Ascendant Mode adds campaign encounter and loot modifiers, including enhanced Totems, Troves, and new threats.
PC / Global, with Ashes of Malmouth, Forgotten Gods and Fangs of Asterkarn
WHERE & HOW TO FARM
Where to farm
Toggle Ascendant Mode from the main menu for an eligible character. The Ascension Altar is at Kurn in Asterkarn.
Ascendant Mode is a campaign option for level 100 characters on Ultimate, included with Fangs of Asterkarn. Once eligible, it can be toggled from the main menu. The mode raises the campaign challenge and enhances familiar systems: totems can become Tempest Totems, Treasure Troves can become Resplendent, and enemies can yield Ascension-related rewards. Reaching the level and difficulty threshold is the unlock path; Kurn’s altar then lets you shape which mechanics to emphasize.
Own Fangs of Asterkarn; the expansion also requires the base game and listed Grim Dawn expansions.
Reach level 100 with the character on Ultimate difficulty.
Have a build prepared for stronger-than-baseline Ultimate campaign encounters.
Complete campaign and expansion content while leveling the character toward level 100.
Confirm the character is level 100 and set to Ultimate difficulty.
Return to the main menu and select the character’s Ascendant Mode option.
Enter the campaign and travel to Kurn in Asterkarn to access the Ascension Altar.
Inspect the altar’s center and outer circles before offering materials, noting both reward effects and enemy boosts.
Begin with a modifier your build can survive, then test it in a familiar campaign area.
Collect the resulting loot and adjust altar settings when the challenge no longer fits your goal.
Farming tips
Fresh level 100 characters may need to improve gear before taking on the mode’s increased danger.
Altar mechanics are available on other difficulties too; the full Ascendant Mode toggle is not required to use every altar effect.
Repeat, collect and use
Unlock once per eligible character. You can toggle the mode from the main menu and change altar offerings during later play; reaching level 100 on Ultimate is a one-time progression requirement.
Common mistakes
Looking for the toggle before meeting both conditions: reach level 100 and use Ultimate difficulty.
Assuming the expansion is optional: Fangs of Asterkarn is required for Ascendant Mode.
Activating multiple offerings without checking the threat: start with an effect your defenses can handle.
When to stop or switch
Stop the unlock process once Ascendant Mode is available; if the character cannot clear it safely, gear up on ordinary Ultimate or use altar mechanics on a lower difficulty.
