The First Descendant Mastery Rank Up Guide

In this guide, we will show you how to quickly Rank up Mastery in The First Descendant. You’ll also learn how the Mastery system works and the benefits you gain as you progress.

Understanding Mastery In The First Descendant

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Mastery is an account-wide system that benefits all your unlocked Descendants. Currently, the highest rank you can achieve is 30. Each level grants specific bonuses, with the most significant perks appearing at rank 20. After this point, the bonuses are less noticeable but still valuable.

How To Increase Mastery Rank And What’s The Purpose

Players can increase their Mastery Rank in The First Descendant by interacting with the Prime Hands terminal found in Albion. Specifically, you can find it in the easternmost part of this location. Before approaching it, open the map and check for a yellow marker, indicating an available Mastery upgrade. Approach the terminal and press the “Mastery Rank Up” button to start the upgrade. A short cutscene will play, which you can skip, and you’ll enjoy a stronger version of your character.

Note: If you’ve maxed out the XP for your current rank, any extra XP will be stored for the next upgrade. Once you level up, this stored XP will transfer to the new rank.

The main reason to increase your Mastery Rank is to access Weapon and Descendant Module upgrades. These upgrades significantly enhance your character and make it easier to tackle the game’s most challenging activities. This system is built around its own XP, which fills up slower than your usual level XP. As you progress, you’ll earn Descendant Modules, Weapon Modules, Equipment Slots, and other perks. Here’s how to rank up and what bonuses you get along the way.

How To Earn Mastery XP And Its Benefits

Mastery XP is separate from your character’s main level XP.

Here are the current ways to earn Mastery XP in The First Descendant:

Finishing missions for the first time: Completing new missions provides a significant chunk of Mastery XP.
Leveling up without any Socket Types assigned to Module Slots: This method ensures you earn Mastery XP as you level up.

Simply playing through the game and enjoying missions will help you earn Mastery XP. There’s no need to focus solely on this task. Just enjoy each mission, play your favorite characters, and use the best weapons available to you.

Increasing your Mastery Rank grants several bonuses.

Here’s a list of benefits:

Increased Equipment Inventory: More space to store your items.
More Storage Slots: Additional slots for keeping essential items.
Improved Shape Stabilizer Inventory Limit: Enhanced limit for Shape Stabilizers.
Additional Descendant Module Capacity & Slots: More capacity and slots for Descendant Modules.
Extra Weapon Module Capacity & Slots: Increased capacity and slots for Weapon Modules.

These benefits apply to all Descendants in your roster, making it easier to level up new characters. Unlocking these bonuses can greatly help you start leveling a fresh character after you buy or craft them.

Breakdown Of Mastery Rank Benefits

Here are the benefits you receive at various Mastery Ranks:

Mastery Rank 1-5: Basic upgrades and additional slots.
Mastery Rank 6-10: More significant inventory and capacity improvements.
Mastery Rank 11-15: Enhanced stabilizer limits and module slots.
Mastery Rank 16-20: Further inventory and capacity upgrades.
Mastery Rank 21-25: Increased bonuses in all categories.
Mastery Rank 26-30: Maximum upgrades for slots and capacity.

Starting early on your Mastery progression gives all your characters a helpful boost.

Farming Mastery XP

To farm Mastery XP, ensure your Descendant or Weapon has no module slots. This method lets you earn Mastery XP, though it means revisiting lower-level zones and missions, which can be slow and tedious.

Once you get to the limit, look for new missions to complete. They can be either from the main storyline or side quests, both of which provide chunks of Mastery XP upon completion.

Future Of Mastery Ranks

Currently, the developers are not planning to add more Mastery Ranks. Since the game has just launched, reaching the cap of 30 will take time. The developers may increase the limit once a significant percentage of players reach this cap. Progressing through Mastery is slower than usual leveling, but you won’t have to start from scratch with new characters.

Additional Tips And Strategies

Here are some additional tips and strategies to help you efficiently rank up your Mastery:

Prioritize New Missions: Completing new missions provides the most significant chunks of Mastery XP. Always look for new missions on your map and prioritize finishing them first.
Manage Your Modules: Be strategic about when you assign Socket Types to your Module Slots.

Leveling up without any Socket Types will help you earn more Mastery XP, so consider doing this when you are close to leveling up.

Join a Clan or Group: Playing with others can make missions easier and more enjoyable. You might also get tips from experienced players on how to earn Mastery XP faster.
Utilize Rested XP: Some games have a rested XP system that gives you a bonus for taking breaks. If The First Descendant has a similar system, make sure to take advantage of it.
Experiment with Different Characters: Since Mastery is account-wide, playing different characters can keep the game fresh and fun. Each character might offer unique abilities that can help you complete missions more efficiently.
Focus on Main Storyline Quests: These often provide more XP than side quests and can help you progress through the game faster.
Keep an Eye on Updates: Developers might add new ways to earn Mastery XP or increase the level cap in future updates. Stay informed to take advantage of new opportunities.

Summary

Now you know how to increase your Mastery Rank in The First Descendant. The system is designed to slow player progress in this genre. The time you invest will benefit all your current and future characters. The bonuses may be less noticeable after rank 20, but they are crucial early on. Bookmark this guide and check back for updates. See you in the game, Descendants!

F. A. Q.

Can I lose Mastery XP if I switch characters?

No, Mastery XP is account-wide and benefits all your Descendants. Switching characters will not affect your Mastery progress.

Is there a cap on how much Mastery XP I can earn in a day?

There is no daily cap mentioned, but the XP gain is slower than regular leveling, which naturally limits how fast you can progress.

What should I do if I reach the Mastery rank cap?

Focus on optimizing your character builds and preparing for future content. The developers might increase the cap if many players reach it, so stay tuned for updates.

Are there any items that can boost Mastery XP gains?

Currently, there are no specific items mentioned that boost Mastery XP gains, but always keep an eye out for any in-game events or updates that might introduce such items.