The First Descendant Update Adds New Character Dia, Episode 3 Story, and Endgame Content

Why It Matters

The update expands the game’s narrative depth and end‑game content, boosting player retention while lowering entry barriers for new users. It signals Nexon’s commitment to sustaining a competitive looter‑shooter ecosystem through continuous content pipelines.

Key Takeaways

• New character Dia adds Chill damage and HP‑scaled crits.
• Episode 3 expands lore around Gley and Dia’s backstory.
• Underwater Base dungeon introduces boss Sarcophage and random champions.
• New weapons E‑Buster and Eye of the Typhoon diversify loadouts.
• HQ Order Quest system streamlines beginner progression and retention.

Pulse Analysis

The First Descendant’s latest patch reflects a broader industry trend where live‑service titles rely on character diversification to keep meta‑games fresh. By adding Dia, a Chill‑based damage dealer with HP‑scaled critical hits, Nexon not only enriches its roster but also creates new synergy opportunities for existing classes. This kind of targeted character rollout helps maintain competitive balance and encourages players to experiment with different builds, a crucial factor for long‑term engagement in looter shooters.

End‑game depth receives a boost through the Exposed Underwater Base dungeon and two high‑impact weapons. The random "Champion" effects and the Sarcophage boss introduce variability that rewards repeat runs, while the E‑Buster and Eye of the Typhoon expand tactical options for both solo and squad play. Such additions are designed to extend the game’s content lifespan, driving higher average revenue per user as players chase exclusive loot and mastery milestones.

For newcomers, Nexon’s HQ Order Quest system and companion‑app enhancements lower the learning curve that often deters new entrants to complex shooters. Standing Orders provide a steady progression path, whereas time‑limited Special Orders keep daily engagement fresh. Coupled with the upcoming Onslaught Mode beta, these initiatives illustrate Nexon’s strategic focus on player acquisition and retention, positioning The First Descendant to compete more effectively against rival titles in the crowded looter‑shooter market.

The First Descendant Update Adds New Character Dia, Episode 3 Story, and Endgame Content

By Byungho “Haao” Kim · Feb 6, 2026

Nexon (Co‑CEOs Kang Dae‑hyun and Kim Jeong‑wook) announced on the 6th that it has updated its looter shooter The First Descendant with a new Descendant (character), “Dia,” a title developed by its subsidiary Nexon Games (CEO Park Yong‑hyun).

Dia is a damage dealer who wields Chill‑attribute skills, and she comes with a passive that increases her Skill Critical Hit Rate in proportion to her HP when a melee weapon is equipped. She is designed for stylish combat, leveraging a variety of skills such as the AoE “Glacial Clash” and the dash skill “Glacial Breakthrough.”

Also newly released is “Season 3 Episode 3: Unveiled Truth,” a narrative episode centered on the story surrounding Gley and Dia. Dia first appeared in Season 2 as Gley’s daughter, and after being kidnapped by the Vulgus, she later re‑emerged as an enemy—setting the stage for a tragedy. In this episode, players can experience an immersive story focused on Dia’s hidden backstory, which has drawn considerable interest from the community.

Alongside this, Nexon has added new dungeon content, “Exposed Underwater Base,” to the Axion region. The new dungeon features a new boss, “Sarcophage,” and “Champion” effects can appear at random, offering fresh twists from run to run. By playing Exposed Underwater Base, players can obtain a wide range of reward items, including crafting materials for Dia.

Two new weapons were introduced as well: the “E‑Buster,” which has a unique ability that deals powerful damage to a single target, and the beam rifle “Eye of the Typhoon,” which attacks enemies by utilizing two different modes. Nexon also added three new Trigger Modules to deepen strategic play. “Focus and Expansion,” a module optimized for Gley—who is receiving balance improvements in this update—deals area damage in proportion to the user’s HP. “Icebreaker” increases Skill ATK when attacking Frostbitten enemies with Skill Weapon‑type skills. “Overcharge Shield,” a module optimized for Kyle, boosts skill potency when certain conditions are met.

A new system, the “HQ Order Quest system,” was also introduced to help beginners progress. For new players, “Standing Orders” are always‑available directives in which players complete designated objectives and earn rewards in sequence. Meanwhile, “Special Orders,” which expire on a 72‑hour cadence, offer rotating missions designed to help players more easily acclimate to the latest play patterns. Nexon is also running the “Battlefield Support Operation” Boost Path event to help beginners at Mastery Rank 12 and below settle into the game more smoothly.

In addition, Nexon previewed, on a month‑by‑month basis, upcoming content planned for release through April. In March, Sharen will receive balance improvements and Keelan will get two new Skill Modules; in April, Viessa will receive balance improvements and Ines will get two new Skill Modules. Nexon also plans to release a beta version of a new endgame activity, “Onslaught Mode,” in April, then incorporate player feedback with the goal of launching the full version sometime in May.

Finally, Nexon added new convenience features to the companion app that provides a variety of The First Descendant information to support players. It has updated the much‑requested “Research” feature, allowing users to access and use Research directly through the app without logging into the game.

This article was translated from the original that appeared on INVEN.