NEXON’s free-to-play, Unreal Engine 5-powered looter-shooter, The First Descendant, has quickly gained a strong following since its launch last month. Players are thrust into the role of Descendants, tasked with defending the world against the alien invaders known as the Vulgus. These formidable enemies crossed dimensions over a century ago, bringing with them the fearsome Colossi, and have set their sights on destroying the city of Albion and the continent of Ingris. With both solo and co-op modes available, the game offers a thrilling experience where players can harness a variety of unique abilities to fend off these threats.
Now, just over a month after the game’s release, NEXON has unveiled its first major update: Season 1: Invasion. This update introduces a wealth of new content, including fresh Descendants, powerful weapons, and an intense new boss, all while expanding the game’s lore and challenges.
When Does The First Descendant Season 1: Invasion Launch?
Season 1: Invasion is set to launch on August 29th across all platforms where the base game is available. This includes PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC via Steam, and NVIDIA GeForce NOW. The season will roll out in three updates, ensuring a steady stream of new content to keep players engaged.
What New Descendants Join The First Descendant in Season 1?
One of the highlights of Season 1: Invasion is the introduction of new Descendants. The first of these is Hailey, a former supply soldier turned legendary sniper. Hailey’s skill set is perfectly suited for long-range combat; she wields an anti-material sniper rifle and sub-zero bullets that can freeze enemies in their tracks. Additionally, her storm snare ability allows her to set traps that immobilize foes, making her a versatile and deadly addition to any team. Hailey also possesses a unique ability to lower her body temperature, emitting cold air that is particularly useful in the snowy environments featured in this season.
Another key character getting the spotlight this season is Freyna. Already known as the best elemental attribute character in the base game, Freyna specializes in toxic damage. Season 1 delves deeper into her tragic backstory, particularly the Room Zero incident, which saw her fellow agents perish, leaving her as the sole survivor. This trauma has only made her stronger; in Season 1: Invasion, she becomes the newest Ultimate Descendant, evolving her toxic abilities into a formidable weapon thanks to the power of Arche’s toxicity.
Additionally, all Descendants will experience a phenomenon known as Inversion Reinforcement upon encountering the Iron Heart, a key item in the game’s lore. This resonance enhances their abilities, unlocking new potentials in hunting, attributes, recovery, and survival. As players progress through the season, these powers will continue to grow, adding layers of strategy and depth to the gameplay.
What New Weapons Are Being Added to The First Descendant Season 1: Invasion?
The new season brings an arsenal of powerful weapons, starting with Hailey’s anti-material sniper rifle and sub-zero bullets. In addition, two new Ultimate weapons are being introduced: Excava and Frost Watcher.
Excava is a versatile weapon that functions as an assault rifle but can also deliver a powerful charged shot. As players engage in combat, Excava gradually charges its voltage, which can then be unleashed as an energy grenade, adding a tactical edge to battles.
Frost Watcher, on the other hand, is a scout rifle that perfectly complements Hailey and the ice-wielding Descendant, Viessa. This weapon reduces enemies’ chill resistance and enhances the damage of chilling skills, making it an invaluable tool in the hands of players who favor freezing their foes before finishing them off. Given how powerful Viessa builds have already proven to be, especially in her Ultimate form, Frost Watcher seems poised to make her nearly unstoppable.
A New Boss and Challenge in The First Descendant Season 1: Invasion
No looter-shooter would be complete without formidable bosses, and The First Descendant is no exception. Season 1 introduces a terrifying new adversary: The Death Stalker. This Colossus lurks in the Void, waiting to strike from the shadows with venomous attacks. To protect Albion from this new threat, players must venture into the darkness and engage in the season’s new Void Intercept Boss Battle, where uncovering the mysteries hidden in the shadows will be key to defeating the Death Stalker.
For players who crave an additional challenge, Season 1: Invasion also introduces a new “Invasion Dungeon” designed for speedrunning enthusiasts. This dungeon appears randomly in two dungeons during the Infiltration Operations on Hard difficulty. Players can choose between the standard operations or the new Invasions, which offer greater rewards for faster completion times. However, with increased risk comes increased difficulty, so only the most skilled players will be able to reap the full benefits.
Season 1: Invasion for The First Descendant promises to elevate the game to new heights with its introduction of fresh Descendants, powerful weapons, and intense new challenges. As players continue to defend Albion and the continent of Ingris, they’ll need to harness every ounce of their newfound power to fend off the relentless Vulgus and their devastating Colossi. With the season launching on August 29th, now is the perfect time for both new and veteran players to jump in and experience the next chapter in this thrilling looter-shooter.
