If you’re a fan of fast-paced third-person looter shooters with flashy combat and co-op play, you’ve probably seen The First Descendant pop up on your social feeds or store recommendations lately. It’s gained a steady following for its deep character customization, massive boss fights, and cross-platform play support, so it’s no surprise that lots of players are asking if is the first descendant on game pass to avoid paying full price upfront. I’ve spent dozens of hours grinding for rare gear and running co-op missions with friends over the past few months, so I’m breaking down everything you need to know about its Game Pass status, what you get if it is available, and whether it’s worth downloading even if you only have a basic subscription.
Is The First Descendant on Game Pass? Breaking Down Current Availability
As of the latest update, the answer to whether is the first descendant on game pass is a resounding yes for most subscription tiers. It was added to the service on its global launch day, so subscribers don’t have to pay the $39.99 base price to access the full core game. It is available for Xbox Game Pass Console, PC Game Pass, and Game Pass Ultimate subscribers across all supported regions, no extra purchase required. If you’ve been wondering if is the first descendant on game pass as a PC player, the good news is that PC Game Pass subscribers get full access too, no extra fees. You can even play it via cloud gaming if you have an Ultimate subscription, so you can jump into missions on your phone or tablet when you’re away from your main setup. One thing to note: if you cancel your Game Pass subscription, you’ll lose access to the game unless you buy a standalone copy later, so keep that in mind if you plan to grind for hundreds of hours.
What Content Is Included for Game Pass Subscribers?
One common misconception people have when asking if is the first descendant on game pass is that you get limited content, but that’s not the case at all. When you download The First Descendant through Game Pass, you get access to the exact same core content as players who buy the game outright, no locked content behind an extra paywall for base features. All free seasonal updates, new characters, game modes, and map expansions are automatically included for Game Pass users, same as everyone else. The only extra content you’ll have to pay for separately is premium cosmetic bundles, paid battle passes, and the deluxe edition upgrade that comes with exclusive skins and in-game currency bonuses. That means you don’t have to worry about missing out on gameplay content just because you’re playing through Game Pass, which is a huge win for casual players who don’t want to drop extra cash on a game they’re still testing out. I tested this myself last month when the new Void Boss update dropped, and my Game Pass copy got the update at the exact same time as my friend who bought the deluxe edition, no delays or restrictions.
Perks of Playing The First Descendant Through Game Pass vs Buying It Outright
There are obvious benefits to grabbing the game through your existing subscription instead of buying it, but there are also a few downsides you should consider before you dive in. I’ve played both the standalone copy and the Game Pass version on different accounts, so I’ve broken down the biggest pros and cons to help you decide:
- No upfront cost to test the full game: You can play for 10 or 20 hours to see if you like the grind loop before you decide to spend money on it, which is way better than wasting $40 on a game you quit after a few missions.
- Cloud play support for Ultimate subscribers: You can farm daily missions on your commute without hauling your console or laptop around, which is perfect for keeping up with seasonal battle pass progress when you’re busy.
- Access to cross-play with all platforms: Game Pass users can play with friends on PlayStation, PC, and even mobile, no platform locks or restrictions on co-op play.
- No permanent access if you cancel your subscription: If you take a break from Game Pass later, you’ll lose all access to the game until you resubscribe or buy a standalone copy, even if you’ve poured hundreds of hours into your account.
- No free deluxe edition bonuses: You won’t get the exclusive character skins, premium currency, or early character unlocks that come with the paid deluxe edition unless you buy the upgrade separately.
For most casual players, the perks far outweigh the downsides, especially if you already pay for Game Pass for other games anyway. If you end up loving the game and plan to play it long term, you can always buy a copy when it goes on sale to keep it permanently, even if you cancel your subscription later. There’s no pressure to commit right away, which is the best part of accessing it through the subscription service.
Tips for Game Pass Subscribers Starting The First Descendant for the First Time
If you’re downloading the game through Game Pass this week, there are a few easy tips that will save you hours of grinding and frustration when you first start. I wish I’d known most of these when I made my first character, so I’m passing them along to help you get a head start. Pick the beginner-friendly character Ajax first instead of going for flashier options like Bunny or Viessa. Ajax has a shield that absorbs damage and easy-to-use offensive abilities that are perfect for learning the combat loop without getting one-shot by every low-level boss. You can unlock other characters for free later, so there’s no pressure to pick the “best” one right away. Another tip: Don’t waste your premium currency on cosmetic items in the first week. Save it for extra inventory slots and character unlock tickets, which will make your grind way faster in the long run. Also, make sure to link your game account to your platform profile so you can carry over your progress if you decide to buy the game standalone later. That way, you won’t lose all your hard-earned gear and character levels if you end your Game Pass subscription down the line. If you get stuck on a story mission, don’t be afraid to use the matchmaker to find co-op partners. The game is designed to be played with others, and most experienced players are happy to help new users get through tough fights for extra rewards.
At the end of the day, asking if is the first descendant on game pass is one of the most common questions new players have, and it’s easy to see why: getting access to a full, high-quality looter shooter for no extra cost on top of your existing subscription is a fantastic deal. Whether you’re a casual player looking for a new co-op game to play with friends or a hardcore grind fan who wants to test out the endgame content before you commit to buying it, downloading it through Game Pass is a low-risk way to enjoy everything it has to offer. Just make sure to link your account and plan ahead if you think you’ll want to keep playing long term, and you’ll have a great time jumping into the chaos of its massive boss fights and deep customization systems.