The First Descendant Announces Massive Season 3 Update with NieR: Automata Collaboration

Free-to-play shooter game The First Descendant is getting a major update soon. Publisher and developer Nexon Games have announced Season 3, called "Breakthrough," which will arrive this summer with many new features and content.

According to the announcement at PAX East 2025, the update brings a new area to explore, vehicles to ride, and even a character from the game's story joining as a playable option. Players will also get a special space to show off their characters and items.

New Area: Axion Plains

Season 3 introduces a huge new battlefield called Axion Plains. This area was once a promising outpost but has been destroyed by something called a "Void Storm." Now it's filled with dangerous enemies including artificial creatures and mutated beasts.

The size of this new area is much larger than previous zones, which is why the developers are adding a new way to travel around.

Hover Bikes Make Travel Exciting

One of the most exciting additions is the Hover Bike, a new vehicle that lets players travel quickly across the game's massive areas.

Players will receive a standard Hover Bike just by logging in during Season 3, according to the announcement.

For those who want upgraded versions, "Accelerated" and "Boosted" models can be found by exploring the Axion Plains. These bikes can be upgraded and have special abilities like boost and jump.

Eight-Player Raid Against Massive Enemies

The update will also feature a new eight-player raid called the Colossus Field Raid, where players will face a massive enemy called the "Wall Crasher."

This raid is specifically designed for the size of the new Axion area, and players can use their Hover Bikes during the battle.

Social Space: The Lounge

The First Descendant also introduces the "Lounge," a personal space where players can take a break from combat. In this area, players can:

• Display their characters (Descendants)

• Customize their appearances with skins

• Interact with furniture

Players can also place collectibles called Colotoys in this space, with more lounge-exclusive items planned for the future.

The developers explained that this space is designed to create "a deeper, more immersive experience" beyond just fighting enemies.

Story Developments and New Playable Character

Season 3's story will be a major turning point for the game's narrative, featuring the return of a key character, "Karel." The update will also focus on the romance between Enzo and Nell.

Speaking of Nell, she will become a playable character (new Descendant) in the upcoming update. Previously a non-player character (NPC) in the story, Nell will have a brand-new look and unique abilities. She can use telekinesis to throw spheres that create debuffs and pull nearby enemies. She can also change all her gunshots into weak point strikes, making her ideal for aggressive playstyles.

Further, Season 3 introduces powerful Ultimate versions of existing characters, starting with Ultimate Luna in Episode 1. According to the reveal, she'll come with two Transcendent Modules – one focusing on firearm damage and another enhancing her rhythm-based abilities and debuffing potential.

Ultimate Yujin will follow in Episode 2.

Swords Join the Arsenal

The update will finally add swords to the game. Players can equip these in the same slot as firearms and perform both normal and special attacks. The first type, called the "Shadow Blade," features a charged dash attack as its special move.

According to devs, two more sword types – a two-handed greatsword and a lightsaber-style weapon – will be added later in Season 3.

NieR: Automata Collaboration

Perhaps the most exciting news! The First Descendant's producer Beomjun Lee revealed at PAX East that the game will have its first official crossover with Square Enix's NieR: Automata. However, this collaboration will only focus on cosmetic items.

"Unfortunately, the collaboration will focus on decorations, as we are in the process of solidifying the substance of our game," Lee explained. "We decided to invest more in the content of Season 3 rather than other content related to the NieR: Automata collaboration."

Players can look forward to A2 and 2B outfits, including what Lee described as "a damaged version of 2B with no skirt, with other motions and decorations as well."

The First Descendant is currently available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC via Steam. The Season 3 update will arrive this summer, with more details likely to come during the game's anniversary celebration in July.