Nexon Games has completed its latest crackdown on abusive players in The First Descendant, resulting in permanent bans for 43 players and temporary matchmaking penalties for 426 others. The enforcement actions targeted cheaters, payment exploiters, and players who repeatedly disrupted others' gameplay experience.
Nexon's Anti-Cheat Measures Target Multiple Offenses
From March 28 to April 3, 2025, Nexon Games conducted a comprehensive sweep of The First Descendant's player base to identify and penalize those engaging in prohibited behaviors. The developer's efforts were focused on maintaining a fair and enjoyable environment for legitimate players of the free-to-play co-op shooter.
The crackdown resulted in permanent game bans for 22 users who were found creating, distributing, or using unauthorized programs - commonly known as hacks or cheats. An additional 21 players received permanent bans for exploiting payment processes in the game's Open Store.
Temporary Penalties for Disruptive Behavior
Beyond the permanent bans, Nexon identified 426 players who were interfering with others' gameplay experiences. These individuals received 3-day separate matchmaking penalties, effectively placing them in a temporary "timeout" from the regular player pool.
This tiered approach to enforcement demonstrates Nexon's commitment to addressing both severe violations that undermine the game's economy and integrity, as well as less extreme but still disruptive behaviors that negatively impact the community.
What Should Players Do If They Spot Cheaters?
Nexon encourages all players to utilize the in-game reporting system when they encounter suspicious or abusive behavior. These reports, combined with the developer's own monitoring systems, form the basis for enforcement actions during these regular crackdowns.
For players who believe they've been wrongfully banned for Open Store payment exploitation, Nexon has provided an appeals process through their Customer Service's 1:1 Support system on the official website. Those contesting payment chargebacks are directed to contact the platform store where they made their purchase.
Ongoing Commitment to Fair Play
This enforcement action represents just one wave in Nexon's ongoing efforts to maintain The First Descendant's game integrity. The developer has pledged to continue regular monitoring and enforcement to ensure all players can enjoy the game in what they describe as "a pleasant environment."
With the game having launched in July 2024 across PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC, maintaining a healthy ecosystem across all platforms remains crucial for its long-term success in the competitive free-to-play market.
These enforcement actions demonstrate that while The First Descendant may be free-to-play, Nexon takes its game rules seriously and is willing to permanently remove players who attempt to gain unfair advantages or exploit the payment systems.