The Ascent: How to Increase and Upgrade ICE Unlocks

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Hacking is an integral mechanic to the gameplay of The Ascent. With the game set in the cyberpunk world of Veles, there’s bound to be some high-tech security. From automated turrets and locked rooms to ATMs, there are some ways for the player to bypass these technological hurdles. To do so, you’ll need to focus on increasing and upgrading the Cyberdeck to get through ICE doors, chests, and more. But how exactly do you enhance your ability to unlock ICE tech? Here’s all you need to know about unlocking and upgrading your tools to get through ICE security in The Ascent.

How to Increase and Upgrade ICE Unlocks in The Ascent

(Updated on July 30, 2024 – updated images and links)

ICE unlock Access Denied message for The Ascent

To hack into ICE tech and other optional systems in the game, you need to level up your Cyberdeck. This can only be done by collecting the red hardware chips throughout Veles, dubbed “Cyberdeck Upgrade”. Acquiring these will automatically increase your Cyberdeck, thus enhancing your ability to unlock ICE doors and chests. You can also crack into ATMs for some uCreds, reprogram turrets to turn on their operators, break into vending machines, and hack level ICE-3 doors.

To locate any ICE locks, look out for any chest or door with a digital yellow glow. Then, hold down the hack button (Y on Xbox, C on PC) to bypass the security. Access will either be granted or denied. If you aren’t at a higher level, you’ll need to locate the cyberdeck upgrades. If you’re at a high enough level, however, an insane amount of loot will come your way. Most of the time, you will receive some uCreds and packs from the usual chests and crates. But behind locked items, there’s a big chance you’ll get some new armor parts and weapons, for use or sale.

The Ascent: How to Fast Travel to Various Locations

The locked ICE tech ranges from one to three, and you essentially start with unlocking just the basic levels of security. It starts with only authorizing pathways and breaking open a few chests here and there. This is done so that you can progress through the story, but hacking in The Ascent is a whole different experience if you upgrade the Cyberdeck. Staying at the standard levels will only get you some of the loot.

If you collect the red chips with an orange-yellow hue, the points will be naturally added to your hacking mechanic. The Cyberdeck goes up to only level 10, but there are more than nine chips that you can find throughout Veles. So, if you miss one, don’t fret. Another one might be right around the corner.