update · March 14, 2024
Astral Ascent Update 1.3 Overhauls Synergy and Destiny Fragments
Astral Ascent update 1.3 adds an Affinity System to improve build synergies, completely reworks Destiny Fragment rewards for high-level runs, and previews upcoming weapon additions for update 1.4.
Hibernian Workshop has launched update 1.3 for Astral Ascent on PC. Centered around community feedback, this major patch introduces the Affinity System to streamline loot generation, restructures how Destiny Fragments are earned, and previews the weapon-focused 1.4 Arsenal update.
Affinity System and Loot Consistency
The new Affinity System increases the likelihood that dropped loots synergize with your current build throughout a run. Auras feature more distinct visual color-coding for rarity in the inventory interface. Additionally, the small Astral Dragon now offers three aura choices instead of two at the start of runs.
Destiny Fragment Overhaul
Zodiac victories now award between one and three Destiny Fragments at once, depending on the difference between your current Destiny Level and the fragments already collected. Master rewards remain fixed at three fragments per level, bringing the maximum possible fragments per run to 15 and balancing the exhaustion rate between Zodiac and Master fragments.
Readability and Quality-of-Life Options
A new background darkness option creates higher contrast with game elements to improve visual clarity. A persistent spell icon option keeps the next spell visible directly above the player's head. Furthermore, descriptions for status effects, player statuses, elite aspects, and common spells embedded in auras have been expanded for clarity.
Update 1.4 Arsenal Preview
Hibernian Workshop previewed the upcoming 1.4 Arsenal update, targeting an end-of-April 2024 release. This update will give each hero two new weapons and three passives. Confirmed additions include a Katana and long-range attacks for Ayla, Double Falchions for Kiran, a Rocket Launcher and Gunblade for Octave, and Spears for Calie.
Why this patch matters
Update 1.3 solves structural frustrations around build RNG and fragment progression, setting a foundation for the weapon diversification coming in update 1.4.