The First Descendant XP Problem: A Community Concern
The First Descendant has been generating significant discussion within its community, particularly around the XP system. Unlike many games in the genre, leveling characters in The First Descendant is a slow, grind-heavy process, largely due to the need for Crystallization Catalysts. Without these catalysts, characters are underpowered, making it difficult to complete content effectively.
Why is XP Such an Issue?
One of the core issues lies in the game’s design. In The First Descendant, players must level up their characters significantly to progress through the content. However, the current XP acquisition methods are cumbersome and unfulfilling.
Popular methods like the “Bunny Cave” strategy—where players grind for over 45 minutes hoping their teammate has built their character correctly—result in a monotonous and unsatisfactory experience. Even worse, some players have resorted to an “abort meta,” which involves exploiting mission mechanics in a way that feels unintentional and further exacerbates the problem.
Players have also drawn comparisons to games like Warframe, where the leveling process is more streamlined. In Warframe, defense missions are a reliable way to quickly level up characters, a feature The First Descendant sorely lacks. The current defense missions in The First Descendant, such as the Hourong Endeavor, are inefficient, with slow spawn timers and poor rewards. This leaves players frustrated and leads to burnout, especially among more casual gamers.
Potential Solutions to the XP Issue
Addressing the XP grind in The First Descendant is essential to maintaining player engagement and satisfaction. Here are some potential solutions:
- Enhancing Defense Missions: The current defense missions could be improved by increasing spawn rates and XP rewards. This would make them a more viable and less tedious option for leveling characters.
- Revamping the Crafting System: The crafting system should be adjusted to allow players to create multiple Crystallization Catalysts at once, rather than being limited to one every 7.5 hours. This would make the leveling process less frustrating and more rewarding.
- Adjusting Mod Costs: The cost of mods should be reconsidered to reduce the number of catalysts needed to make characters effective. Currently, players need to slot in at least seven catalysts to make a character viable, which is a significant investment of time and resources. Reducing this requirement would help alleviate some of the grind.
- Buffing XP Gains: The overall XP gains in the game need a significant buff. Players should be rewarded more generously for their time and effort, particularly in activities like defense missions and other operations.
Conclusion: A Call for Change
The XP issue in The First Descendant is a critical problem that needs to be addressed by the developers. The current system is leading to player burnout, and if left unchecked, it could result in a significant portion of the player base leaving the game. By implementing some of the proposed solutions, such as improving defense missions, revamping the crafting system, adjusting mod costs, and buffing XP gains, the game could see a significant improvement in player satisfaction and longevity.
The community is vocal about these concerns, and it’s essential for the developers to listen and make the necessary changes. With these adjustments, The First Descendant could better align with player expectations and provide a more enjoyable and rewarding experience.
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