The First Descendant

A First Encounter with The First Descendant

The First Descendant, launched by NEXON Games and published by NEXON, is a free‑to‑play third‑person looter shooter that combines fast‑paced co‑op combat with a sci‑fi world where you control powerful “Descendants” — each with unique skills and a distinct visual identity. Think of it as the love child of Destiny and Warframe, but with its own twist on character swapping and modular builds.

Getting to Know the Basics

One‑Sentence Positioning

The First Descendant is a squad‑based action RPG that lets you switch between four different heroes on the fly, blasting through alien hordes in a visually polished sci‑fi sandbox.

Developer & Publisher

Developed by NEXON Games Co., Ltd. and published by NEXON (the same team behind MapleStory and Dungeon & Fighter), this title brings years of free‑to‑play RPG expertise to the Microsoft Store for Windows.

Key Features at a Glance

• Descendant‑swap system – you can instantly switch between up to four pre‑equipped heroes mid‑mission, each with their own skills and weapon loadouts.
• Deep modular customization – equip “Modules” to tweak stats, abilities, and passive effects, letting you fine‑tune your playstyle.
• Co‑op raids & world events – team up with friends for chaotic boss fights and large‑scale public events that feel like mini‑movies.
• Stunning Unreal Engine 5 visuals – dynamic lighting, detailed character models, and particle effects that make every bullet and skill pop.

Target Audience

If you enjoy grinding for loot in games like Destiny 2 or Warframe, love building unique character loadouts, and appreciate a solid co‑op experience without a monthly subscription, you're exactly who this game is made for.

Digging Into the Details

Why the Descendant‑Swap System Steals the Show

The most refreshing idea here is that you don't pick just one hero and stick with it. Before a mission, you assemble a “squad” of up to four Descendants (last I checked, you could bring four, but you select one at a time). During combat, you can swap between them in real‑time — a bit like switching weapons, but with completely different skill sets. Need area‑of‑effect damage? Swap to the grenade‑tossing Bunny. Need a shield tank? Bring in Ajax. This gives you the flexibility to adapt to any situation without forcing you to level a whole new character from scratch. It's a clever way to encourage experimentation and keeps the loot grind feeling fresh because you're always gearing up multiple heroes at once.

Modules: The Real Customization Engine

Instead of a traditional skill tree, Modules are the core of character progression. You slot them into your Descendant's “Hologram” grid to boost damage, improve survivability, or even unlock new passive effects. The grid has limited capacity, so you're constantly making trade‑offs. Want to be a glass cannon? Pack more attack modules. Need to survive a boss's one‑shot mechanic? Swap in some defense. This system rewards experimentation and provides a satisfying puzzle every time you open your inventory. The consequence of your choices is felt immediately in combat — no meaningless +0.5% stats here.

Narrative Choice Consequence? (Spoiler: It's Light)

If you're expecting a branching story with moral dilemmas like Mass Effect, you'll be disappointed. The narrative is mostly a backdrop — you're here to shoot aliens and save humanity, not make tough dialogue choices. But where the game does shine in choice depth is in its build customization. Every Module you equip, every weapon mod you apply, and every Descendant you choose to level creates a unique gameplay style. The real narrative is the story you write with your loadout and your squad. For a looter shooter, this kind of consequence (how you handle a boss fight, how you synergize with teammates) is arguably more important than dialogue trees.

User Experience: Smooth Sailing, But a Few Bumps

Interface & Visuals

The UI is clean and modern, with a dark sci‑fi theme that doesn't clutter your screen. Inventory management is straightforward, though the sheer number of modules and weapon parts can feel overwhelming at first. The Unreal Engine 5 visuals are genuinely impressive — particle effects from abilities, lighting on metallic surfaces, and the detailed enemy designs all contribute to a highly polished look. Performance wise, on a mid‑range RTX 3060 laptop, I saw stable 60 fps at 1080p with high settings. Occasional frame drops during huge explosions, but nothing game‑breaking.

Learning Curve

New players will find the first few hours a bit information‑dense. Between the mission objectives, loot drops, module slots, and Descendant abilities, you might need a guide to fully understand the systems. The game does offer tutorials, but they're quick and you'll still have to experiment on your own. After about 3–4 hours, the rhythm clicks, and swapping Descendants during a boss fight becomes second nature.

Differentiation from Other RPGs

Compared to Destiny 2 (which locks you into one subclass per session) or Warframe (where you need to grind for each individual Warframe), The First Descendant's multi‑hero swap is a true time‑saver. You can bring a generalist, a specialist, and a tank all in one session without going back to the menu. It encourages tactical adaptability in a way that other looter shooters don't. The Module system also feels more granular than the typical “skill tree” – you're constantly tweaking numbers, which appeals to min‑maxers.

Final Verdict: Should You Jump In?

Recommendation Level

If you're a fan of co‑op shooters with a loot loop that respects your time (and you don't mind a relatively thin story), this is a solid “try it out” — especially since it's free. The Descendant‑swap mechanic alone makes it worth a weekend download. Hardcore grinders will appreciate the modular depth, while casual players can enjoy the flashy combat and visuals. Less recommended if you're looking for a deep narrative or single‑player campaign.

Pro Tips

• Don't hoard Modules – experiment early. That 2% crit boost may not seem much, but with the right synergy it changes your gameplay.
• Level at least two Descendants you enjoy – you'll want a backup for different mission types.
• Play with friends – public matchmaking works, but coordination makes the boss fights far more rewarding.

FAQ

What are the minimum system requirements to play The First Descendant on PC?

For PC, you need at least an Intel i5-4460 or AMD FX-6300, 8GB RAM, and an NVIDIA GTX 1050 Ti or AMD Radeon RX 570. The game requires 50GB free SSD space. Visit Settings > System > About to check your specs.

Can I transfer my game progress from Xbox One to Xbox Series X|S?

Yes, your game progress and purchases carry over automatically if you use the same Xbox account. However, after June 19, 2025, the game will no longer be available on Xbox One. Simply log in on your new console to continue.

How do I switch the text or audio language in the game?

Go to Settings > Game Options > Language. You can choose from 12 text languages (e.g., English, Japanese, Korean) and 2 audio languages (English or Korean). Changes apply after restarting the game.

How does the co-op multiplayer system work for boss battles?

You can team up with up to three other players via matchmaking or invite friends. Access the mission board in Albion, select any raid or Colossi encounter, and choose 'Public' or 'Private' matchmaking. Coordinate using grappling hooks for tactical advantage.

What is the grappling hook used for and how do I unlock it?

The grappling hook enables free movement and coordinated actions like crossing gaps or pulling enemies. It is unlocked automatically after the tutorial mission in Albion. Equip it from Inventory > Gear > Grappling Hook. No additional purchases needed.

How many playable characters are there and how do I unlock new ones?

Over a dozen Descendants are available, each with unique combat styles. You unlock new characters by completing specific missions, purchasing them with Caliber (premium currency), or using researched materials from the lab. Visit Albion > Research Center > Descendant.