyDesignation studio itself!

There are 25 dungeons to walk through strewn with monsters, called Noises, and for those who like to brainstorm, you’ll have to solve environmental puzzles with a wise use of your powers. Your exploration will be synchronized with the weather, which can provide sunny or rainy periods as well as snowstorms and sandstorms.

A remarkable cast of characters

The Ascension of Astria, you’re in control of the 333rd Demigods unit investigating on the mysterious events that threaten the Harmony. Demigods are not immortal and have a short life span since they’ve accepted their duty and fate. 

It’s a diverse team of eight heroes from 13 to 63 years old and from completely different backgrounds, aspirations, and personalities. You will be able to assemble characters from Meryos and Arktans including Awisis, Zefts and Zefts of many fantastic races with a wide range of skills.

An expansive customisation

This unique system of employment Astria AscendingEach demigod can develop his own skills, which allows for a great deal of flexibility. While you’re progressing, you’ll unlock up to three jobs in addition to your base job for each demigod and as you fight the Noises, your team of demigods will level up and earn skills points (SP).

These skills points can be spent on each character’s skill tree to unlock new skills, passive abilities, and stat boosts. Each playthrough is unique because the various jobs that you unlock offer different skill sets, which you can modify through an Ascension Tree. You’ll have to choose wisely! 

A rich, innovative combat system that is turn-based

Astria AscendingInnovative turn-based combat offers rewarding gameplay. Alongside the more traditional turn-based battle features, you’ll have to manage new mechanics. To give your team an edge, you can gather legendary beasts and bring them to the fight. You also have the option of using powerful moves known as Cosmo Breaks. But that’s not all! 

Successfully hitting an enemy’s weakness will make you earn Focus Points, which can be used to improve your abilities and make them more effective. Your actions can however backfire and can build up a focus point deficit by hitting enemies’ resistances, so your challenge is to analyze and know the characteristics of each monster to fight them in the best way possible.

If you are thirsty for battle, you can accept the hunts of strong monsters the Orcanon’s inhabitants ask you or find the Arena. Get your weapons ready and you’ll be ready for waves of powerful enemies.

The Ascension of Astria is a turn-based and gorgeous hand-drawn JRPG developed with the help of genre veterans, and it’s available to play today for Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S and with Xbox Game Pass.

The Ascension of Astria

Dear Villagers

☆☆☆☆☆
92

★★★★★

39.99

PC Game Pass

Xbox Game Pass

Orcanon is a vast, beautiful place.
Explore five cities that are home to unique creatures, and find out how you can solve over 20 dangerous dungeons. With over 50 hours of gameplay and a range of fun mini-games – including shoot ‘em ups, an original fantasy-themed card game and challenging environmental puzzles.


It’s a grand tale about fate and sacrifice
Enjoy a captivating story full of betrayal and sacrifice as well as terrors. Astria Ascending, a story about adult characters offers more mature experiences and rich dialog.


It is a rewarding system of turn-based combat.
Engage in turn-based combat against over 200 monsters. Gather and summon legendary beasts and increase your power so you can wield the legendary Cosmo Breaks.


Unforgettable cast of characters
You can choose from eight customizable characters, which include a wide range of skills and races. Then you will need to assemble a hero team who must risk everything in order to save the planet. Their fates may be sealed, but not the rest of the world. There are 20 classes available and a wide range of skills that they can command.


This is a hand-drawn adventure, crafted with passion.
Astria Ascending is a collaboration of developers from Final Fantasy and Nier Automata. It features voice acting in Japanese, English and traditional animations, a fully animated 2D world, and a dynamic weather system.