The First Descendant: QoL Changes Solve Beta Issues at Launch

Last Updated: October 23, 2025

Get ready, Descendants. We're taking a look back at how The First Descendant's development team tackled major player feedback from the beta tests, implementing sweeping quality-of-life changes at launch that transformed the game's core systems. If you were frustrated by Reactor conditions or the tedious grind of identifying materials, the live version of the game is the polished experience you were hoping for.

This isn't just an update; it's a fundamental improvement to the gameplay loop, making the entire experience smoother, more flexible, and vastly more enjoyable. Let’s dive into the massive enhancements that made it into the full release.

Reactor Reworked: Freedom From Optimization Conditions

Remember the old Reactor Optimization Conditions from the beta tests? The system that forced you to equip specific weapon types to gain a Skill Power boost, often feeling like a restrictive, build-defining puzzle? Well, they're gone. Vanished. In one of the most celebrated changes implemented for the game's official July 2, 2024 launch, NEXON Games completely removed this system.

This single change dramatically opened up build diversity and player freedom. No longer are you punished for wanting to use your favorite auto rifle with a Descendant whose Reactor preferred shotguns. The Skill Power boost that was previously tied to these conditions is now integrated directly into the Reactor's base stats, ensuring you lose no power but gain immense flexibility. As a result, the related "Reactor Implant" function and its associated quests were also removed, streamlining the gear system and making it far more intuitive for new players and veterans alike.

The Amorphous Material Overhaul: Less Clicks, More Loot

Identifying Amorphous Materials during the betas was a chore. The process of individually handling these encrypted rewards slowed down the post-mission loot cycle to a crawl. Thankfully, this system received a complete overhaul for launch.

Players can now take their entire haul of Amorphous Materials to a dedicated NPC in Albion and identify them singly or, more importantly, in bulk. This transforms a tedious, multi-click process into a quick and satisfying loot reveal. This change was a direct response to overwhelming community feedback, demonstrating the developers' commitment to respecting the player's time. Consequently, the old "Reconstructed Devices" tied to Void Intercept Battles were removed from the equation. While Void Intercept Battles remain a crucial part of the endgame grind, the reward loop is now faster and more rewarding.

A More Efficient Lab: Streamlining Research & Summoning

The Laboratory (now known as the Research Lab) has always been the heart of progression, and it launched with significant upgrades over its beta iteration. This is your hub for unlocking new Descendants, Ultimate Weapons, and other crucial gear.

A key enhancement was the increase in the maximum number of Common Monsters you can summon for research purposes, which was boosted to 50. This allows for more efficient material farming and faster progression through research requests, reducing a potential bottleneck and keeping players in the action. Furthermore, the roster of summonable legions has continued to expand since launch, giving players access to a wider variety of resources needed for crafting and enhancement.

The Road Since Launch: A Commitment to Improvement

The quality-of-life enhancements didn't stop on launch day. The development team has continued to refine the experience with regular patches, addressing balance concerns and adding new content. Since its release, The First Descendant has seen the introduction of new endgame dungeons like Akasha's Cradle, providing fresh challenges and powerful rewards for dedicated players.

The changes made from beta to launch were not just about fixing problems; they were about building a stronger foundation for the future. By listening to the community and acting decisively on feedback, the developers created a game that is more fun, less frustrating, and deeply respectful of its players' investment. The result is a polished, action-packed looter-shooter experience that continues to evolve and improve.