If you’re a PS4 owner scrolling through the store looking for your next co-op looter shooter fix, you’ve almost certainly stumbled across The First Descendant lately. Between its flashy combat, customizable characters, and crossplay support, it’s built up a loyal fan base fast. But one question pops up again and again from new players: is the first descendant free on ps4? We’re breaking down everything you need to know about its pricing model, what you get for no cost, and whether any paid upgrades are worth your cash down the line. I’ve put over 80 hours into the PS4 version myself without spending a dollar, so I can speak to exactly what’s accessible for free players.
Is The First Descendant Free on PS4? What the Base Version Includes
The short answer is yes, The First Descendant is fully free to play on PS4, with no upfront purchase required to access the full core game. Nexon, the game’s developer, designed it as a free-to-play title from launch, so you won’t hit any paywalls when trying to play main story missions, join co-op matches, or grind endgame content. You don’t have to spend a single cent to access 100% of the game’s core gameplay content, which is a big draw for players who don’t want to drop $60 on a new game right now.
The free base version of the game on PS4 includes all of the following:
- Full access to all main story campaign missions and seasonal story drops released as part of regular content updates
- Unlimited co-op multiplayer matches with up to 3 other players across PS4, PS5, PC, Xbox, and Switch platforms
- Ability to unlock every playable character through in-game challenges and earned currency, with no playable characters locked behind paid purchases
- Full access to all endgame raids, world boss fights, and gear progression systems
- Regular free content updates including new maps, game modes, and quality of life improvements for all players
The only paid content in the game is entirely optional, and it’s limited to cosmetic skins, seasonal battle passes, and convenience items like extra inventory slots or character storage space. You won’t find any pay-to-win items that give paying players an advantage over free players in combat or progression.
Paid Upgrade Options for The First Descendant on PS4
While the base game is 100% free, you will see paid upgrade packs listed on the PS Store page for The First Descendant, usually at the top of the listing before the free download option. These packs range in price from $9.99 for small cosmetic bundles up to $49.99 for premium founder’s packs that include exclusive skins, premium currency, and extra convenience items. None of the paid upgrades offer stat boosts, exclusive weapons, or other pay-to-win advantages, so you won’t be at a disadvantage if you skip them entirely.
If you’re the type of player who only spends money on games that offer actual gameplay value, you can easily skip all paid add-ons for The First Descendant entirely. Many players even switch to low-stakes casual games between long grind sessions to take a break from looting and boss fights, and INR Rummy is a popular pick for players in regions that support real-money casual card games that fit into short 10 to 15 minute breaks. It’s a nice way to step away from the high-stakes combat without logging off your console entirely, if you’re looking for a low-effort distraction.
That said, if you do decide to pick up a paid pack for The First Descendant, the cheapest founder’s pack is usually only $14.99 and comes with a handful of exclusive skins and extra inventory slots that make grinding a little more convenient, but it’s far from a necessary purchase. Most players I’ve played with stick to the free version exclusively and never run into issues with missing content.
Common Misconceptions About The First Descendant’s PS4 Pricing
Because paid packs are listed first on the PS Store, a lot of new players assume the game is a paid title, or that the free version is just a limited demo. That’s not the case at all, but there are a few other common myths we can clear up for you. The PS4 version of the game is identical in core content to the PS5 and PC versions, with no content locked out for free players. The only differences are minor graphical tweaks to run smoothly on older PS4 hardware, but you’ll get the same missions, characters, and multiplayer access as players on newer platforms.
Another common myth is that you have to pay to access crossplay or cross-save features. Both crossplay (playing with friends on other platforms) and cross-save (carrying your progress between PS4, PS5, or other devices) are completely free for all players, no purchase required. All you have to do is link your game account to a free Nexon account, and you can switch between platforms whenever you want without losing your progress.
Some players also assume that rare or powerful characters are locked behind paid purchases, but that’s not true either. Every playable character in the game can be unlocked by earning in-game currency through daily and weekly challenges, or by completing specific character unlock missions that are accessible to all free players. It might take a little longer to grind for the character you want, but you won’t have to pay to unlock any of them.
Tips for Getting Started as a Free PS4 Player
If you’re planning to download the free version of The First Descendant on PS4, there are a few tips that will help you get off to a strong start without spending any money. First, make sure you link your game to a free Nexon account as soon as you launch it for the first time. This will let you carry your progress over to PS5 if you upgrade later, and it also lets you earn extra rewards for linking your account to social media or other platforms.
Prioritize earning in-game currency through weekly challenges first, as these give you the fastest path to unlocking new characters and gear. It can be tempting to spend your first batch of in-game currency on cool character skins, but you’ll get a lot more value out of unlocking 2 or 3 different characters first to find a playstyle that fits you best. Each character has unique abilities that work better for different game modes, so having a few options unlocked makes the game a lot more fun.
Join a casual clan as soon as you hit level 10, too. Clans are full of experienced players who are happy to help new players grind through tough endgame raids and boss fights, and many clans run regular scheduled events that give you extra rewards you can’t get playing solo. You don’t have to be a hardcore player to join a clan, most are happy to take casual players who just want to play for fun a few hours a week.
You can earn premium battle pass levels for free just by completing daily and weekly missions, no purchase required. Even if you don’t buy the premium version of the battle pass, you’ll still earn free rewards for every level you unlock, including in-game currency, cosmetic items, and gear upgrade materials. Make sure to check the battle pass tab every time you log in to claim your rewards, because they expire at the end of each season.
At the end of the day, there’s no catch when it comes to accessing The First Descendant on Sony’s older console. If you were still wondering is the first descendant free on ps4, the short answer is a resounding yes, with no hidden paywalls blocking you from enjoying every bit of the game’s core content. You can spend hours playing through the story, grinding endgame raids, and playing with friends without ever entering your credit card info, and any paid purchases are entirely optional for players who want extra cosmetics or convenience perks. It’s one of the best free-to-play looter shooters available on the PS4 right now, so it’s well worth downloading if you’re looking for a new game to sink hours into.