The First Descendant Breaks Steam Record with 229,257 Concurrent Players in First Day

Seoul, Gyeonggi Province Korea (Republic of)
At its all-time peak, The First Descendant had 229,257 concurrent players on Steam and currently sits sixth among the most-played games on the platform.
The First Descendant, a free-to-play co-op looter-shooter, reached 170,000 concurrent players on Steam within two hours of its launch on July 2.
The game has a mixed rating based on 5,349 user reviews with only 2,269 marked as positive.
The game's instant popularity resulted in the number of concurrent players crossing the 200K mark within five hours of release.
The First Descendant Breaks Steam Record with 229,257 Concurrent Players in First Day

New Free Steam Game The First Descendant Sees Massive Player Count in Just Two Hours

The First Descendant, a free-to-play co-op looter-shooter, reached 170,000 concurrent players on Steam within two hours of its launch on July 2. The Korean-made game includes RPG elements and supports up to four players in co-op mode. Reviews are mixed, with some players applauding the gameplay and others frustrated with the title's technical issues.

A new free-to-play co-op game, The First Descendant, surpassed 170,000 concurrent players on Steam within two hours of its launch. The First Descendant rolled out globally on the platform on July 2 after multiple rounds of beta tests conducted over the past few years.

The Korean-made game is the latest addition to the online looter-shooter genre, featuring RPG elements and co-op support for up to four players. Players must face off against an alien threat to save humanity, and the sci-fi title puts a focus on co-op gaming, requiring players to work together to vanquish various enemies and bosses. The First Descendant concluded its final beta in May, and the game is now officially available on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.

Related The First Descendant: Which Starter Character Should You Choose? (Lepic, Viessa, or Ajax) Here's a quick overview of the three starting characters in The First Descendant to help you choose which one is the best for you.

According to data found on SteamDB, The First Descendant amassed 170,242 concurrent players just two hours after going live at 12 AM PDT earlier today. Its instant popularity with players has only increased, with the third-person shooter crossing the 200K mark within five hours of release. At the time of writing, the Nexon title has 221,177 Steam users playing the game with an all-time peak of 229,257 concurrent players. Moreover, The First Descendant also currently sits sixth among the most-played games on Steam.

The First Descendant Gets Impressive Response On Steam But There's A Catch

While leagues of players have tried the free title, The First Descendant's not getting entirely favorable reviews. On its Steam page, the co-op game currently has a “Mixed” rating based on 5,349 user reviews. Out of these, only 2,269 reviews are marked as positive, with some players liking the game overall despite facing some technical issues.

On the flip side, negative reviewers criticized the game for being too similar to popular online looter shooters like Destiny and Warframe, as well as for its perceived “pay-to-win” elements. A few user reviews suggested that, while The First Descendant's gameplay didn't seem to be an issue, its story may need some more work.

As soon as the game launched, some players revealed that they had not received their in-game purchases despite completing their payment. Developer Nexon has acted quickly to remedy the issue, while also issuing compensation for The First Descendant players as an apology. Given the prompt way in which the devs are responding to player feedback, many players are eager to see how The First Descendant performs over the next few weeks and if the game can sustain or grow its initial popularity.

The First Descendant Nexon's The First Descendant is a free-to-play looter shooter that also incorporates action RPG elements. Focusing on cooperative play, the game allows up to four players to work together.


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Confidence

90%

Doubts
  • Are there any concerns about the game's similarity to other popular titles like Destiny and Warframe?
  • Have all technical issues been addressed, especially those related to in-game purchases?
  • Is the mixed rating on Steam reflective of potential long-term sustainability of the game?

Sources

91%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

Poll: Are You Playing The First Descendant?

Push Square Push Square Thursday, 04 July 2024 14:00
  • Unique Points
    • The First Descendant has been released on PS5.
    • Players can select heroes from a roster instead of creating their own protagonist.
  • Accuracy
    • It is a free-to-play looter shooter.
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (95%)
    The author makes a comparison between The First Descendant and Destiny, which is an informal fallacy known as an 'Ad Hominem' fallacy. This fallacy occurs when someone attacks the person making the argument rather than addressing the argument itself. In this case, the author is not attacking anyone directly but is implying that those who are critical of The First Descendant's microtransactions may not care about gaming or be knowledgeable about other games in the genre. However, this does not detract significantly from the overall quality of the article as it does provide valuable context and information.
    • The First Descendant's microtransactions are already a hot topic. Especially expensive in-game purchases have been highlighted, with comparisons to long-standing titles like Warframe proving to be pretty damning for the new kid on the block.
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

69%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

The First Descendant Enjoys Big Player Numbers on Steam Despite ‘Microtransaction Hell’

