The First Descendant
News, coverage and analysis tracking The First Descendant across the outlets.
Latest coverage
The First Descendant releases Ultimate Hailey, adds new dungeon and high-tier weapon trading
The First Descendant has released Ultimate Hailey, a new variant of the character featuring enhanced skill modules and a new questline. The update also introduces the Cradle of Evolution dungeon, high-tier weapon trading, and various balance changes.
MMO Week in Review: Way too early access
This week's MMO news covers the early access launch of Stars Reach, which some consider premature. Other highlights include a look at Guild Wars 3's Kodan, Daybreak's acquisition of Cold Iron Studios, new content for EverQuest Legends, and an analysis of the survival game Stormforge. The article also touches on various other MMO updates, rumors, and industry discussions.
The First Descendant launches S4E1 with a new storyline, mega dungeon, and Descendant Raven
Nexon has launched Season 4 Episode 1 for its multiplayer title, The First Descendant. This update introduces a new storyline focusing on the final showdown with archenemy Karel, a new mega dungeon called Karel's Mothership, and a new playable character named Raven. The season also brings a new Conquest mode, transcendent weapon system, roguelike Trials mode, and character revamps.
Nexon Q2 2026: MapleStory and ARC Raiders made so much money that Nexon paid out a special dividend
Nexon reported strong second quarter 2026 financial results, driven by significant revenue from MapleStory and ARC Raiders, leading to a special dividend payout of approximately $2 billion to shareholders. Despite a slight decrease in operating income, net income surged by 77% and revenue increased by 2%. The MapleStory franchise achieved record quarterly highs, partly due to the launch of MapleStory Worlds and MapleStory: Idle RPG.
The First Descendant readies new events, modules, and ‘extreme’ battle content July 15
The First Descendant is launching a new 'Void Intercept Battle: Extreme' instance on July 15th, which condenses existing difficulties and unlocks new challenge levels for exclusive currency. The update also includes character and weapon balancing, quality-of-life improvements, and several co-op and login events.
The First Descendant Reveals Void Intercept Battle: Extreme
NEXON has announced details for an upcoming update to The First Descendant, launching July 15. The update introduces the new Void Intercept Battle: Extreme mode, new modules for the Descendant Serena, and various quality-of-life improvements including character balance and weapon adjustments. The game is a next-generation co-op action RPG looter shooter developed using Unreal Engine 5.
MMO Week in Review: EverQuest rising
This week's MMO news roundup highlights the resurgence of the EverQuest franchise with EverQuest Legends entering paid beta and expansions teased for EverQuest and EverQuest II. Other major stories include the implosion of DreamWorld, potential layoffs at Blizzard and Bethesda, and Sony's shutdown of PS3 and PS Vita storefronts. The article also covers updates and news from various other MMOs like Elder Scrolls Online, Conan Exiles, and Valheim.
The First Descendant’s 2026 roadmap includes multiple new heroes, dungeons, and PvEvP content
Nexon has detailed its 2026 content roadmap for The First Descendant, including new heroes, dungeons, and game modes. Updates throughout the year will introduce features like a new Mega Dungeon, a transcendent weapon system, randomized dungeon content, and asymmetric PvEvP modes.
The First Descendant Kicks off Second Anniversary With ‘Descendant Fest 2026,’ World Premiere Trailer and Future Roadmap
NEXON has revealed details for The First Descendant's second anniversary celebration, Descendant Fest 2026. The event includes a Season 4 trailer, a roadmap for the second half of 2026 featuring new dungeons, characters like Raven and Ultimate Hailey, and game modes such as 'Colosseum-A'. The celebration also includes in-game events, customization options, and pre-orders for character figures.
The MOP Up: Sky Children of the Light creates an interactive Vincent van Gogh exhibit
Sky Children of the Light has launched an interactive exhibit inspired by the art and life of Vincent van Gogh. This article also rounds up other recent MMO news, including updates for Sea of Thieves, Marathon, Raven2, Skull and Bones, Riftbound, Enlisted, The First Descendant's Evangelion collaboration, and Disney Dreamlight Valley's upcoming Adventure Pack.
