July 24, 2025 - Today, NEXON released the official demo for the highly anticipated Breakthrough update for their looter-shooter title The First Descendant, now available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC via Steam through August 6. To give players a sneak peek at what’s coming in the Breakthrough update, NEXON is delivering a curated gameplay experience that teases the action-packed content of the upcoming season.
You can view the official Breakthrough Update trailer here
You can pre-register now here
For resources and assets please visit here
For more information about The First Descendant, please visit here
Set in the expansive Axion Plains, the demo lets players experience core features from the upcoming Breakthrough update. Axion is a vast new field that serves as the main stage for the update, where players take on the role of the newly introduced Descendant, Nell, and embark on a mission to explore the region. Players will also face off against the Legion of Breach, which includes new monsters such as the Abyssal Carapace. To roam Axion’s open terrain, players can ride the new Hover Bike, offering the freedom to explore at high speed. Another challenge is the Wall Crasher, a slow-moving but devastating enemy that unleashes shockwaves, wide-range strikes and area of effect (AoE) attacks.
Players who complete the demo will immediately receive bonus rewards, including a Spoils Box and a Crystallization Catalyst. As part of the Survey Event, players who complete a post-demo survey will receive a Crystallization Catalyst after August 13. Also, to support both new and returning players, The First Descendant will launch the Axion Plains: First Look Demo Event, where all participants will receive an Axion Box containing rewards such as new titles, gold and three exclusive Hover Bike paints. These items will be distributed after August 13.
Launching August 7, the upcoming Breakthrough update offers a plethora of thrilling content, including the massive new Axion Plains field, the Hover Bike vehicle, the Colossus Field Raid, the new Descendant Nell and the Nier: Automata crossover. Players can engage in large-scale battles, explore new dungeons and more as they immerse themselves in the new content.
Players can also pre-register now through August 7 to claim exclusive rewards including a Descendant Selection Box, a special title and milestone bonuses such as a Transcendent Module and an Ultimate Weapon Selection Box. If total pre-registrations reach one million, the fans who pre-register will also receive an Ultimate Descendant Selection Box.
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 Co., Ltd. https://www.nexon.co.jp/en/
Founded in 1994, NEXON Co., Ltd. (Nexon) (3659.TO) is a global leader in the production, development and operation of online games. First listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange in December 2011, Nexon has since been listed on JPX400, Nikkei Stock Index 300, and Nikkei 225. Nexon currently has more than 40 games operating in more than 190 countries on PC, console, and mobile. Major game franchises include MapleStory, Mabinogi, and Dungeon&Fighter. In 2024, the company set a multi-year IP Growth Initiative that details vertical growth with new experiences in existing major franchises and horizontal growth with the creation of the new pillars in the company’s IP portfolio.