Much like the games it draws inspiration from, The First Descendant features a leveling system for your characters, weapons, and account in general. It's part and parcel of many RPGs nowadays, and it's more than welcome in a game like this where progression plays a big part in its appeal.

There are some strict level caps in place here, and if you're planning to earn XP fast in The First Descendant, you'll want to keep those level ceilings in mind for efficiency's sake. Here's a quick overview of the max levels in this game, as well as how to gain XP in each category.

Rare weapons in Kingston for the First Descendant
The First Descendant: All Rare Weapons In Kingston

Getting some of the best weapons early on in The First Descendant can help overcome a daunting challenge that lies around the corner.

Max Level Caps In The First Descendant

Bunny's stats in The First Descendants
The First Descendant Bunny stats screen

The max level for Descendants is 40. Each character levels up separately from every one else, so if you want to get everyone in your roster up to snuff, you'll have to farm several times over. Descendants are leveled up as you defeat enemies and finish missions, so instead of using materials like you do for Modules in The First Descendant, all you have to do is play and get things done.

The First Descendant Max Weapon Level

The Magnus AA assault rifle in The First Descendant
The First Descendant Magnus AA assault rifle

Unlike characters, weapons can go up to Level 100. This essentially offsets the level difference between you and enemies later on, considering how Descendants can only get up to Level 40. You can get higher-leveled weapons by collecting them as random drops or as rewards from missions. The level of the weapons you get will constantly grow stronger as you progress through the main quest.

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The First Descendant: Best Settings For PC

Finding the right balance between visuals and performance settings on PC is key for crafting the best gameplay experience in The First Descendant.

All guns in The First Descendant can be upgraded to match the level of the weapons that currently drop for you. To do this, go to any Workbench, then select the Weapon Level Transmission option. Pick a gun you want to sacrifice, then you'll be able to upgrade a selected weapon to that level.

Take note that weapon levels are different from Weapon Proficiency, which has a level cap of 40. You can earn Weapon Proficiency XP just by defeating enemies with your equipped gun.

Max Mastery Level In The First Descendant

The Mastery terminal in The First Descendant
The FIrst Descendant Mastery Rank terminal

Mastery Rank, which governs the level of your entire account, is capped at 30. Your current Mastery Rank dictates your total available Module slots for weapons and Descendants. It also dictates your maximum inventory slots for consumables, equipment, item storage, and Shape Stabilizers.

You earn Mastery Rank XP by simply playing the game. Complete quests, improve Weapon Proficiency, hunt down enemies, the usual stuff — nake sure to farm in the right area if you have a booster active. However, you don't automatically rank up once you earn enough XP. Instead, you need to go back to Albion and interact with the Prime Hands, which is to the left of the main fast travel point/starting area. It's also on your map, and it will start pulsing when you're due for a rank-up.

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The First Descendant Tag Page Cover Art
The First Descendant
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Released
July 2, 2024
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WHERE TO PLAY

DIGITAL
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Publisher(s)
Nexon
Genre(s)
Action RPG, Third-Person Shooter