The First Descendant, an action RPG developed by Nexon, is rolling out its first major content update today. Alongside this update, the game’s director, Minseok Joo, provided a comprehensive look at upcoming changes and enhancements planned for future seasons. The planned updates promise to address various gameplay aspects including item acquisition and character build experimentation.
Guaranteed Item System
While discussing the new updates, Joo highlighted a system designed to ensure players receive a guaranteed item after completing an activity multiple times. This approach aims to reduce player frustration and enhance overall gaming satisfaction. Another significant addition is a system to dismantle Descendant and weapon blueprints. The dismantled items will yield “byproducts,” which can be exchanged in a rotating shop for valuable rewards.
Build Experimentation Environment
To further enrich the gameplay experience, Nexon is introducing an environment where players can experiment with various builds. This feature will allow players to assign socket types to different loadouts, providing greater flexibility and customization options. These changes are scheduled to be discussed and potentially implemented during Seasons 1 and 2 of the game.
Joo also touched on the game’s balancing strategies, mentioning the desire for a shifting meta between seasons. He noted that currently, skill-based Descendants are performing well, but the team is looking to enhance the proportion of firearm-based combat in the endgame.
“We can’t promise that all Descendants and weapons will be equally balanced at all times, but our goal is to keep changing the effective builds. To that end, we promise to constantly adjust and offer different ways to play with new content.”
Past updates to The First Descendant have focused significantly on stability and minor bug fixes. Comparatively, today’s update is more comprehensive, aiming to overhaul critical gameplay mechanics. This shift from incremental tweaks to more substantial updates indicates Nexon’s commitment to improving player experience comprehensively.
Previous updates primarily addressed immediate player concerns, such as balancing issues and minor gameplay adjustments. However, the newly introduced systems for guaranteed item acquisition and blueprint dismantling represent a strategic move towards increasing long-term player engagement. This approach suggests a deeper understanding of player needs and a proactive stance in game development.
Today’s update for The First Descendant marks a pivotal shift in the development and enhancement of the game. By introducing a guaranteed item system and environments for build experimentation, Nexon aims to address core gameplay frustrations. These updates, along with ongoing balancing adjustments, indicate a concerted effort to keep the game dynamic and engaging for players. For fans of The First Descendant, these changes promise a richer and more rewarding gaming experience moving forward.
