when to ascend?

[coolman20012]

is there an optimal point in progression?

[blokkemblokkem]

For the demo, this answer is likely different than what the full release strategy may be. The reason I say that is because with only one quadrant of the ascension skill window available, you can AFK and almost get enough materials to max out each tier in a single day/night. For instance, AFK on a tier 1 map and acquire enough tier 1 materials to max out the 6-7 or so tier 1 ascension tree skills (not necessarily counting the "EXP Gain" and "Passive Skills EXP Gain on the "X tree.") Perhaps those would take 2 additional long AFKs but either way, the limited choice makes ascension timing less relevant than long duration AFKs to get those materials.

Personally, I think I ascended when I had about 6 Tier 1 points because that allows you to get the 6 "1 point" skills. Everything after that was part of my second ascension where I AFK'ed overnight and acquired enough Tier 2 materials and Tier 1 materials to max everything out (I think I gained enough materials overnight to get like 70+ Tier 1 and 100 or so Tier 2 points). Again, not counting the "X tree" because those costs are so much higher in comparison.

The advice that I'd give is to assess what skills are the most easily acquired and ascend there. For instance, if you can get 6-7 skills for 6-7 points, ascend at 6-7 in the queue. If the 8th skill would be 7+ points for it alone, then it's just not worth it to delay the 6-7 point ascension waiting for 14+ points to be in the queue. Massive diminishing returns on your time because ascending at 6-7 would likely triple/quadruple your speed in getting many more ascension points and being able to afford those higher point skills.

[coolman20012]

yeah... i waited WAY too long... you should basically ascend whenever you got enough points for the next perk

[Hunger]

Simple.

First ascension as soon as u have 1 point for it to unlock bestiary farming mod, its critical.
Second - as soon as you have at least few points to take few danaging perks (one that increases main attacks damage and few near it, at least 3, ideally 5-7). Damage is absolutely critical, you will be forced to ascend to get this sort of talents eventually. These are only critical ones, regen can be ignored on cultist (granted on first ascension, although I don't recomend it until u unlocked intellect stat for proper passives).

Third and above splits up into two strategies: ascend when u have decent boost to talents that are not damage (like XP and regen), to make further farming faster, or just ignore it alltogether until u made it to the next tier of damaging abilities (like I said you need at least 3-5 of them, or ascension would be wasted). You will farm everything eventually, although it is comfy to get additional xp, its not really critical. You can farm trough everything you need, depends on time u spening in runs. If you leave game runing at all time - they probably worth it.

Basically how to play:
Max bestiary first, always. Then do void level of corresponding farmed chapter to get cool stuff from it. Max items along with whole leveling but remember they are secondary thing. As soon as you have points for either QOL ascension or DPS ascnesion in a meningfull way (no less than 3-5 talents from it) - ascend. Max caps of stats for you and pet and upgrade all items before ascending. Pick passives that for STR DEX AGI for adventurer, INT WIS CONS for cultists and max exactly those skills, forget about everything else, you'll get mana hp and etc from items and bestiary. Focus on things that make you passives monstrous.

On pets:
Level them all up, and keep in mind that certain characters and pets work better together. Pet level inreases damage for all pets, so dont sit on single pet, as soon as you ascend - take second one. And don't forget to increase their xp farm in special pet menu.

Have fun. Waiting for full release.

[The Fox Knocks]

I personally rush to Ascend when I have at least 1 point for the Bestiary Lock convenience, then get more points while farming the Bestiary. Two birds with one stone sorta situation.