The First Descendant Unveils Season 3 Update And NieR: Automata Crossover

Nexon Games have announced the Season 3 update for their free-to-play co-op looter shooter The First Descendant, set to launch this summer.

Titled Breakthrough, the update will introduce a new battlefield, the Hover Bike, a large-scale Colossus Field Raid, a social Lounge feature, a new Descendant, and more. Additionally, a cosmetics-focused collaboration with NieR: Automata was revealed.

Producer Beomjun Lee stated during a PAX East 2025 panel that the collaboration will focus on visual aspects. They will not expand on NieR: Automata content for Season 3 but will include outfits for A2 and 2B with unique animations and cosmetics.

Season 3 Breakthrough Highlights:

New Battlefield – Axion Plains

A vast, once-thriving outpost now ruined by a Void Storm and teeming with deadly artificial and mutated threats.

New Vehicle – Hover Bike

High-speed travel vehicle for crossing the massive battlefield. Players receive a standard model by logging in during Season 3, with advanced versions available through exploration. Bikes can be upgraded with boost and jump abilities.

New Raid – Colossus Field Raid

An eight-player raid featuring the debut of the towering Wall Crasher boss. Players will traverse the open field on Hover Bikes before engaging in large-scale combat.

New Feature – Lounge

A customizable social hub where players can relax, showcase their Descendants, decorate with furniture and collectibles like Colotoys, and enjoy a more immersive, personal side of the game world.

Story Overview

Season 3 introduces a major narrative shift in The First Descendant, highlighted by the return of the pivotal character, Karel. One of the key story arcs this season will explore the evolving romance between Enzo and Nell.

New Playable Descendant: Nell

Previously an NPC, Nell joins the roster as a fully playable character. She comes with a fresh design and unique abilities centered around arche-style telekinesis. Her combat style involves launching spheres that debuff enemies and pull them in, along with the ability to convert all gunfire into weak point hits, making her ideal for aggressive, fast-paced gameplay. Nell will debut in the upcoming summer update.

New Ultimate Descendant: Ultimate Luna

Ultimate Luna will be released with two brand-new Transcendent Modules. One enhances her firearm-focused combat, while the other boosts her rhythm-based skills and debuffing effectiveness. As Season 3 unfolds across multiple episodes, Ultimate Yujin is expected to join in Episode 2, following Luna’s debut.

New Weapon Type: Sword (Three Variants)

Swords are being introduced as a new weapon type, sharing slots with firearms and customizable through special modules. Players can execute standard and special attacks, with the first variant, the Shadow Blade, featuring a charged iaijutsu-style dash as its signature move. The sword and a corresponding boss-focused dungeon will be available in Season 3, Episode 1. Additional sword types, including a two-handed greatsword and a lightsaber-inspired weapon, are slated for Episode 2.

NieR: Automata Crossover Event

The First Descendant will launch its first-ever crossover, featuring the beloved NieR: Automata franchise. A full trailer is on the way, following the reveal of key visuals during today’s PAX East 2025 panel. More collaborations with popular IPs are also in development.

Additional Announcements

• The Gilded Death Blossom skin launches on May 22.
• The 1st Anniversary event, TFD Fest, is scheduled for July and will include showcases, in-game events, a skin design contest, and more.

The First Descendant is currently available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC via Steam. View the official website for more information and news.

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