Summary
The First Descendantreleased a slew of fixes with Hotfix 1.0.1, the first version update since its debut on July 2. The launch ofThe First Descendanthas been nothing short of spectacular for developer Nexon Games, with the third-person shooter amassing over 200,000 concurrent users within hours of its release. However, the game’s release has also been riddled with a number of major problems, from game-breaking technical issues to player backlash over its monetization system.
The First Descendantis a free-to-play online looter shooter with a focus on fast-paced combat and missions-based progression. The game is set on the continent of Ingris. Players take on the role of an eponymous Descendant, characters with special powers who stand as the bulwark against the invasion of an advanced alien civilization, the Vulgus. Much like other titles in the same genre,The First Descendantemphasizes cooperation throughout its gameplay. In fact, director Minseok Joo previously stated thatWarframeandDestiny 2influencedThe First Descendant,and both titles will likely continue to inspire developers beyond its launch.
WhileThe First Descendantpulled in thousands of playerswith its debut, some users have also reported that they’ve been struggling with major technical issues. Thankfully, Nexon Games is addressing many of these bugs with its recently released Hotfix 1.0.1. The patch primarily focused on stabilizingThe First Descendantfor all platforms, with fixes to stuttering along with other improvements to the graphics and UI. Apart from bug fixes, 1.0.1 also slightly adjusted the game’s balance by buffing player knockdown recovery speed and nerfing the shield skill of the boss, Eterllick the Tracker.
Though the bug fixes are a welcome change, the patch might not be enough to pacifyThe First Descendant’s fans. The looter-shooter has earned spectacular player numbers, but reviews for the game have been less than kind. Many users have specifically criticized the title for its monetization structure, accusing Nexon Games of fostering a predatory microtransaction system through the exorbitant prices ofThe First Descendant’s premium currency Caliberand other in-game items. At the time of writing, the widespread player backlash has led to a ‘Mixed’ rating on Steam, with a 51 percent positive user score from 29,250 submitted reviews.
The First Descendanthas had a phenomenal launch but a live-service game requires more than just a few successful weeks at the top of the Steam charts. It will likely be a long and difficult road before it can stand toe-to-toe with other giants of thelooter-shooter genre likeWarframeandDestiny 2.
The First Descendant Hotfix 1.0.1 Details
Platform & System
Fixed the issue where the logo sound volume was too high when launching the game.
Server and client stabilization has been carried out.
- (PS5) Removed unintended factors that were degrading performance.
- (PS5, XSX) Fixed the issue where FSR Upscale was malfunctioning.
Content Improvements
Knockback and knockdown recovery times have been sped up by 1.5 times.
The maximum usage of the Eterllick shield skill per phase has been reduced from 2 times to 1 time.
Bug Fixes
(1) UI/UX
- Fixed the issue where the back button did not work after closing the capacity exceeded popup in the module enhancement UI.
(2) Descendant
- (XB1) Fixed the issue where the heads of other players wearing skins would intermittently not display.
(3) Module
Fixed the issue where the ‘Skill Power Modifier’ number was not applied correctly after level 5 enhancement of the ‘Lethal Infection’ module.
Fixed the issue where the ultimate module drop animation was used when the normal module ‘High-Power Rounds Capacity Increase’ was dropped.
(4) Field
Fixed the issue where object destruction animations did not appear in the Strategic Outpost.
Fixed the issue where the name and description of the NPC Dominique in the Hagios region were displayed incorrectly.
(5) Equipment
Fixed the issue where the Guided Round of the Ultimate Weapon ‘Restored Relic’ did not apply the ‘Ancient Fire’ status effect.
Fixed the tooltip error for the Fire Skill Power of the ‘Active Volcano’ External Components 2-set effect.
Fixed the tooltip error for the Weak Point Damage of the ‘Frozen Heart’ External Components 4-set effect.
The First Descendant
WHERE TO PLAY
The First Descendant is a next-generation third-person co-op action RPG looter shooter featuring high-quality graphics created in Unreal Engine 5.Players become a Descendant whose mission is to combat alien invaders – The Vulgus who crossed dimensions over 100 years ago and brought with them the devastating Colossi and destruction – for the survival of humanity and to protect Albion and the continent of Ingris. Players will encounter spectacular stories of forces fighting over the Iron Heart as they grow stronger through various missions and raids.Encounter features that make The First Descendant’s gameplay unique: a variety of characters with unique concepts and combat styles, massive boss battles with up to four player co-op, free movement and coordinated action with grappling hooks, a variety of weapons and compelling customization options.
