First Descendant developer Nexon has released update 1.0.4 on PC via Steam, PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X and S, with the patch notes below.
The patch changes the popular “Valby run” farming method. Taking place in the Stronghold Outpost on Hard Mode, the Valby run involves destroying generators and damaging the boss enough to trigger its bullet immunity phase, then using the Valby character’s ability to deal continuous damage while moving around the outer ring of the arena in an endless loop. With the Valby run farming method, players were able to earn hundreds of thousands of in-game gold and tons of XP in just a few minutes.
Full patch notes for The First Descendant update 1.0.4:
Content Improvements
- Module storage limit has been increased from 1000 to 1500.
- The cooldown of “Vulgus Strategic Outpost” has been reduced from five minutes to one minute.
- The spawn time between monster respawns has been increased and the reward amount has been adjusted at “Vulgus Strategic Outpost”.
- Void Fragments will now drop from defeating monsters during a Special Operation. The highest number of Void Fragments will drop from the Special Operation “Void Neutralization Experiment”.
- Using the “Arrest Mark” item obtained from the Special Operation will earn you 10 times the usual amount of gold. When the “Arrest Mark” item is used in the “Consumables” tab, it will be converted into 100,000 gold, and the “High Value Arrest Mark” item will be converted into 1,000,000 gold.
“With this adjustment, the reward amount at the fortress outpost has been reduced,” explained The First Descendant director Joo Min-seok.
“However, to ensure that Valby Run remains a popular hunting ground like Ambush Point and Refined Run, we have set the reward efficiency significantly higher than originally intended. We hope to feature many farming locations in The First Descendant, each with unique characteristics and utility for different Descendants. Rather than returning Valby Run to its original design intent, we have adjusted it to provide similar efficiency to other high-reward hunting grounds.
“In addition, we’ve shortened the cooldowns on all outposts so players can play them more frequently without intentionally failing, and no longer need to search for outposts with shorter cooldowns while moving around the map. We’ve also added gold rewards to Special Operations and adjusted four types of Void Fragments to drop randomly, allowing players to choose and use a variety of hunting grounds.
“Through issues like Fortress Outskirts and Valby Race, we’re learning what playstyle our players enjoy. The experience of sweeping and farming monsters is of significant value in our game.
“Your feedback and interest are what drives the continued improvement of The First Descendant. We will always listen to your feedback and improve the game.”
Joo Min-seok also offered a sneak peek at the fifth week of The First Descendant, which will air next week and add a new Descendant named Luna. Details are below:
The First Descendant Week 5 Patch Notes Overview:
Emerald Sea, “Ultimate Valby”
Finally, the Magisters have completed the ultimate project for Valby. This ultimate equipment, called the “Emerald Sea”, has fulfilled Valby’s long-held desire. It is a nano suit that replicates the color and texture of Valby’s old body. Although covered in a thin layer, Valby feels as if she has regained a part of herself that she had long forgotten.
Ultimate Valby mods
- Spiral Tidal Wave: Replaces the difficult-to-aim Bubble Ball with a straight-flying projectile. Spiral Tidal Wave attracts Gluttony Impurities, making it a great choice for intercepting Gluttony.
- Hydro Pressure Bomb: Instead of going “Plop Plop,” she leaps forward and deals damage to enemies around the landing area. The more enemies in the laundry state, the more damage she deals, making Hydro Pressure Bomb a powerful finishing move. Instead of diving into the water, leap forward happily!
A new descendant, “Luna”
Luna, the mad artist, has returned to Albion after a long wandering performance. Luna’s Synthesizer Gun becomes more powerful when fired in time, enhancing allies’ abilities based on the performance. When Luna dances to upbeat music, allies’ skill power increases, and when she dances to relaxing music, allies’ mentality recovers and resource consumption decreases. Invite everyone to Luna’s concert. Unfortunately for Virgus, this will be their last stage, but Luna’s performance is only just beginning!
Luna Modification Modules
- Nimble Steps: Improves Luna’s mobility and amplifies the range of her performance effects, allowing for more effective allied support.
- Noise Surge: Transforms Luna from a supporter to a fighter. Rush toward enemies in time with the beat, dealing damage to nearby enemies. When the Inspiration Gauge is full, summon a stage to restore mental strength and shields. Give enemies a terrifying musical experience with Noise Surge!
Gluttony
The Devourer-type mutated Gluttony is a giant that dabbles in Void Energy. It is equipped with systems to extract Void Energy and a cooling system to cool the heat generated during this process. To counter Gluttony, you need measures to resist its cooling performance and the judgment to exploit its greedy temperament. Intercept Gluttony and collect new ultimate weapons and external components.
New Ultimate Weapon “Peace Mediator”
When meditation is needed to bring peace to Ingris, the new Peace Mediator Ultimate Weapon is the perfect solution. This powerful hand cannon is effective even with single shots, but can unleash a burst of bullets to deliver powerful firepower under the right conditions.
New Ultimate Module “Arche Concretion”
Provides the Concretion Arch effect, which increases defense and mentality when using skills, but decreases movement speed and attack power. It is especially useful for Luna and Ajax and can be a good choice for players who want stable skill usage. Your choices are free; combine different modules to create your unique build.
Balance adjustments
In the week five update, we decided to make balance adjustments to some Descendants and Ultimate weapons.
First up, we’re adjusting Valby, Blair, and Freyna, who use AOE as their primary abilities. We hope to see these Descendants dominate the battlefield more effectively, creating large AOEs, and quietly watching enemies fall from behind. Expect improved performance for these Descendants at long range.
Additionally, improvements will be made to ultimate weapons to increase critical hit chance and damage. Enduring Legacy (Machine Gun), Secret Garden (Tactical Rifle), and Nazeistra’s Devotion (Hand Cannon) will be improved to provide more powerful firepower with critical parameters.
Additionally, Greg’s Reversed Fate (Tactical Rifle) will be adjusted to activate its unique effect more often. We’re also improving the functionality of single-shot weapons, allowing players to choose between single-shot and rapid-fire modes. Please look forward to it.
Lately,
Other practical improvements will also be included in the Week 5 update. Additionally, new cosmetics that many players have been waiting for will be available, so wait another week!
Nexon’s free-to-play co-op shooter has seen huge popularity with over 10 million players in just 10 days. But it has been heavily criticized for its ultra-aggressive monetization, which includes the cost of Ultimate versions of its playable characters. Last week, IGN reported that one player who spent 200 hours crying to unlock all the ultimate descendants currently available in the game without paying any money.
Wesley is IGN’s UK News Editor. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can contact Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or in confidence at wyp100@proton.me.