The First Descendant Hotfix 1.0.7: Key Changes, Frost Walker Nerfs, and a New Descendant Tease
The First Descendant has just received its latest update, Hotfix 1.0.7, bringing a slew of quality-of-life improvements, gameplay adjustments, and a tantalizing tease of an upcoming Descendant. This article will break down the key changes in this update, from nerfs to Frost Walker to improvements in mission mechanics, and more. Let’s dive into what’s new in the world of The First Descendant.
AFK Aborting in Special Operations
One of the more subtle but impactful changes in this update is the automatic selection of a “boort” if a player does not select an option during an interim review in Special Operations. This change directly addresses an issue players have voiced about AFK (Away From Keyboard) teammates, who would often delay the progress of a mission. Now, the game will automatically abort if no action is taken, reducing downtime and frustration.
Frost Walker Nerfs
Frost Walker, one of the game’s challenging bosses, has been significantly nerfed to make encounters more manageable. Key changes include:
- Increased Ember Drops: Destroying frenzy parts now generates two Embers, providing more resources during the fight.
- Reduced Frenzy Phases: The maximum threshold of the frenzy gauge has been increased, meaning the Colossus will enter its immune phase less frequently. This gives players more time to deal damage.
- Slug Shots Mistranslation: There seems to be a slight mistranslation in the patch notes regarding “slug shots.” It likely refers to the “crush” ammo type, which is highly effective against Frost Walker’s weak points. This has made weapons like the Enduring Legacy LMG a top choice for this encounter.
Early tests of these changes have shown that Frost Walker is now significantly easier to defeat, with faster kills and more consistent Ember drops.
Hazardous Zone Damage Removal
Another welcome change is the removal of residual damage effects from hazardous zones after defeating certain bosses. For example, after defeating Swamp Walker or Molten Fortress, the lingering poison or lava that could sometimes kill players is now removed. This change is especially beneficial for players on their last life, ensuring they can safely collect their loot without the risk of an untimely death.
Void Intercept Battles and Special Operations Updates
Hotfix 1.0.7 also brings improvements to Void Intercept Battles, Special Operations, and Infiltration Operations. The key changes include:
- Restart Options: Players can now restart missions with their current squad, extending the restart mission timer to an infinite duration, which is a significant quality-of-life improvement.
- Faster Enemy Spawns: Toxic monsters in Void Fusion Reactor battles now spawn faster, and their HP has been reduced. Additionally, these enemies now drop ammo and recovery orbs, making it easier to continue through these missions without needing to leave for resupplies.
Battle Pass Adjustments
The battle pass has seen a reduction in grind, particularly in weekly challenges for weeks 7 and 8. This change should make it easier to earn Supply Coins and obtain special rewards. Additionally, there are promises of further adjustments to the battle pass rewards, aiming to make them more valuable and appealing to players. This is a response to feedback that the initial battle pass rewards were underwhelming.
UI and Quality of Life Improvements
Significant changes have been made to the game’s UI, especially in item management:
- Enhanced Item Details: Players can now easily identify the rarity and stats of items directly from their inventory, making it easier to manage gear and components.
- Future Improvements: While not included in this hotfix, the developers have teased further quality-of-life features coming in Season 1, including a junk filter that will allow players to mark items with specific options as junk, streamlining the farming process.
Mission and Gameplay Adjustments
Several mission types have been reworked to better align with the game’s fast-paced combat:
- Infiltration Operations: The Occupation missions, where players had to stand in a circle and wait for a charge, are being replaced with Extermination missions. This change is expected to make these dungeons more engaging and less tedious.
- UI Updates for Modules and Components: Players can now see where combined-only modules come from, aiding in the hunt for rare items like the Shield Collector.
New Descendant Teased
Perhaps the most exciting news from this hotfix is the teaser for a new Descendant set to arrive with the Season 1 launch on August 30th. Described as a character armed with “cold fury,” this new Descendant appears to wield a massive sniper or railgun-like weapon, possibly featuring a powerful, high-damage ability. Speculation is rife among the community, with many eager to see how this new character will fit into the existing roster.
Conclusion
Hotfix 1.0.7 for The First Descendant has brought a host of valuable changes, from making bosses like Frost Walker more accessible to improving mission flow and item management. With the promise of even more enhancements in Season 1, including the introduction of a new Descendant, the game continues to evolve in exciting ways. Whether you’re a veteran player or new to the game, these updates are sure to enhance your experience.
Stay tuned for more updates and let us know who you think the new Descendant might be. Happy gaming!
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