The First Descendant January 2026 update launches January 15, 2026, adding two major systems: Breach Tracking (repeatable gold farming with Dimensional Stabilization Keys) and comprehensive firearm Descendant improvements targeting Enzo and Jayber.
The update introduces four new Trigger Modules, overhauls four weapon unique effects (Greg’s Reverse Fate, Afterglow Sword, Nazestra’s Devotion, Thunder Cage), implements melee weapon base damage increases, and adds Smart Cast instant-ability options.
1. All The First Descendant January 2026 Updates
If you want the first-day plan:
- Test Breach Tracking immediately: This content provides gold farming and repeatable reward loops through Amorphous Dimensional Stones (openable with Dimensional Stabilization Keys).
- Enzo players, rebuild completely: Rebuild as a firearm-first Descendant and select one clear direction: hybrid clear (skills + guns), single-target gun DPS, or support/buffer role.
- Jayber players, prioritize turret uptime: Focus on turret area control and firearm synergy instead of turret self-destruct loops.
- Test buffed weapon unique effects: Prioritize Greg’s Reverse Fate (11-hit bombardment trigger), Afterglow Sword (auto weak-point lock-on), Nazestra’s Devotion (10-stack attack buffs), and Thunder Cage (electric shock wave + overcharge + lightning strikes).
- Enable Smart Cast options: Activate instant-cast settings in the options menu to eliminate animation locks on Enzo’s skill 1, Viessa’s skill 4, Jayber’s drones, and similar abilities.
- Check Albion presentation changes: Visit Albion on January 15 for an Albion Girls and Celestar-themed transformation Female Skins (concert-stage environment).
2. Breach Tracking (New Farming System)
Breach Tracking is a repeatable farming activity designed as an additional gold source coming into The First Descendant with the January 2026 update, alongside Invasions (which remain active until the Descendant Mission Dashboard replaces the current daily invasion system in Episode 3).
2.1. What Is Breach Tracking
- Lore context: Vulgus artificially triggers dimensional breaches throughout Ingris regions. Breach Tracking operations prevent the induction of breaches by deploying Descendants into existing Ingris field locations for combat scenarios.
- Mechanical structure: Breach Tracking combines elements from field missions with randomized layouts similar to Sigma Sector. Each session takes approximately 4-5 minutes to complete (tested with Lepic during the January 2026 developer livestream).
- Difficulty rating: Axion-equivalent. Unoptimized builds and new players will struggle with this content. The activity assumes endgame-ready gear and build optimization.
Breach Tracking is a new farming mission to earn more Gold.
2.2. Available Fields and Random Selection
Breach Tracking randomly selects one of three Ingris regions per mission start:
- White Night Gulch
- Vespers
- Fortress
Field and mission layouts are randomized each time you start. This prevents repetitive farming fatigue by reusing high-quality visual story regions that players requested.
All players receive 200 Superconductive Cooling Units as compensation because the developer randomly selected Vespers during the livestream demonstration (gift distributed via a separate coupon code).
2.3. Amorphous Dimensional Stones and Dimensional Stabilization Keys
After defeating the final boss in Breach Tracking, three reward boxes appear, containing:
- Box 1: Large amounts of Gold
- Box 2: Superconductive Cooling Units
- Box 3: Rare crafting materials (random item box)
Each box requires one Dimensional Stabilization Key to unlock. If you possess enough keys, you can open all three boxes in a single run.
How to Get Dimensional Stabilization Keys
- Axion Planes: Field Colossus (roaming boss)
- Void Intercept Battles (Abyssal difficulty)
- Wall Crasher encounters
You can run Breach Tracking without keys and still earn substantial Gold. Keys provide bonus reward layers (the Amorphous Dimensional Stone boxes), but the base activity already offers competitive gold-per-minute ratios. Think of keys as “push it further” options when you accumulate them passively through other endgame content.
Breach Tracking Mission interface.
2.4. How Breach Tracking Fits With Invasions
The developers have stated that “Gold access should not feel like a single funnel forever.” Breach Tracking, coming to The First Descendant with the January 2026 update, widens the economy by offering repeatable, unlimited farming sessions when players want extended playtime.
- Invasions remain active until Episode 3’s Descendant Mission Dashboard system launches.
- Invasions currently provide approximately 5 million Gold per day through four daily runs.
- The Mission Dashboard will replace daily invasion gold with alternative reward structures.
- Breach Tracking is a separate, infinite-gold farming option for players who want to grind for longer sessions without daily caps.
