The First Descendant’s 1.0.3 Update: Focusing on Visibility and Gameplay
This week, The First Descendant received a patch 1.0.3 packed with bug fixes and other tweaks. Many of these changes affect gameplay or localization issues, but the changelog on the game’s official website reveals Nexon’s unique approach to a challenging issue.
The announcement states that the visual effects of the Vestigial Organ weapon, a rocket launcher of ultimate rarity, have been reduced “to improve visibility.” While the issue wasn’t necessarily the excessive smoke and sparks from each shot, it was the fact that **every player was using it**, constantly bombarding the screen, hindering gameplay.
As Gley’s Infinite Rocket Launcher build has become popular, we have taken temporary measures to fix an issue where explosion effects were severely affecting gameplay. At the moment, we only offer the option to disable explosion effects for other players, but we plan to improve this functionality for other effects.
Note that, despite this statement, the game director doesn’t mention **any strictly functional changes** to Gley’s build. If you prefer this playstyle, you’re free to join the rocket-launching frenzy in the later levels of The First Descendant. However, consider adjusting your settings to reduce the effects of your teammates to maintain clear visibility and gameplay.
The Gley Build: A DPS Powerhouse
Gley is a playable character with an **active skill called “heightened sensation”** (increased sensory in English), which provides unlimited ammunition while in a frenzy state. Many players have found this skill to be a unique opportunity to maximize their damage output and constantly activate its buffs.
The strategy is simple: max out the skill cooldown reduction module and the module that extends skill effects. While other modules are optional, rocket launchers have emerged as the most popular choice due to their **high DPS potential**. However, the smoke from their constant use can obscure the battlefield, hindering visibility.
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The First Descendant’s Patch 1.0.3: Taming the Rocket Launcher Frenzy
This week, The First Descendant received patch 1.0.3, bringing a slew of bug fixes and tweaks. While many changes address gameplay or localization issues, Nexon tackled a unique issue in an unexpected way: the overwhelming prevalence of the Vestigial Organ rocket launcher.
The Vestigial Organ: A Rocket-Fueled Visibility Crisis
The Vestigial Organ, a legendary rocket launcher boasting unique attributes, has become ubiquitous in The First Descendant. Its visual effects, however, have been causing visibility issues. The problem isn’t simply excessive smoke and sparks; it’s the sheer volume of players using the weapon simultaneously, creating a near-constant barrage of explosions.
“As Gley’s Infinite Rocket Launcher build has become popular, we have taken temporary measures to fix an issue where explosion effects were severely affecting gameplay. At the moment, we only offer the option to disable explosion effects for other players, but we plan to improve this functionality for other effects.”
This statement from the game director reflects Nexon’s approach: instead of outright nerfing the Vestigial Organ, they’ve opted for a temporary fix, allowing players to disable the effects of other players’ rocket launches. This solution, while imperfect, acknowledges the problem and offers a stopgap measure until more comprehensive solutions are implemented.
Gley’s Heightened Sensation: A Symphony of Rockets
The popularity of the Vestigial Organ stems from its synergy with Gley, a playable character possessing a unique skill called “Heightened Sensation” (increased sensory in English). This skill grants Gley unlimited ammunition while in a frenzy state, effectively unleashing a constant torrent of rockets.
Maximizing Gley’s potential revolves around two key modules: one reduces skill cooldowns, and the other extends the duration of skill effects. This combination creates an almost permanent frenzy state, constantly empowering the Vestigial Organ’s destructive capabilities. The result is a spectacle of rocket-fueled chaos, albeit one that has been somewhat hindered by the patch.
Impact on Gameplay and Player Experience
The prevalence of Gley’s rocket launcher build has significantly affected gameplay. Players have struggled to see enemies and navigate the battlefield amidst the constant explosions. The patch’s attempt to alleviate this issue is a positive step, showing the developers’ commitment to addressing player feedback and balancing the game.
The First Descendant’s development team has demonstrated responsiveness to community feedback. While this patch doesn’t completely solve the issue of overwhelming visual effects, it shows their commitment to ongoing balance and improvement. With future updates, we can anticipate further refinements to ensure a more balanced and visually enjoyable experience for all players.
