Ascension

Ascension is a mechanic unlocked once a player beats the game for the first time. Each Ascension level is unlocked by beating the previous one, with the effects of each Ascension level stacking with the previous, providing a significant challenge to an already difficult game. Ascension levels may be chosen in the lobby before starting a run and may be freely raised or lowered, provided the player has already unlocked Ascension.

Trivia

 * Beating Ascensions 5, 10, and 15 awards the player with the "Ascension 5" "Ascension 10" and "Ascension 15" badges respectively.
 * Beating Ascension 15 replaces the winning text with WW91ciBhc2NlbnNpb24gbGV2ZWwgZGlkIG5vdCBpbmNyZWFzZS4=, which translates to "Your ascension level did not increase."
 * QWZ0ZXIgYmVhdGluZyBBc2NlbnNpb24gMTUsIHRoZSBwbGF5ZXIgZ2V0cyB0ZWxlcG9ydGVkIHRvIGEgY29ycnVwdGVkIHZlcnNpb24gb2YgdGhlIGxvYmJ5LCBpbiB3aGljaCB0aGV5IGFyZSBhYmxlIHRvIG9idGFpbiB0aGUgdHJhbnNjZW5kZW50IGNsYXNzLg==