Axion-difficulty Breach Tracking assumes endgame readiness. New players and undergeared Descendants still need Invasions as a reliable source of Gold. Once the Mission Dashboard provides structured progression rewards, Invasions become redundant, and Breach Tracking becomes the primary repeatable gold farm.
3. Enzo Rework Guide
Enzo ranked in the bottom tier among firearm Descendants based on Supermassive Receptor clear time from the developers’ benchmarks. The First Descendant‘s January 15 Update will push Enzo toward a clear firearm-focused identity, prioritizing strong team utility over niche-only viability.
3.1. Enzo’s New Core Identity
The rework emphasizes firearm pacing and buff loops. Enzo gains value through ammo consumption, weapon rotation, and consistent firearm uptime. Players who enjoy swapping weapons and maintaining tempo will find Enzo significantly smoother post-patch.
Key philosophy shift: Enzo is no longer skill-dependent. He’s a gun platform that uses skills to enable better shooting rather than replacing shooting with abilities.
Enzo receives new buffs with The First Descendant’s January update.
3.2. Base Passive Ability Changes
Enzo will now gain buffs when spending ammunition. Multiple buffs can stack simultaneously based on ammunition type (General Rounds, Special Rounds, Impact Rounds, High-Power Rounds).
Base passive bonuses (all ammunition types):
- Increased rounds capacity
- Decreased recoil
- Increased weapon change speed
The developer did not reveal ammunition-type-specific buffs during the livestream. These bonuses activate based on which ammo type you’re currently using (specific effects will be discovered post-launch).
Enzo’s passive now provides a weapon damage multiplier based on shield stat, identical to Ajax and Serena’s mechanics:
- Maximum multiplier: 171% weapon damage
- Shield requirement: Approximately 24,800 shield to reach 171% cap
This makes Enzo a shield-stacking firearm Descendant similar to Ajax’s HP-stacking paradigm.
3.3. Enzo’s Core Ability Changes
Skill 1 (Supply Drop)
- Now instantly deployable using Smart Cast option (toggle in settings menu)
- No longer requires standing still during deployment animation
- Supplies can be dropped while moving, dramatically improving combat flow
Skill 2 (Explosive Ability)
- Cast time and animation reduced
- Automatically reloads your weapon when cast (identical to Serena’s skill 3)
- Functions as both a damage tool and a reload mechanic, eliminating downtime
Skill 4 (Drone Summon)
- When Skill 4 drone is active, and you cast Skill 2, the drone fires three small missiles, dealing massive AoE damage forward
- This synergy mimics the Focus Fire skill module effect (explained below)
- Provides burst AoE pressure without sacrificing gun uptime
Enzo actively cycles through abilities while maintaining firearm pressure. Skills enhance shooting rather than replacing it. The kit rewards a buildup tempo (gradually stacking buffs) that escalates power over the course of the fight.
4. Jayber Update Guide
Jayber remains one of the weakest options for players in The First Descendant. The developers acknowledge that Jayber’s main weakness is the lack of active gameplay options beyond “place turrets and watch.” The update makes Jayber a hybrid between abilities and firearms rather than a pure turret summoner.
Jayber receives new buffs with The First Descendant’s January update.
4.1. How Jayber Works After January 15 Update
- Hold space through area control
- Pressure lanes with persistent turret damage
- Punish enemies that push into your established zones
- Scale output without awkward self-sabotage loops (no more mandatory turret detonation for value)
4.2. Core Jayber Changes
- Turret synchronization: Turrets now sync with your firearm usage. When you shoot, turrets optimize targeting and damage application.
- Turret range improvements: Base turret range increased (specific numbers not provided in livestream).
- Hybrid gameplay loop: Place turrets, then actively use firearms while turrets provide supplementary pressure. You’re no longer babysitting deployment timings.
- Smart Cast support: Jayber’s drone placement and cast animations benefit from the Smart Cast toggle, eliminating animation locks.
- Damage buff additions: Various numerical damage increases across turret abilities (specific percentages not disclosed in livestream).
4.3. Jayber’s Module Changes
Turret Engineering Module
- Increases maximum turret count by one (deploy additional turret beyond base limit)
- For players who want maximum turret saturation builds
Detonation Code Module
- Skill 3 (Multi-Purpose Gun) performance improved to enhance turret power more significantly
- Turret detonation remains an option but is no longer mandatory for competitive DPS
- Focuses on turret area attack rather than install-detonate loops
Skill 4 (Immediate Detonation Code)
- Can now be used while sprinting (no movement penalty)
- Post-cast delay reduced dramatically (improved usability)
- Range and power expanded to function as a primary skill option (not just a utility button)
Design intent: Jayber becomes an active turret gunner rather than a passive turret manager. The best runs involve constant movement + shooting while turrets handle zone control autonomously.
