The First Descendant’s Recent Valby Updates Prove the Game Is Here to Stay
The First Descendant has released update 1.0.4, which addresses the beloved Valby Run while balancing rewards. Despite the nerfs, the Valby Run remains a viable strategy for quick leveling and farming. Moreover, the developer’s willingness to listen to player feedback ensures the game’s longevity and enhances the player experience.
Analyzing the Valby Run
The First Descendant’s 1.0.4 update isn’t just any patch. This update, although a hotfix mainly focused on balance, has stirred quite a buzz. It confirmed the identity of the next Descendant and made a significant change to the “Valby Run.” This gold, XP, and kuiper-farming exploit named after the character Valby has been a fan favorite.
Players equip Valby with modules to decrease ability cooldowns, enhance area attacks, and extend the duration of specials. They then head to the Vulgus Strategic Outpost in Fortress, ideally in Hard Mode, to execute this strategy. Valby’s movement ability allows players to slide around the area, causing tanks to explode and continuously spawn enemies. This cycle of rewards has required minimal player input, making it an effective farming method. However, the update addresses this exploit in a surprising way.
The Valby Run Survives the Update
Most games would simply nerf the Valby Run into oblivion. Instead, The First Descendant chose to keep the farming strategy intact while adjusting its efficacy. According to the official patch notes on Nexon’s website, the Valby Run’s reward amount at Fortress outpost has been reduced. However, it remains a popular hunting ground, with reward efficiency adjusted to match other high-reward locations.
In essence, the Valby Run has been slightly nerfed but remains in the game as a viable option for quick leveling and resource gain. It’s just a bit harder to exploit to the point of imbalance. Instead of restoring rewards to their original values, the update increases them along with those of other farming locations. Nexon ensures players have multiple farming options, reducing the reliance on a single overpowered exploit. This strategy sets The First Descendant apart from similar online games and suggests it could have longer staying power.
Valby Run Changes Reflect Player Feedback
The original patch notes hinted that other farming locations were buffed to match the Fortress outpost’s efficacy. More importantly, the director’s note implies a willingness to listen to and incorporate player feedback. This approach is crucial for maintaining a game’s popularity.
The patch notes assure players, “Through issues like the Fortress Outskirts and Valby run, we are learning what kind of play style our players enjoy. The experience of sweeping through and farming monsters is of significant value in our game. Your feedback and interest are what drive the continuous improvement of The First Descendant. We will always listen to your feedback and improve the game.”
A Promising Future for The First Descendant
In a live-service game, things are constantly changing. New characters, quests, and items leave The First Descendant fundamentally different with each update. Some changes are bound to be divisive, even unpopular. Many games prioritize their bottom line, often ignoring player preferences. This can remove beloved elements, alienating players and decreasing the user base.
However, this update acknowledges that the Valby Run, despite being overpowered, is fun. Skating around the outpost while watching XP, gold, and kuiper numbers increase is satisfying. Nexon allows players to continue enjoying this farming method. This way, players who open the game for daily Valby Runs will continue to do so. They now have more reasons to play, encouraged to find similarly satisfying grinding strategies.
More than new content and balance changes, attention to what players enjoy ensures they keep coming back. It’s a show of good faith and a strategy other live-service games could learn from. This update is a promising start for The First Descendant’s future.
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