The First Descendant Is Too Grindy For People Who Work

Caroline Mae

2 min read

·

07-01-2025

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The First Descendant, Nexon's latest foray into the looter-shooter genre, boasts impressive visuals and fast-paced action. However, early player feedback paints a picture of a game hampered by excessive grinding, a significant barrier for players juggling work and other commitments.

A Time Commitment Conundrum

While many games require dedication, The First Descendant's grind feels particularly steep. Players report spending considerable time repeating missions and activities to acquire necessary resources and gear upgrades. This repetitive gameplay loop, while perhaps tolerable for dedicated players with ample free time, becomes a significant deterrent for those with limited gaming windows due to work or other responsibilities.

The Grind's Impact on Accessibility

This heavy reliance on grinding directly impacts the game's accessibility. For many working professionals or individuals with busy schedules, the significant time commitment required to progress meaningfully feels unreasonable. This creates an uneven playing field, disadvantaging players who can't dedicate the same amount of hours as those who can. The reward system doesn't seem appropriately balanced to compensate for the time investment, leaving many feeling frustrated.

Comparing to Competitors

Compared to other games in the looter-shooter genre, The First Descendant's grind seems disproportionately demanding. While many games incorporate grinding mechanics, the balance between gameplay and resource acquisition often feels more finely tuned. In The First Descendant, this balance feels skewed, pushing players towards repetitive tasks rather than allowing them to enjoy the core gameplay loop.

Potential Solutions

Nexon could address this issue by reevaluating the resource acquisition system. Adjustments could include increasing the rewards from various activities or reducing the resources required for upgrades and crafting. Alternatively, introducing alternative, less time-intensive progression paths could significantly improve the overall experience for players with limited time.

Conclusion: A Game for the Dedicated Few?

The First Descendant offers a visually appealing and action-packed experience, but its demanding grind severely limits its appeal. Unless Nexon addresses the current resource acquisition imbalance, the game risks alienating a significant portion of its potential player base – those who simply don’t have the time to commit to such a demanding grind. The future of The First Descendant may depend on its ability to adapt and cater to a broader range of player lifestyles.