Perfect Ten: The 10 most rage-inducing (but fixable) MMORPG industry problems
This opinion piece outlines ten common and fixable problems within the MMORPG industry, ranging from the over-sexualization of characters and misleading 'pay-to-win' discussions to poor website and communication practices. It also criticizes trend-chasing studio creation, premature announcements, historical inaccuracies in marketing, and the continued lack of essential features like group finders.
The First Descendant Reveals Details of EVANGELION Collaboration Arriving June 18
NEXON has revealed details for an upcoming update to The First Descendant, launching June 18, which includes a collaboration event with the anime series EVANGELION. This event will feature cosmetic items based on EVANGELION pilots and run for six weeks, offering players exclusive rewards for completing in-game missions. The update also includes Descendant Fest 2026, a Bunny balance update, new content like the Axion Plains Dungeon, and a new Ultimate Weapon.
Evangelion Characters Join The First Descendant in New Crossover
The First Descendant is set to receive its first anime crossover event, featuring characters from the Rebuild of Evangelion series. The event, starting on June 18, 2026, will include Asuka Shikinami Langley, Mari Illustrious Makinami, and Rei Ayanami, along with new weapon skins and emotes. This marks the third major crossover for The First Descendant, following previous events with Bayonetta and NieR: Automata.
The First Descendant unveils farming tweaks, Ultimate Esiemo, and official Onslaught mode launch May 21
Nexon has detailed upcoming changes for the looter shooter The First Descendant, including a "farming loop reorganization" to improve resource acquisition and guidance, especially for players in hard difficulty. The update also introduces an Ultimate version of the character Esiemo with new abilities, balancing for Valby, and new skill modules for Ines. Additionally, the official Onslaught mode will launch with various adjustments to turrets, abilities, missions, and rewards.
The First Descendant Adds Ultimate Esiemo, Reworks Farming System, and Expands Onslaught Mode on May 21; New
NEXON has detailed upcoming changes for The First Descendant, launching May 21 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and PC. The update overhauls the farming system with a new material called Archive Shard, introduces Ultimate Esiemo with new abilities, and fully releases Onslaught Mode with balance adjustments. Additional content includes new firearms, combat activities, and in-game events.
The First Descendant Introduces Farming Loop Reorganization, Ultimate Esiemo and Official Update for ‘Onslaught Mode’
NEXON Korea has announced a significant update for The First Descendant, launching May 21, which includes a reorganized farming loop for more intuitive collection of descendants and weapons. The update also introduces the Ultimate Esiemo equipment set, an official version of 'Onslaught Mode' with various improvements based on beta feedback, and new content such as firearms and combat modes. Additionally, monthly balance updates for characters like 'Valby' and a roadmap for future content are detailed.
WRUP: He’s Chort edition | Massively Overpowered
This week's 'What Are You Playing' segment features discussions on Guild Wars 2, The Division 2, and Final Fantasy XIV. Staff members also shared their thoughts on disappointing landmarks, with Mount Rushmore and Plymouth Rock being mentioned.
Vague Patch Notes: No, ‘foreigners’ are not coming for the American games industry
This article critiques the notion that Asian game developers are poised to overtake the American industry due to their embrace of generative AI. It argues that many Asian companies struggle to penetrate Western markets and that the real issues facing the industry include over-reliance on single titles, fixation on graphics, studio cannibalization, and poor working conditions, rather than external threats.
The First Descendant details the new Onslaught Mode Beta coming in this week’s patch
The First Descendant is launching a new beta for its Onslaught Mode on April 16th, which will run until April 29th. This mode challenges players to defend a target point against waves of enemies and build turrets. The patch also includes character module improvements for Viessa and Harris, weapon balance adjustments for Piercing Light, and new modules.
Following Feedback 'The First Descendant' Adds Onslaught Mode Beta, Viessa Balance Update in April 16 Patch
Nexon is releasing a major update for The First Descendant on April 16, introducing a limited-time beta for the new endgame activity, Onslaught Mode, alongside balance adjustments for characters like Viessa and Harris. The patch also includes new modules, weapon updates, and various in-game events, with Onslaught Mode's full release planned for May 21. This update aims to address player feedback and expand endgame content following internal assessments of retention issues.