Today, Nexon announced the crossplay beta dates for its upcoming free-to-play looter shooter game, The First Descendant. The developers decided to slightly delay the Open Beta in order to support all platforms, including PC (Steam, where you can already request access), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series S|X. As such, the crossplay beta of The First Descendant is now set to start on Tuesday, September 19th, and will run through Monday, September 25th.

　　Nexon also shared an overview of the improvements made to the game, many of which stemmed from player feedback after the previous PC tests. Some highlights include DLSS 3 support (which we first confirmed would be added to the game in an exclusive interview with the development team), HDR display support, and the upgrade to Unreal Engine 5.2. There's also a new playable Prologue that explains the game's backstory.

　　Performance Enhancements

　　Improved frame rate performance

　　HDR and NVIDIA DLSS 3 support

　　Utilizing latest Unreal Engine 5.2

　　Performance and quality modes for PS5 and Xbox Series X | S

　　Quality-of-Life Improvements

　　Revamped grappling hook control and new parkour movements

　　New module (previously called rune) system

　　Improved jump motions

　　Improved gun sound effects

　　Updated UI, UX elements

　　Updated Narratives and Prologue

　　New additional storyline

　　A mysterious new map (The Sterile Land)

　　New Gameplay Content

　　11 playable Descendants and two ultimate Descendants

　　11 new ultimate weapons each with unique effects

　　8 Void Intercept Battle bosses

　　2 new Void Intercept Battle maps

　　New cosmetic system

　　Improved world missions

　　New Open Beta Rewards 

　　Available only to those who participate in the Open Beta

　　All participants will receive a limited-edition social motion.

　　Reach Descendant level 20 to receive a back-attachment customization item at launch.

　　Players become a Descendant whose mission is to combat against alien invaders – The Vulgus who crossed dimensions over 100 years ago and brought with them the devastating Colossi and destruction– for the survival of humanity and to protect Albion and the continent of Ingris. Players will encounter spectacular stories as they grow stronger through various missions and raids to finally discover the Descendants' secret. Cooperation is crucial as players team up with one another in strategic 4-player boss fights where teamwork and tactics are key. New equipment, materials, and items obtained through a myriad of missions and boss fights will contribute to players’ character development.

　　The First Descendant doesn't have a release date yet, but with the pace of the testing, it might launch before the year's end.