5. New Trigger Modules
Three new Trigger Modules launch with The First Descendant‘s January 15 update, primarily supporting Enzo, Jayber, and Descendants with chain-type abilities.
5.1. Strategic Strike (Enzo Trigger Module)
- Activation: When Enzo hits an enemy with Skill 2 or Skill 4, the target receives the “Tactical Target” effect.
- Payoff: When you use Skill 1 while Tactical Target is active, the marked enemy explodes, dealing AoE damage to surrounding enemies.
- Purpose: Covers Enzo’s potential DPS loss during supply drop animations by adding offensive burst. Converts support windows into DPS windows.
- Best use: Hybrid clear builds and support builds. Mark priority targets during pack pulls, drop supply, trigger explosion for waveclear.
Enzo’s new Trigger Module, Strategic Strike.
5.2. Kill Chain (Jayber Trigger Module)
- Activation: When Jayber’s turrets hit an enemy, the target receives the “Strike Target” effect.
- Payoff: Attacking Strike Target enemies with firearms or melee weapons deals additional damage proportional to skill power. Stacks up to 10 stacks. Each hit removes one stack.
- Bonus damage: Provides increased damage against Colossus, Commanders, and Tyrants (high-HP enemy types).
- Purpose: Converts turret pressure into real firearm damage value—rewards active shooting instead of passive turret reliance.
- Best use: Hybrid Jayber builds. Turrets mark enemies, and you follow up with firearms for amplified damage against tanky targets.
Jayber’s new Trigger Module, Kill Chain.
5.3. Two-Face (Chain-Type Skill Trigger Module)
- Activation: When using chain-type skills (multiple Descendants possess these), flip a metaphorical coin.
- Outcome A (“Heads”): Skill power increases
- Outcome B (“Tails”): Skill range increases
- Restriction: Only one buff is active at a time (can’t stack both simultaneously).
- Design intent: Chain-type skills typically function as buildup skills leading into other abilities. Two-Face provides random buff support during buildup phases, adding variance to rotation pacing.
Two-Face, a chance-based Trigger Module.
6. New Ultimate Modules
Two new Ultimate Modules launch January 15, plus six existing Ultimate Modules receive balance adjustments.
6.1. Infection Amplifier
- Synergy: Pairs with Infected Weapon Trigger Module.
- Effect: Provides additional damage instance at a fixed rate when using Infected Weapon builds.
- Best user: Freyna (infection-focused Descendant). Amplifies her existing infection synergies.
6.2. Aftershock Catalyst
- Synergy: Pairs with Ground Eruption Trigger Module.
- Effect: Provides MP recovery and skill cooldown reduction when using Ground Eruption.
- Best user: Valby (skill-spam-focused Descendant with frequent ability cycling). Extremely valuable for maintaining skill uptime.
New Ultimate Modules.
6.3. Rebalanced Ultimate Modules
Six existing Ultimate Modules receive numerical balance adjustments to improve viability. All six are synergy modules for existing Trigger Modules (designed to pair with Trigger Module builds for amplified effects).
Developer intent: Increase the diversity of Ultimate Module usage and build-path variety, rather than forcing players into narrow, optimal configurations.
Six Ultimate Modules are rebalanced with the January update.
7. All Ultimate Weapon Buffs Coming to The First Descendant
Four Ultimate Weapons in The First Descendant receive significant unique effect changes after the January 15 update (not minor numerical tweaks). These alterations affect mechanical behavior and require testing before dismissal.
Four Ultimate Weapons are getting buffed.
7.1. Greg’s Reversed Fate
- Old mechanic: Random chance to trigger bombardment effect.
- New mechanic: Bombardment triggers every 11th hit (deterministic, no RNG).
Why “11th hit”? You need 10 hits to build the buff, then the 11th hit triggers bombardment when attacking an enemy with the buff active. This might confuse players expecting 10-hit triggers.
New Multi-Hit Interactions
- Multi-hit rate functions as an additional hit counter (each multi-hit proc counts toward the 11-hit threshold)
- Multi-hit damage does NOT affect unique ability damage (only hit counting works, damage scaling doesn’t transfer)
- Optimal build strategy: Stack multi-hit chance to trigger bombardment faster (more frequent 11-hit thresholds)
New Greg’s Reversed Fate ability.
7.2. Afterglow Sword
- Old mechanic: Unique effect only activated upon hitting weak points (required precision aiming).
- New mechanic: Lock-on function automatically adjusts aim to enemy weak points when aiming down sights.
