Mastering Medals in The First Descendant

The introduction of the medal system in The First Descendant represents a exciting evolution in player progression, allowing you to commemorate major milestones through customizable badges. These medals not only track your accomplishments but also serve as visible symbols of dedication, equippable directly from your inventory for profile display. Launched in Update 1.2.14, this feature draws from core gameplay elements like weapon enhancements, descendant leveling, and mission clears, making it accessible yet challenging for dedicated players.

Understanding the Medal System Basics

Medals function as honorary accolades categorized by specific award types, each tied to quantifiable achievements within the game. Once earned, they appear in the Journal under Awards > Medals, where you can claim and review requirements. Importantly, medals level up with repeated earnings of the same type, altering their visual design for a more prestigious look—think evolving from bronze to gold equivalents as you push boundaries.

This system encourages consistent play without introducing grindy side quests; instead, it rewards natural progression. For instance, enhancing gear or conquering high-level content naturally unlocks these badges, blending seamlessly with endgame loops.

Complete List of Medals and Unlock Conditions

Here’s a breakdown of all available medals, grouped by category for clarity. Each includes precise requirements, gold costs for claiming, and any special rewards. Data is sourced directly from official patch notes.

These medals span from basic enhancements (like module leveling) to elite challenges (such as Stage 30 Void Erosion Purge), ensuring progression for all player levels.

Strategies for Earning Your First Medals

Beginners should prioritize easier medals like the Core Weapon Badge by unlocking initial Ultimate Weapon Cores through standard missions. Focus on one descendant at a time, pushing it to Factor Level 40 for the Arche Tuning Badge—using any variant works if you lack ultimates.

• Daily Play Integration: Incorporate medal grinding into routine farming, such as killing enemies in zones like Hio (aim for 30,000 total) or completing sector clears in Sterile Land and Aquas.
• Resource Management: Stockpile Dimension Analyzers for reactor enhancements; the Ultimate Reactor Enhancement Badge requires 20 at Level 5, a mid-game hurdle.
• Team Play Boost: Join groups for tough clears like Void Erosion Purge, where first-time rewards include Tier X Cores.

Veterans can chase stackable goals, like assigning modules to 50 unique ultimate weapons for the Weapon Module Badge, excluding duplicates to maximize efficiency.

Leveling Up Medals for Prestige

Each duplicate medal earned increments its level, transforming its appearance from standard to elite variants. This progression mirrors achievement systems in other looter-shooters, providing ongoing motivation. Track progress in the Journal to strategize repeats—focus on farmable content like reactor optimizations or module enhancements.

Pro Tip: Prioritize medals with lower gold costs (e.g., 19-30 gold) early to build a diverse collection before tackling high-investment ones like Module Enhancement (400 gold).

Step-by-Step Guide to Equipping Medals

Equipping is straightforward but often overlooked. Here’s how:

1. Access your Inventory menu.
2. Navigate to the dedicated Medal tab.
3. Select an earned medal and assign it to your profile slot—visual changes apply immediately.

This process took some players time to discover, as it’s nested under inventory rather than Journal. Once equipped, medals display prominently, signaling your status to others in lobbies or leaderboards.

Medals and New Content Synergies

Update 1.2.14 ties medals to fresh features like Blair’s exclusive quest, where equipping Ultimate Blair unlocks Pyromaniac Objet rewards. Sigma Sector farming yields blueprints for Fire Brand sets, aiding module and reactor badges.

• Abyss Intercept Battles drop Moving Fortress gear, perfect for ultimate weapon progression.
• Vulgus Legion events limit drops to essentials, streamlining farms without EXP distractions.

Advanced Tips for Medal Completionists

To max all medals:

Combine with achievement roadmaps for efficiency, avoiding paid shortcuts. Pair with titles for full cosmetic flair.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are medals in The First Descendant?

Medals are achievement-based badges earned via Journal > Awards, equippable in Inventory for profile display.

How do I claim a medal?

Visit Journal > Awards > Medals, meet requirements, and pay gold to claim.

Can medals be leveled up?

Yes, repeats increase levels and upgrade appearances.

Are medals account-wide?

Yes, tied to your profile, visible across characters.

Do medals provide gameplay bonuses?

No, purely cosmetic for bragging rights.

Future Updates and Medal Expansions

With Nexon’s ongoing support, expect more medals linked to events like Erosion Purge or new descendants. Stay tuned to official news for patches expanding the system.