The First Descendant Update Adds Trading and Ultimate Hailey

Nexon released a new update for The First Descendant on September 17, 2026, adding Ultimate Hailey, the Cradle of Evolution dungeon, and new trading options for Exceed Weapons. The update also includes balance adjustments for Luna and Lepic, changes to five Exceed Weapons, and improvements to 11 Ultimate Modules. Here is a breakdown of the update and the activities tied to it.

Nexon’s September 2026 update for The First Descendant

Nexon announced the update on September 18, following its September 17 release. Its central addition is Ultimate Hailey, the Ultimate version of the Chill-attribute sniper Hailey. She arrives with a new Descendant Story focused on her past and inner life, as well as content designed around obtaining and developing the character.

What the September update adds

The update combines a new Descendant, a dungeon, trading features, and character and equipment adjustments.

• Ultimate Hailey adds two skill modules, Dangerous Distance and Extreme Strike, plus the dedicated Trigger Module Freezing Breakthrough. Hailey-specific cosmetics and a spawn effect for Chill-attribute Descendants are also included.
• Cradle of Evolution is set in an experimental facility where the Order of Truth is sacrificing Vulgus to concentrate their essence into a higher-order entity. Mission progression changes with each attempt, and the dungeon has a higher difficulty than the Axion Infiltration Operation. It is a main source of farming materials for Ultimate Hailey.
• Exceed Weapon trading enables direct one-to-one trades and adds Lounge Storage Trade. Minimum listing prices are set by weapon quality, while the maximum price is 25,000 Caliber.
• Lounge Storage Trade lets players list Trigger Modules, Ancestor Modules, and Exceed Weapons through a guide NPC in the Lounge. Listings automatically sync to the web Trade Market, where buyers can search before completing a purchase in-game.
• Luna and Lepic adjustments increase Luna’s damage, buff duration, and Inspiration Gauge efficiency, while Lepic receives increased grenade and Overkill damage alongside changes to Pulling Grenade.

Why this matters

Cradle of Evolution provides a new repeatable dungeon with changing mission progression and materials for Ultimate Hailey. The update also strengthens Almus, Storm Cage, Surging Light, Malicious Dominator, and Emperor’s Guard Lance with a focus on their Exceed abilities. Nexon says these changes are intended to make it easier to build around Exceed Weapons and improve the performance of weapons players have already farmed.

In addition, 11 Ultimate Modules have been adjusted through eased use or activation requirements, reduced penalties, or stronger effects. Together with the new trading options, those changes give players more systems to consider when evaluating equipment and builds.

What this means for The First Descendant players

Players pursuing Ultimate Hailey can use Cradle of Evolution as a source of research materials and take part in the Marksman’s Precision Strike Mission. The challenge mission supports Ultimate Hailey acquisition and growth, with rewards including an Ultimate Hailey Exceed Module Selection Box, a Photon Imprinter, Hailey makeup, a Crystallization Catalyst, and an Exceed Alignment Device. The event runs through October 15.

Players interested in trading should distinguish between direct one-to-one Exceed Weapon trades and Lounge Storage Trade. The Lounge system uses a guide NPC for listings and connects those listings to the web Trade Market, while purchases are completed in-game.

Luna and Lepic players can also try the Descendant Rebalance: Luna & Lepic challenge mission, which is designed to let players experience the adjusted abilities and support new builds. It runs through October 15 and offers items that support Ultimate Luna farming, as well as Trigger Modules, Multidimensional Analyzers, and Exceed Alignment Devices.