IGN Comics Reporting Site Wednesday, 03 July 2024 09:32
  • Unique Points
    • The First Descendant, a free-to-play looter shooter developed by Nexon, had over 229,000 concurrent players on Steam.
    • Players have criticized The First Descendant for aggressive microtransactions and issues with reward distribution.
    • Nexon sells new characters, called Descendants, for real-world money and offers bundles of virtual currency that cost more than a single character.
    • Caliber, the premium currency in The First Descendant, can only be obtained through real-world purchases or by buying the premium battle pass.
    • Some players have labeled The First Descendant as 'predatory' due to its monetization methods.
    • Nexon has apologized and offered compensation to players who have not received promised rewards.
  • Accuracy
    • The First Descendant, a free-to-play looter shooter developed by Nexon, has had a large launch on Steam with over 229,000 concurrent players.
    • It is a free-to-play co-op looter-shooter with RPG elements and supports up to four players in co-op mode.
    • The First Descendant reached 170,242 concurrent players on Steam within two hours of its launch.
  • Deception (35%)
    The article contains selective reporting as it focuses on the negative aspects of The First Descendant's monetization without mentioning any potential benefits or positive player experiences. It also uses emotional manipulation by quoting negative reviews from players and describing the game as 'microtransaction hell'. Additionally, there is a lack of disclosure regarding sources for some information in the article.
    • The First Descendant has a packed cash shop that sells everything you’d expect from a game of this type: a premium battle pass, new characters, premium character and weapon skins, and even experience boosts and increased inventory capacity.
    • One Steam user called the First Descendant microtransaction hell.
    • Another said: This game released with more real-money purchasable items than actual gameplay mechanics.
  • Fallacies (65%)
    The article contains multiple instances of Appeals to Authority and Dichotomous Depiction. The author quotes several Steam users who call the game 'microtransaction hell' and 'predatory', implying that these opinions are representative of the game as a whole. Additionally, the author describes Nexon as a Korean company that is known for other multiplayer-focused free-to-play games with aggressive monetization, further reinforcing this characterization. However, not all players share this view and some have praised the gunplay and mechanics of the game.
    • This game released with more real money purchasable items than actual gameplay mechanics.
    • The First Descendant is a Warframe-esque action game designed to be played co-op with friends, but it's the monetization that has sparked debate during the early days of The First Descendant’s launch.
    • Nexon apologized to players who have yet to receive items they paid for by offering compensation.
  • Bias (65%)
    The article expresses a negative opinion towards the monetization practices of The First Descendant, using phrases like 'ultra aggressive microtransactions', 'predatory', and 'microtransaction hell'. It also quotes several users criticizing the game's monetization. While it does not explicitly endorse or condone these opinions, it does not challenge them either.
    • Another said: This game released with more real money purchasable items than actual gameplay mechanics.
      • One Steam user called the First Descendant microtransaction hell.
        • The First Descendant is a Warframe-esque action game designed to be played co-op with friends, with progression tied to a deep-rooted grind that involves completing missions and defeating bosses. But it’s the monetization that has sparked debate during the early days of The First Descendant’s launch, as well as issues giving players rewards they’re owed that have forced Nexon into offering compensation.
        • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication

        92%

        The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
        (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

        A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

        New Free Steam Game Sees Massive Player Count in Just Two Hours

        Game Rant Priye Rai Tuesday, 02 July 2024 17:39
        • Unique Points
          • The First Descendant reached 170,242 concurrent players on Steam within two hours of its launch.
          • It surpassed 200K concurrent players within five hours of release.
          • Currently has 221,177 Steam users playing the game with an all-time peak of 229,257 concurrent players.
        • Accuracy
          • The game is now officially available on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
        • Deception (80%)
          The article provides factual information about the game's player count and release details. However, it includes editorializing and emotional manipulation by stating 'leagues of players have tried the free title' and 'many players are eager to see how The First Descendant performs over the next few weeks.' These statements are not necessary for reporting the facts and could be perceived as attempting to elicit an emotional response from readers.
          • The First Descendant isn’t getting entirely favorable reviews.
          • Many players are eager to see how The First Descendant performs over the next few weeks.
        • Fallacies (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Bias (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication

        76%

        The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
        (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

        A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

        The First Descendant Steam reviews struggle after success of launch

        PCGamesN Alex McHugh Friday, 05 July 2024 12:32
        • Unique Points
          • Some players compare The First Descendant to Warframe and Destiny 2 and find it worse than both games in various aspects
          • Despite issues, The First Descendant has had a high number of players, with 170,000 in the first two hours and a peak of 229,257 in the first day
        • Accuracy
          • The First Descendant has had a high number of players, with 170,000 in the first two hours and a peak of 229,257 in the first day
          • Despite issues, The First Descendant has had a high number of players
        • Deception (40%)
          The author makes editorializing statements by comparing The First Descendant to other games (Warframe and Destiny 2) and implying that the negative reviews are not representative of the game as a whole. The author also selectively reports information by focusing on the negative Steam reviews without mentioning any positive ones.
          • It's not all bad news for the game, however.
          • If you'd like to make up your own mind, The First Descendant is out now and you can play for free on Steam.
        • Fallacies (80%)
          The author makes an appeal to authority by comparing The First Descendant to other games (Warframe and Destiny 2) in a negative way without providing any evidence or justification for why these comparisons are valid. This is an informal fallacy known as 'Hasty Generalization'. Additionally, the author quotes several Steam users who express dissatisfaction with the game's monetary transactions, which could be perceived as a pay-to-win approach. However, these criticisms do not necessarily constitute a logical fallacy on their own and are simply statements of fact. Therefore, I cannot give this article a perfect score.
          • ]This is literally Warframe and Destiny combined in one game,
        • Bias (80%)
          The author does not express any bias towards The First Descendant in the article. However, the author does include quotes from negative Steam reviews that criticize the game for its monetary transactions and perceived pay-to-win approach. These quotes reflect a specific position and make up a disproportionate number of quotations in the article.
          • This game released with more real money purchasable items than actual gameplay mechanics.
            • This is literally Warframe and Destiny combined in one game, and it’s worse than both is basically every aspect.
              • While the game is free the mircotransactions seem incredibly costly. The ‘ultimate bundle’ for any character is just a straight 100$
              • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
                None Found At Time Of Publication
              • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
                None Found At Time Of Publication