New co-op looter shooter The First Descendant has taken the gaming world by storm, quickly becoming the top seller on Steam. However, despite its popularity, the game has launched to mixed reviews from players.

A successful launch with a rough start for The First Descendant

The First Descendant, a third-person looter shooter developed by Nexon Games, launched today as a free-to-play title on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X. Its debut on PC has been particularly impressive, as it climbed to the top of Steam’s best sellers chart within hours of its release.

In an impressive feat, The First Descendant managed to dethrone Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, the highly anticipated DLC expansion for FromSoftware’s critically acclaimed RPG. Although Shadow of the Erdtree launched over a week ago, the success of The First Descendant as a new entry is notable.

Mixed user reviews and microtransaction issues

Despite its strong start in terms of sales, The First Descendant has received a ‘Mixed’ aggregate score on Steam based on over 4,100 user reviews. Only 43% of players have given the game a positive review, with many expressing frustration over the game’s microtransactions.

One user complained, “I bought Caliber’s pack, the money was written off, but there is no Caliber, WTF???” Another review echoed similar issues: “Bought Caliber for battle pass but I never got it, Steam payment was successful but nothing in-game.” Caliber, the game’s microtransaction currency, allows players to purchase cosmetic items and pay to level up their characters.

Nexon has acknowledged these issues on their website, stating that they are aware of delays when players purchase Caliber. “When purchasing multiple items through the basket from the PlayStation Store, there may be a delay of the items to be delivered to your inventory,” Nexon noted. However, this statement did not address problems specific to the PC version.

Player feedback and potential

While the game has its share of critics, many players are enjoying the looting and shooting experience that The First Descendant offers. One positive review described it as “a very good game if Destiny and Warframe made a baby together.” Another player appreciated the variety and grind, stating, “Game is grindy, just like Destiny, but looks better. There are way more enemy types and the skills are fun. You are not locked into minimal classes but have a large variety based on how many descendants you unlock.”

Despite the rocky launch, the game’s position at the top of Steam’s best sellers chart indicates a solid player base. The First Descendant’s success in dethroning Elden Ring demonstrates its potential to capture the interest of gamers, even with the current mixed reviews.

Future outlook for The First Descendant

As The First Descendant continues to attract players, Nexon will need to address the issues with microtransactions to improve the game’s overall reception. The initial wave of reviews highlights the importance of resolving these problems promptly to maintain player trust and satisfaction.

The game’s successful launch and ability to compete with major titles like Elden Ring suggest a promising future. With continued updates and attention to player feedback, The First Descendant has the potential to become a standout title in the co-op looter shooter genre.

The journey for The First Descendant has only just begun, and its ability to adapt and respond to player concerns will be crucial in determining its long-term success. As more players dive into the game’s rich world of looting and shooting, Nexon has the opportunity to refine and enhance the experience, solidifying The First Descendant’s place in the gaming community.