May 19, 2026 - Yesterday, NEXON and The First Descendant development team revealed key details in a special livestream for a new update coming on May 21. This update will include several key features, including a Farming Loop Reorganization, a new Descendant Ultimate Esiemo, an official update for ‘Onslaught Mode’ and more.
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Farming Loop Reorganization
In this May 21 update, the Farming Loop will undergo a reorganization to improve the overall farming experience for players who have felt difficulty in the existing game progression. Players will now be able to collect essential descendants and weapons and grow more intuitively and conveniently. Players can obtain essential early-game Descendants and weapons immediately after entering Hard difficulty simply by collecting a single material called “Archive Shard.” As the player grows, the material collection speed also increases.
The existing ‘Amorphous Material’ will also change from being classified by number to being categorized by Descendant. Now, players can easily acquire blueprints by finding and playing content where the ‘Amorphous Material’ of the Descendant they wish to obtain drops. In addition to this, farming locations will be extensively changed, materials will be integrated and simplified and Skill Modules will also be changed to be acquired more easily.
Ultimate Esiemo Addition
Esiemo’s Ultimate equipment is an Arche-transition explosion-proof suit called ‘Black Detonator,’ which is a reinforced suit redesigned based on Esiemo’s existing suit. Alongside the suit, chemical particles emitted by Esiemo can be stored in the “Neural Detonator Units” that are ejected in real-time from beneath the exoskeleton with a dramatic speed increase explosion response. Esiemo’s base skills have also been improved upon his release. This includes adjustments made to his synchronization values, reduced overall skill activation times, and a new additional feature that allows stacked Time Bombs to be deployed all at once, significantly enhancing overall performance.
Esiemo will also have two new transcendent modules, including ‘Rampaging Mad Bomber’ and ‘Explosion Maestro.’ ‘Rampaging Mad Bomber’ changes the effects of Esiemo’s passive and active skills, while remaining effective in combat against numerous melee monsters. It becomes possible to play by taunting enemies and, upon being hit, counterattacking through the passive skill to plant and detonate bombs. Secondly, ‘Explosion Maestro’ is a linking skill that doubles the number of currently attached bombs when attacking with Arche Explosion. Detonating these stacked bombs triggers a special explosion that causes even greater damage. This skill is effective against single targets such as Colossus.
Onslaught Mode Official Update
The official update of ‘Onslaught Mode’ will also be available in this update and will feature changes compared to the beta version. The update also reflects player feedback received from the beta version of ‘Onslaught Mode,’ including:
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Turrets: Balance adjustment of turrets, addition of taunt function to barricades.
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Resources: Addition of Bombardment Support Service, resource acquisition routes and the expansion of resource utilization options such as Descendant enhancement.
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Abilities: Addition of ability grades and types.
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Missions: Addition of dialogues and entry sequences, adjustment of the Colossus Incursion Timing, and the addition of a pickup weapon.
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Rewards: Redesign of the rewards system around weekly reset rewards, where players can obtain up to four guaranteed-roll Ancestors Modules per week. Players who clear higher difficulty levels are guaranteed to receive higher-tier rewards.
Monthly Descendant Balance Update: ‘Valby’
This update will primarily focus on improving Valby’s performance by changing and adding effects of some low usability skills to adjust and increase synergy between skills. The update will also increase the settings convenience for users by integrating Arche types for each skill. There are also plans to improve usability by strengthening skill modules to fit each play concept.
New Content Added
This update features newly added content, including two new firearms, ‘Whirlwind’ and ‘Frenzied Locomotive,’ and new combat content, ‘Axium Mining.’ Bounty Operations content will also be added to eliminate targets with bounties, along with the addition of two new skill modules for Ines.
May Events
Through this update, new events will take place for players to participate in. Beginning on May 21, a Battlefield Medical Support Operation Attendance Event will take place and players will be provided with ‘Medical Support’ skins for ‘Valby’ and ‘Ines.’
Two Challenge Mission Events will also occur, where the ‘Ultimate Weapon Upgrade Mission’ will receive support for Ultimate weapon growth materials and weapon skins can also be acquired. Additionally, a ‘New Content Challenge Mission’ will also occur where players who achieve challenges for ‘Onslaught mode’ and ‘Bounty Operations’ will receive growth support for ‘Ancestors Module’ and bounty dungeon tickets will be provided.
Moreover, a Research Boost Event will also take place, where players can conduct an event to shorten research time by completing research boost content. For new and returning users, a research time reduction effect will be provided for all types of research conducted during the event period.
Season 3 Episode 4 Roadmap Overview
The First Descendant team revealed the monthly update roadmap for Season 3 Episode 4, highlighting the ‘Onslaught Mode’ Expansion #1, Bunny Balance Update and new collaboration in June. Followed by the beta for the ‘Void Intercept Battle Extreme Difficulty,’ ‘Onslaught Mode’ Expansion #2 and ‘Serena’ Skill Modules planned for July.
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 ARC Raiders, The First Berserker: Khazan and MABINOGI MOBILE, 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/