"The First Descendant" Launches Major Update Adding Melee Weapon "Sword"; New Void Vessel Dungeons and Bosses Added
Note: the original Japanese article can be found at:
https://www.4gamer.net/games/649/G064958/20251002004/
Editorial Department: Yagishima | 2025/10/02 02:20 (UTC)
NEXON has implemented a major update for the online TPS game The First Descendant (PC / PS5 / Xbox Series X|S / PS4 / Xbox One) on October 1, 2025.
This update introduces the game’s first melee weapon: “Sword.” Two sword variants are available—“Shadow” and “Deus Ex Machina”—each featuring unique skills and distinct defensive mechanics different from firearms. By combining swords with specialized accessory sets, players can enhance their close-combat builds.
Additionally, a new Void Besseler dungeon titled “Medium-Sized Facility Area”, complete with exclusive boss gimmicks and hoverbike traversal sections, has been added. The new boss, “Archaeus Killer,” employs attacks centered around sword-based combat.
Furthermore, a new boss for the Void Defense Battle has been introduced: “Lavashitadel.” Lavashitadel is a fire-elemental variant of Meltfortress and wields devastating area-of-effect attacks such as fiery tornadoes and wide-ranging assaults.
In addition, three new Trigger Modules have also been implemented.
Improvements to convenience and balance adjustments were made—please refer to the official release notes for full details.
Official Website for “The First Descendant”
“First Descendant” Finally Unlocks Melee Weapon “Sword!”
Major Update Brings New Bosses and Dungeons
On October 1, 2025 (Pacific Time), NEXON launched a major update for the free-to-play TPS shooter The First Descendant. This update introduces the game’s first melee weapon—“Sword”—along with new content including Void Besseler dungeons and the new boss “Lavashitadel.”
Below are the detailed highlights of this update.
New Sword Weapons: “Shadow” & “Deus Ex Machina”
- Two sword types have been introduced: “Shadow” and “Deus Ex Machina.” Each features unique skills and defensive mechanics distinct from firearms.
- Using exclusive sword modules and armor sets allows players to strengthen their close-combat builds.
New Void Besseler Dungeon: “Medium-Sized Facility Area”
- The newly added dungeon, Medium-Sized Facility Area, includes unique boss gimmicks and hoverbike traversal sections. Players can choose between Normal or Hard difficulty.
- The new boss, “Archaeus Killer,” uses sword-focused attacks and high-mobility combat patterns, offering a battle theme centered around the sword weapon.
- During the hoverbike racing segments, players can utilize boost pads and jump pads for rapid movement. Completing this dungeon allows players to obtain new swords, sword-specific modules, and external gear sets. The drop rate is increased on Hard difficulty.
New Trigger Modules
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Supply Fortress
Available for Ajax and Kyle. Gains bullets each time a barrier takes damage and enhances reflected damage. -
Wave Emission
A module designed to support Blair’s main skills. Activates when using area-of-effect abilities, dealing stronger damage the more stacks are maintained. -
Rhythm Step
Exclusive to Luna. Increases movement speed and maximum shield when using rhythm-based skills.
New Boss in Void Defense Battle: “Lavashitadel”
- Lavashitadel is a fire-elemental variant of Meltfortress, with a notable weakness to ice-element attacks.
- It employs powerful patterns such as devastating area-of-effect fiery tornadoes and wide-ranging assaults, requiring quick reactions and precise dodging.
- During battle, lava continuously advances toward players—making proper positioning and timing crucial.
Convenience Improvements
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The method for opening Amorphous containers has been improved. Players can now directly open them in Albion, allowing easier access to schematics without completing the Defense Battle or Void Fusion Furnace challenges.
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Reactor weapon optimization conditions have been removed. Previously, players had to repeatedly reapply optimization conditions, which limited usable weapons; this restriction is now lifted. As compensation for previously spent resources, all existing inheritors will receive three crystallization catalysts.
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The “Crack Legion” has been added to the laboratory, enabling summoning up to 50 monsters. This allows for more diverse testing environments and damage evaluation scenarios.
Balance Adjustments
- This balance patch extensively reworked Kyle’s skill usability to align with recent updates that adjusted Ripper and Javert. Enhancements include extended dash duration, implementation of aerial combos, deployable magnetic barriers, and strengthened ultimate skills—overall improving the convenience of all his abilities.
- Ajax now has increased skill power and firearm buffs. Esimo’s skill synergy has been improved for smoother combo execution. Bunny’s performance against enhanced monsters and bosses has been balanced, and issues with reduced movement speed during skill use have been addressed.
These updates reflect the development team’s ongoing commitment to balancing gameplay across all Descendants and enabling underused skills to be effectively utilized in diverse builds.
Stay updated by following us on X (formerly Twitter), liking our Facebook page, subscribing to YouTube livestreams, or visiting the official website. Players can also join discussions on Discord to dive deeper into the world of The First Descendant. This channel was created as part of the game’s continuous efforts to improve communication and gather valuable feedback directly from the community.