Nexon Games has revealed extensive updates coming to The First Descendant in their April 10 developer livestream. Players can look forward to a new Ultimate Descendant, significant balance changes, quality-of-life improvements, and a 5-week event starting April 17. The team also teased Season 3 content coming to PAX East on May 11, 2025.
Ultimate Blair Leads Major Content Additions
The highlight of the stream was the announcement of Ultimate Blair, a new Ultimate Descendant complete with a dedicated story episode explaining his path to ultimate power. This addition follows player feedback requesting more narrative context for Ultimate characters.
Complementing this character addition are five new External Component sets and two new Modules designed to enhance build diversity. A new Enhancement System will also allow players to gradually improve Reactors and External Components using specific materials.
Character Balance Changes and System Improvements
Ines will receive balance adjustments due to her outsized influence on combat systems. Meanwhile, Serena's performance is being monitored before any potential changes. Developers acknowledged the need for more careful balancing of future Descendants and promised clearer communication about upcoming adjustments.
The Void Erosion Purge Stage 30 has been improved, with a new Challenge Difficulty featuring leaderboards and exclusive Honor Rewards for top 100 players per Descendant. A new Medal System will visually represent achievements with upgradable grades for repeated accomplishments.
What quality-of-life improvements are coming?
- Removal of Void Shard cost when opening Amorphous Materials
- Addition of Unique Arche Factor EXP rewards to Hard difficulty Special Operations
- Improved Sigma Sector rewards
- Weapon Research improvements with highest tier effects on duplicates
- New Beginner's Guide system and simplified main questline
- Redesigned Kingston and Sterile Land missions with combat-focused gameplay
- Reduced repetitions for field missions like Occupations
Upcoming Events and Cosmetics
A 5-week in-game event kicks off on April 17, featuring daily and weekly missions. Players logging in between April 17-24 will receive a "Surprise Egg" social motion gift. Two new cosmetic options are on the way: the "Dandy Corn" universal skin arriving April 17, and the "Albion Academy Cadet" series for female Descendants launching April 30.
May Update Preview and PAX East Appearance
Looking ahead to May, The First Descendant will receive Dynamic Motion, Arche Tuning Socket System, and the Void Abyss Intercept Battle: Ice Maiden. Additional features include Hard difficulty Special Operations, Party Finding System, and a Core Convert Feature.
Fans should mark their calendars for May 11, 2025, when the team will showcase Season 3 content at PAX East at 12 PM (EST) on the main stage, complete with Bunny and Serena cosplay.
For those wanting to see the full developer livestream, you can watch it here.