The First Descendant Update 1.4.5 brings fresh challenges, major character adjustments, and new rewards to Nexon’s free-to-play looter shooter. Released on October 15, 2026, the update gives players more reasons to return to Albion and test their builds against tougher enemies.
This guide covers the new Onslaught Stage 5, Trials: Protocol 002, Halloween Pass, weapon changes, and important gameplay improvements. It also explains what players should prioritize after installing the latest patch.
The First Descendant Update 1.4.5 Release Date and Platforms
The First Descendant Update 1.4.5 arrived on October 15, 2026, for Steam, PlayStation 5, and Xbox. Nexon published the patch notes on October 14 and subsequently revised them with additional clarifications.
The update focuses on new endgame activities, character balance changes, weapon acquisition, and seasonal rewards. Therefore, returning players should review the changes before spending valuable materials or rebuilding their favorite Descendants.
The official patch notes also received a correction concerning the Rotational Boost System. Players should consult the revised announcement rather than rely on early summaries that may contain outdated details.
Onslaught Stage 5 Adds a Tougher Challenge
One of the biggest additions in The First Descendant Update 1.4.5 is Onslaught Stage 5. Players can access this activity through Albion’s Tactical Transport Control or the World Map content menu. However, they must complete Stage 4 at least once to unlock it.
How Onslaught Stage 5 Works
The new stage contains six waves, followed by a Colossus encounter. During the mission, the Tyrant moves toward the Energy Concentration Point. Players must stop it before it reaches the objective because each successful entry reduces the available Energy by 10%.
Barricades provide a useful way to block the Tyrant’s movement. Consequently, teams should balance damage against enemy control instead of focusing exclusively on eliminating smaller opponents.
Public Operations require an Arche Activity value of 93,300. Private Operations remain available below that threshold, which gives players another way to approach the challenge.
Onslaught Stage 5 Rewards
The new stage expands the available endgame loot. Its rewards include Transcendent Weapon Loot, Gold, Kuiper Shards, experience, and several types of upgrade materials. The official notes also specify that Stage 5 can drop Transcendent Weapons with quality values between 301 and 400.
Players seeking stronger equipment should consider this activity when planning their weekly progression. Still, a successful run depends on preparation, teamwork, and the ability to control enemies around the objective.
Trials Protocol 002 Introduces a New Dungeon
The update also adds Trials: Protocol 002, expanding the Trials activity to two dungeons. The original dungeon is now called Trials: Protocol 001, while the new version features the Legion of Immortality. Protocol 001 continues to feature the Order of Truth.
Both dungeons share the same entry requirements, Arche Activity requirements, and reward structure. However, the available dungeon rotates daily at midnight Pacific Daylight Time.
This rotation gives players a reason to check the mission screen regularly. It also helps groups plan their sessions around the currently available encounter instead of assuming the same dungeon will remain active all day.
New Transcendent Weapon and Rotational Boost System
The First Descendant Update 1.4.5 introduces Monster Hunter, a new Transcendent assault rifle that uses General Rounds. Its Hunter’s Sense effect rewards critical hits and attacks against powerful enemies, making it an interesting option for players who enjoy sustained weapon damage.
Monster Hunter can enter the Transcendent Weapon Loot pool from eligible existing activities. Therefore, players should check their available farming options rather than assume the weapon comes from a single dedicated mission.
The patch also adds a Rotational Boost System that applies a 15% Transcendent Weapon acquisition chance boost to selected content each day. The game marks eligible activities on the map, allowing players to identify boosted missions before committing time and resources.
The following table summarizes the main additions and their practical value.
| Update feature | Main change | Player benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Onslaught Stage 5 | Six waves and a Colossus | New endgame challenge |
| Trials: Protocol 002 | New rotating dungeon | More encounter variety |
| Monster Hunter | Transcendent assault rifle | New weapon option |
| Rotational Boost | Daily 15% acquisition boost | Better targeted farming |
| Halloween Pass | Seasonal progression rewards | Additional unlocks |
These additions support different play styles. Onslaught suits players seeking difficult encounters, while the rotational boost helps equipment hunters plan more efficient farming sessions.
Halloween Pass and Seasonal Rewards
The Halloween Pass is another major addition in the October update. According to Nexon’s announcement, the pass runs from the October 15 update until November 16, 2026, at 10:59 p.m. Pacific Standard Time.
The pass has a maximum level of 30. Players can earn Halloween Pass experience by completing missions, even without purchasing a premium upgrade. Selected levels also offer free rewards, while paid upgrades unlock additional pass benefits.
