April 14, 2026 - Yesterday, NEXON and The First Descendant development team revealed key details in a special livestream for the April Update coming on April 16. This update will include several key features, including the addition of the new endgame content, “Onslaught Mode Beta,” and a balance update for Descendant ‘Viessa.’
You can view the Developer Livestream here
For more information about The First Descendant, please visit here
Onslaught Mode Beta
In the April 16 update, the beta version of the new game mode, ‘Onslaught Mode Beta’, will be added, which is a defense mission where players must stop the Vulgus from reaching the target point. The mission fails if more than a set number of monsters reach the objective. Currency earned by defeating enemies can only be spent to build or upgrade turrets, which attack enemies or disrupt their movement. etc. At the end of certain waves, players are given random ability options which reinforce the player. The mission takes place across three zones, each featuring different strategic elements, and culminates in a battle against a ‘Colossus’. The ‘Onslaught Mode Beta’ will be available for players until April 29 and an official update will be coming on May 21, alongside the Season 3 Episode 4 Update. The team plans to introduce the official update upon reviewing and reflecting on player feedback.
Additionally, a two-week ‘Onslaught Mode Beta’ Survey Event will also take place from April 16 through April 28, where users who participate in ‘Onslaught Mode Beta’ and complete the survey will receive rewards such as Crystallization Catalysts.
Descendant Balance Update: ‘Viessa’
This update will primarily focus on balancing Viessa, with the main goal to improve the use of her less popular transcendent modules and enable a firearm-based build. This update also maintains her core identity as a Descendant who can inflict powerful, instantaneous damage within a limited range.
Descendant Balance Update: ‘Harris’
This update will primarily focus on improving Harris’s overall performance while her core skill mechanics remain unchanged. The adjustments include the addition of HP-based damage, an increased passive skill duration, a boost in overall skill power and an extended damage and pull range for her ‘Crushing Charge’ ability.
Weapon Balance Updates
New balance adjustments for ‘Piercing Light’ will be made where the weapon will be granted meaningful additional Pierce Damage and to function as a multi-hit firearm effective against single targets. Its unique ability, ‘Purification of Light,’ will be updated where hitting an enemy creates a ‘Target of Light’ at the point of impact and hitting the ‘Target of Light’ triggers a ‘Chain Explosion,’ which deals damage to enemies positioned behind it based on the location of the ‘Target of Light’.
Additionally, ‘Sigvore’s Proof’ and ‘Exterminator’ will also receive balance adjustments, with an increase in their DPS.
New Modules Added
Two new Trigger Modules, ‘Firearm Cooling’ and ‘Gash’, will be added alongside the update. ‘Firearm Cooling’ is a Trigger Module specialized for ‘Viessa,’ for when a ‘Global DoT’ or ‘Projectile’ type skill inflicts the ‘Frostbite’ status effect, reducing the cooldown of ‘Firing Enhancement’ type skills. Additionally, ‘Gash’ is a Trigger Module specialized for ‘Nell,’ for when an enemy being hit by a ‘Global DoT’ type skill is attacked with a ‘Tow’ or ‘Piercing Projectile’ type skill, there is a certain chance to inflict the target with the ‘Gash’ effect. ‘Gash’ is a damage-over-time effect with a short duration and short damage intervals.
Other Update Details
New details from this update include the return of ‘The Abyss - Storm Hanger,’ improvements to the ‘Arche Tuning’ system, quality of life updates, including improvements to the chat system, Photo Mode, and game guides, along with the addition of new skins.
April Events
Through this update, new events will take place for players to participate in. Beginning on April 16, a six-week login event, ‘[Attendance] Premium Cleaning Service Request II’ will run through May 27 and offer a variety of growth support materials, with the main reward being the ‘Viessa's Cleaning Service Box’.
From April 16 through April 28, ‘Esiemo's Onslaught Preparation Mission,’ a two-week challenge event will occur where players can earn main rewards, including a ‘Superconductive Cooling Unit’ and ‘Superheated Material’.
From April 16 through May 20, ‘Dismantle Ancestors Module Week, a five-week challenge and shop event will occur, where players can dismantle unwanted ‘Ancestors Module’ to obtain fragments, which can then be exchanged at a shop operated by ‘BB-On’ for the desired ‘Ancestors Module’. Moreover, ‘Accelerate Research Week,’ a five-week research boost and challenge event, will also occur and during the event period, research time will be reduced for all types of research.
Q&A Session
The developer livestream also featured a candid Q&A session, addressing some of the community’s top-of-mind questions. The team acknowledged player feedback on the Descendant ‘Serena’ balance update, sharing their commitment to a careful strategy that prioritizes buffing other Descendants to close the performance gap, with potential refinements to Serena to be considered alongside new transcendent modules if necessary.
In a direct response to feedback on repetitive grinding, the developers announced a major revamp of the farming loop scheduled for May, which will consolidate materials and streamline the farming path. Furthermore, the team shared plans to improve the new user experience with difficulty adjustments and a permanent onboarding system, while introducing new endless content such as a ‘Trial Mode.’ This demonstrates a strong commitment to actively listening to and reflecting community feedback in the game’s development.
Descendants can dive deeper into the world of The First Descendant by joining the conversation on Discord. This channel was created as part of The First Descendant’s ongoing commitment to improving communication and gathering valuable feedback from the community. Players have responded positively, appreciating that their feedback is being heard and reflected in the game’s development.
Stay connected by following on X (formerly Twitter), liking on Facebook, catching updates on YouTube or keeping up with the latest news on tfd.nexon.com.
More about The First Descendant:
Launched in July 2024, The First Descendant is a next-generation third-person co-op action RPG looter shooter featuring high-quality graphics developed using Unreal Engine 5. In the game, players become a Descendant whose mission is to combat against 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 as they grow stronger through various missions and raids to finally discover the Descendants' secret. Cooperation is crucial as players team up with one another in strategic 4-player boss fights where teamwork and tactics are key. New equipment, materials, and items obtained through a myriad of missions and boss fights will contribute to players’ character development.
About NEXON Korea
Founded in 1994, NEXON Korea is engaged in the production, development, and operation of online games. With a diverse portfolio of over 40 live games available in more than 190 countries, NEXON Korea offers engaging entertainment experiences across PC, console, and mobile platforms. Renowned for its iconic franchises, including MapleStory and Dungeon&Fighter, as well as newer titles like The First Descendant and The First Berserker: Khazan, NEXON Korea is dedicated to delivering innovative, high-quality game experiences to players worldwide. For more information, visit the official website: https://company.nexon.com/en/.