The First Descendant launches its free-to-play campaign

Nexon launched The First Descendant on July 2, 2024 for PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S. The free-to-play looter shooter opened with its pre-season and cross-platform multiplayer.

The First Descendant launch: confirmed details

Players operate from Albion, select Descendants with distinct abilities and complete missions across field zones. Weapons, reactors and external components shape builds, while Modules alter characters and guns within capacity limits. Void Intercept Battles place squads against large Colossi with breakable parts and encounter-specific attacks.

What changed for players

The simultaneous platform release made cooperative progression the central proposition from day one. Cross-play and cross-progression supported moving between available platforms through a linked Nexon account. The launch build also included Ultimate Descendants, research timers, repeatable material farming and a premium shop, making progression structure as important as individual firefights for returning squads.

Availability and lasting context

Nexon described the July release as the beginning of an ongoing service rather than a fixed campaign endpoint. Seasons, balance patches and new Descendants later changed the roster and endgame. Players should consult current official notes before copying an old build or farming route.

This report separates features released on the stated date from later patches and community expectations. Balance values and platform support can change, but the documented release history remains the same.

Sources: primary release notes or official records. Factual claims were checked against these records; interpretation is our own.

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