This structure gives regular players a reason to keep completing activities throughout the seasonal period. To get the most from the event, check the Event Pass menu on the Battle Pass screen and review the available missions before choosing what to play.
Players should also check the in-game timer for the exact remaining event time, especially when playing from the United States or United Kingdom.
Freyna, Gley, and Enzo Receive Balance Changes
Character adjustments are another important part of The First Descendant Update 1.4.5. Nexon revised Freyna and Ultimate Freyna’s damage effects and several Transcendent Modules. The changes include adjustments to damage-over-time effects and certain skill durations.
Gley also receives changes that affect her combat performance. These include adjustments to critical-hit bonuses, HP recovery, and several module effects. Enzo is included in the update’s rebalance and improvement section as well.
What These Changes Mean for Builds
Players who use Freyna should revisit their module choices because revised skill effects can change how a build performs against groups and tougher targets. Meanwhile, Gley players should check the updated interactions between their skills and Transcendent Modules before investing in a new setup.
Enzo users should also review the official changes before making assumptions about the best configuration. In every case, test the revised abilities in actual missions and compare results rather than relying on older build guides.
Content Improvements and Farming Changes
The update adjusts Core rewards across selected activities, including Hard Infiltration Operations with a 400% multiplier, Sigma Sector Dropoff Operations, and Axion Plains content. Nexon also changed how certain Core rewards enter the loot system.
The patch increases Transcendent Weapon acquisition chances at the Ship Boarding Point. On Normal difficulty, the mission-completion chance rises from 14.5% to 15.2%. On Hard difficulty, it rises from 14.5% to 16.9%.
These changes can make repeated farming more attractive. However, drop chances do not guarantee a specific weapon, so players should plan around multiple runs and use the daily Rotational Boost where it applies.
Field Missions in selected areas also display recommended Arche Activity values. This gives players a clearer indication of the expected progression level before entering an activity.
How to Prepare for the Latest Update
Before tackling the new content, check your equipment and confirm that your chosen Descendant suits the activity. Onslaught Stage 5 demands attention to objective defense, so damage alone may not carry a team through every wave.
Next, check the World Map for Rotational Boost markers. Targeting eligible content can help you use your available playtime more effectively. Likewise, review the daily Trials rotation before organizing a group.
Finally, open the Halloween Pass and check your progress. Completing missions throughout the event gives you more opportunities to earn experience and claim eligible rewards.
For more coverage, visit [our gaming patch notes guide] and [our The First Descendant builds guide]. You can also consult the official Nexon announcement for the full technical details and revised balance changes.
Conclusion
The First Descendant Update 1.4.5 adds meaningful endgame content, a new weapon, a rotating dungeon, seasonal rewards, and extensive character adjustments. Onslaught Stage 5 offers a fresh challenge, while the Rotational Boost System gives players a more focused way to pursue Transcendent Weapons.
Before your next session, review the revised patch notes, check the available boosts, and adjust your builds where needed. Share your favorite change with fellow Descendants and keep checking official announcements for further updates.
FAQs
When did The First Descendant Update 1.4.5 release?
The update launched on October 15, 2026, for Steam, PlayStation 5, and Xbox. Nexon first published the announcement on October 14 and later revised it to clarify some patch details. Check the official announcement for the latest corrections.
What is new in Onslaught Stage 5?
Onslaught Stage 5 introduces six waves followed by a Colossus encounter. Players must prevent the Tyrant from reaching the Energy Concentration Point because each entry removes 10% of the Energy. Completing the stage also offers access to new endgame loot, including Transcendent Weapon Loot.
Does Update 1.4.5 add a new weapon?
Yes. The update adds Monster Hunter, a Transcendent assault rifle that uses General Rounds. Its Hunter’s Sense effects reward critical hits and attacks against powerful enemies. Players can find it through eligible activities that provide Transcendent Weapon Loot.
Is the Halloween Pass free?
Players can earn Halloween Pass experience without buying a premium upgrade, and selected levels offer free rewards. Premium upgrades provide access to additional pass benefits. The event is scheduled to run until November 16, 2026, at 10:59 p.m. Pacific Standard Time.
What should players do first after updating?
Start by checking your Descendant build and reviewing the new Onslaught requirements. Then look for daily Rotational Boost activities and check which Trials dungeon is available. If you want seasonal rewards, review the Halloween Pass missions and complete those that fit your normal gameplay.
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