New Lock-on Behavior
When you aim at an enemy, the crosshair automatically moves to the weak point location. You don’t manually adjust—the weapon handles targeting.
Damage bonuses when hitting locked weak points:
- Weapon attack power increases (massive buff, described as “ridiculous amount”)
- Weak-point damage multiplier increases (stacks with attack buff)
New Afterglow Sword ability.
7.3. Nazeistra’s Devotion
- Old mechanic: Mental Power deficiency made it challenging to use, and the effects felt underwhelming.
- New mechanic: Completely rebuilt for buildup-based power scaling.
How to Use the New Nazeistra’s Devotion
- Hit enemy weak points to apply the defense reduction debuff
- Each weak-point hit increases your firearm attack power (stacks up to 10 stacks)
- Gradually becomes stronger as the fight progresses (reward patience and accuracy)
New Nazeistra’s Devotion ability.
7.4. Thunder Cage
- Old mechanic: Underwhelming lightning effects with unclear proc conditions.
- New mechanic: Multi-layered electric debuff chain system:
New Thunder Cage Debuff Chain Mechanic
| Layer | Trigger | Effect | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Layer 1: Quick Charge | Hit any enemy with Thunder Cage | Apply Quick Charge debuff | Enemy marked for Layer 2 |
| Layer 2: Electric Shock Wave | Hit Quick Charge enemy | Chance to trigger Electric Shock Wave (AoE) | Applies Overcharge debuff to affected enemies |
| Layer 3: Lightning Strikes | Hit Overcharge enemy with Electric Shock Wave | Lightning strikes trigger automatically | Cascading damage chain continues (Shock Wave → Lightning Strike → More Shock Waves) |
| Bonus: Chain Spread | Defeat any debuffed enemy (Quick Charge OR Overcharge) | Release the Electric Shock Wave automatically | Spreads debuffs to remaining nearby enemies (similar to Hivemaster spreading) |
8. All QoL Updates Coming to The First Descendant in January 2026
8.1. Smart Cast / Instant-Cast Options
This update aims to eliminate standing animation locks for specific abilities. Skills cast instantly or while moving instead of forcing stationary cast animations.
Affected abilities:
- Enzo Skill 1 (Supply Drop): Instant deployment without stopping
- Viessa Skill 4 (Ult portability): Cast while moving
- Jayber drones: Instant deployment
- Multiple other Descendants with similar “deployable” or “channeled” abilities
Why this is significant: Animation locks break combat flow and create vulnerable windows. Instant-cast eliminates forced downtime, especially critical for firearm-focused Descendants who need constant shooting uptime.
Recommendation: Turn this on immediately after the January 15 maintenance. Test with your main Descendant. If animations feel better, keep them enabled. If you prefer deliberate cast timing for positioning, toggle it off.
8.2. Junk Filter Improvements
- New option: Include or exclude duplicate options when marking junk.
- Function: Designates lower-tier versions of stat options as junk automatically.
- Example: If you have Skill Critical Hit Rate (Ultimate tier) and Skill Critical Hit Rate (Rare tier), the system auto-marks Rare tier as junk because the Ultimate version is strictly superior.
- Why this is needed: Reactors and External Components accumulate rapidly during farming. Manual junk sorting becomes tedious. Auto-filtering saves inventory management time.
All QoL updates in The First Descendant’s January update.
8.3. Trade System and Web Marketplace Improvements
Chat box added during trading after The First Descendant‘s January 15, 2026 Update (communicate with trade partner while transaction window is open).
Upcoming improvement (February):
- Select required stats for searching (example: “Skill Critical Hit Rate, Ultimate or higher”)
- Tier filtering (search by stat tier: Rare, Ultimate, Transcendent)
- Color-coded stat tiers displayed in the Trade Market interface (visual clarity for quality assessment)
Long-term Plans:
- Push notification via companion app when offline players receive trade requests (under technical review, not confirmed for launch)
- Non-face-to-face trading system (asynchronous trading without both players online simultaneously): “Something we need to prepare in the long-term” (developer statement, no ETA)
- Inbox system in Lounge for trade offers and messages (future consideration)
Developer acknowledgment: The team understands the current trading friction (must be logged in; must meet in person). Improvements are planned but require substantial technical implementation time.
8.4. Additional UI and Map Improvements
Map enhancements:
- Increased ping duration on radar
- Auto-delete pings when moving far away from the pinged location (reduces clutter)
- Pyromaniac Colossi added to the roaming boss spawn pool in Axion Plains.
Note: Specific damage number display improvements, color-coded damage text options, and other minor UI tweaks mentioned in Q&A but not detailed during the main Developer presentation.
