Climb to victory in the Rise of Isonzo game mode, available until April 24th

Have you ever climbed a mountain? With World War I technology…under attack? This is your mission in the special Ascent game mode for our World War I FPS game Italian Front Isonzo, which is out now! This is the first time players will be able to take part in one of our exceptional WW1 events on Xbox – a key part of our recent console improvements, which also include the introduction of voice chat.

The limited-time ascension event includes climbing mechanics, rock throwing, and an all-new map that recreates the Marmolada Cliff. Italian mountaineers must scale the mountain and drive out the Austro-Hungarian defenders – a truly epic task.

The Ascent map is a section of vertical cliff with an Austro-Hungarian command post at the top. A series of small ledges and caves provide the Italian Alpini with checkpoints on their way up, where front spawn points can be set up. Unfortunately, the Austro-Hungarian defenders begin the battle already by occupying these positions and must be driven out before the Italians can advance safely.

Climbing technique on the ascent

The climbing is freeform climbing – just approach the cliff and start climbing. If the overhang is not too large, you can choose your own route up the mountain. However, sideways movement is slower than upward or downward movement. So plan your route carefully. However, speed is not the only criterion, because this climb is no fun on a winter holiday. Your enemies will shoot and throw rocks at you, so it’s worth experimenting to find the safest routes to the top that won’t endanger you more than necessary.

Remember that Isonzo is a team game and climbing is no exception. On the way up you can put hooks into the rock. Place two hooks close enough together and they will be connected by a rope that will speed up anyone who follows you. However, hammering in the hooks takes a few moments. Therefore, try to find a place that is at least somewhat protected. Ultimately, climbing is a dangerous business and sometimes you just have to trust your luck and take a risk. Fortune favors the brave!

Challenges for defenders

It may seem like the defenders have an easier task, but fighting in such extreme terrain still presents challenges. When you shoot mountaineers, you are often silhouetted against the sky and exposed to fire from Italian riflemen below you. It’s not an easy task to keep track of the situation when mountaineers can appear from almost anywhere. It is also important to remember that only the command post objective counts towards victory. Every ledge and cave is just an intermediate point that makes it easier to get to the top. If you focus too much on maintaining your current position, the Alpini may climb right past you to capture a forward spawn point further up the mountainside.

Luckily, you have a secret weapon: the humble stone. Grab one of the scattered piles of rocks and throw it at the enemies below you. Being a master rock thrower requires some skill, as rocks have simulated physics and will bounce off the mountainside – or off unfortunate climbers – on the way down. You can control the angle and force of your throw to allow for smooth rolls off the edge of the cliff or more aggressive targeted attacks. One of the great advantages of the rocks is that you don’t have to move all the way to the edge to use them, thus protecting you from Italian gunfire.

Real-life inspiration for climbing mechanics

Unlike the other maps in Isonzo, which are based on specific battles, Ascent is intended to represent the many different rises during World War I on the Italian front. Some of these daring missions have been written about, and many more have been lost to history. In the harsh alpine environment, climbing was dangerous even when no enemy was shooting at you, and many soldiers were killed or wounded by accidents, avalanches, or other effects of the cold, such as frostbite.

One of the inspirations was a climb by two alpini named Ugo Vallepiana and Giuseppe Gaspard. These two veterans made many climbs during the war, including an attempt to move heavy weapons to a ledge overlooking a well-defended Austro-Hungarian position called Castelletto. During this climb, Gaspard lost his footing and fell. He only survived because he was very lucky to land in a thick snow bank. The pair continued on their way and came under fire from the Austro-Hungarian defenders, with Gaspard being shot in the arm. They even came under artillery fire, with shrapnel and blasted boulders raining down on them.

Other updates

The release will go live alongside other improvements to the game, including voice chat! Additionally, for those who want more options for visual customization of their character, there is the Altitude Units Pack DLC Released alongside the free Ascent event, it includes high-altitude uniforms for Italian and Austro-Hungarian troops. While our previously released Glacial Units Pack focused on more improvised cold weather clothing, the Altitude Units Pack features uniforms of well-prepared soldiers ready for the worst conditions.

That means lots of scarves, gloves, balaclavas and even full ski suits and hoods. We also included some inconsistent additions to the troops, including wicker-wrapped footwear, which you can see in the screenshot below. Also seen are one of the coats with a fur collar and a pair of early sunglasses – more like goggles with slits cut into them to minimize glare from the sun or snow. If you want to stand out on the battlefield (in a good way), we have big discounts on it to celebrate the Ascent Mode event Isonzo Special editions with cosmetic DLCs! Check out the new Ultimate Edition for every DLC in the game, including immediate access to the two future DLCs we have planned as soon as they are released.

The mountain awaits…

The Ascension The mode is free to play from now until April 24th^Th. Whether you make a daring climb under fire or throw rocks down to defend your ledge, it will be a battle to remember.

See you at the cliff!