The First Descendant has released Update 1.2.18, introducing the new Arche Tuning system with Mutant Cell Slots, a formidable Ice Maiden Colossus, and comprehensive party recruitment features. The update also brings dynamic motion settings, Core Conversion functionality, and numerous quality-of-life improvements that enhance the cooperative shooter experience.
Arche Tuning Introduces Mutant Cell Slots
The centerpiece of Update 1.2.18 is the new Arche Tuning system featuring "Mutant Cell Slots" that allow players to apply additional effects to their Descendants. These slots must be unlocked using 100 Fission Accelerants, with each slot requiring specific Socket Types (Cerulean, Malachite, Rutile, Xantic, or Almandine) for matching Mutant Cells.
Players can acquire Mutant Cells from Sigma Sector mission Spoils Boxes, with a 5% drop chance on High-risk difficulty and 2.5% on Normal difficulty. They're also available as rare drops from 400% Infiltration Operation commanders.
According to the developer's comments, this system aims to enhance Skill Dealer Descendants, acknowledging the current performance gap with Firearm Dealers. It represents the first step in a careful balancing approach, with more adjustments planned in future updates.
Ice Maiden Joins Void Intercept Battle: Abyss
The update introduces "Ice Maiden," a new Colossus added to Void Intercept Battle: Abyss. This challenging enemy possesses the Chill attribute, making it vulnerable to Fire-based attacks. To access this content, players need Mastery Rank 18 and must complete "The Most Powerful Colossus" quest.
Responding to player feedback about excessively short battles and repetitive gameplay, developers have adjusted HP and Shield multipliers for party play. The new values are significantly reduced: 1.42x for 2-player (previously 1.93x), 1.75x for 3-player (previously 2.66x), and 2x for 4-player (previously 3.23x).
Rewards have been substantially improved, with doubled Module and External Component drops, and significantly increased Quality Certified ETA Vouchers. The update also adds "The Frozen One" Descendant skin and "Ice Maiden" Back Attachment to the ETA-0 Shop.
What other quality-of-life improvements are included?
Update 1.2.18 introduces several player-requested features, including:
- Dynamic Motion settings with three adjustable levels (Weak/Medium/Strong)
- Core Conversion system allowing players to convert three Stage 10 Cores into one selected target Core
- "View Descendant" feature to check other players' equipment and customization
- Three Inversion Reinforcement loadout slots for easier build switching
- Multi-Hit Chance and Multi-Hit Damage options for weapons
- Improved rewards across Sigma Sector, Void Vessel, and Infiltration Operations
Enhanced Party Recruitment System
Finding teammates becomes much easier with the new Party Recruitment system. Players can now recruit party members or join existing parties based on specific criteria including Mastery Rank, Descendant selection, gameplay tags, language, region, and connection ping.
The system features a "Quick Join" option for instantly connecting with compatible parties, addressing a long-standing request from the community for more streamlined matchmaking tools.
Additionally, The First Descendant has launched the "Albion Special Dispatch" 28-day login event, offering Crystallization Catalysts and other valuable rewards for daily logins.
Looking ahead, developers have announced an External Components Core Update scheduled for June 19, which will further support defensive abilities and offer new opportunities for more aggressive Skill dealer builds.