The First Descendant: Kyle Build & Best Loadout – Season 4 E1

Welcome to The First Descendant Kyle Build Guide for Season 4 Episode 1.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to unleash the full potential of Kyle, the Iron Man. Kyle is a great tanky damage dealer who generates and manipulates magnetic fields. Creates a barrier or radiates magnetic force to push enemies back and serves as a strong shield for his teammates. He also has a powerful ultimate that deals massive AoE and single-target damage.

Table of Contents:

1. How to play Kyle
2. Kyle Builds Overview
   1. Kyle Mobbing Build
3. Kyle Trigger Module
4. Kyle Ancestor Modules
5. Arche Tuning for Kyle
6. Kyle Equipment Overview
   1. Best Weapons for Kyle
   2. Best Reactor for Kyle
   3. Best External Components for Kyle
   4. Inversion Reinforcements
7. Kyle Basics
   1. How to unlock Kyle
   2. All Kyle Skills
   3. Best Grapple Hook for Kyle
8. Kyle’s Story

For builds on other Descendants, visit our The First Descendant Builds Database, or check out the Character Tier List or the Weapon Tier List. 

TFD Wiki: We have expanded Alcasthq with tfd.gameslantern.com, a Wiki & Database for anything related to The First Descendant. Use the Character Editor or the Weapon Editor to theorycraft and create builds yourself. Browse Descendants, Weapons, Leaderboard Loadouts or use the Compare Tool. There are plenty of other features you can check out, too!

Here is a quick list of the strengths and weaknesses of the Kyle Build for The First Descendant.

How to Play Kyle in the First Descendant

To unlock Kyle’s full potential, you need the right Modules, Weapons, Reactors, and External Components:

• Modules: Selecting the right Modules boosts your character’s power the most; this is very important and changes depending on what build you use.
• Ancestor Modules: Having a good Ancestor module with the right perks is key to maxing out your damage potential.
• Weapons: Kyle is a skill-based Descendant, therefore weapons aren’t that important. However, there are certain weapons that we can use as a “stat stick” to enhance Kyle’s power and mobility even further. Please view the Best Weapons for Kyle section of the build.
• Reactors: Selecting the right reactor can drastically boost your damage. Check out the Best Reactors for Kyle section.
• External Components: These are critical for survivability. Properly configured, they double or triple your HP and DEF. Learn more in the Best External Components for Kyle section.

Building a top-tier The First Descendant Kyle Build requires not only the right modules but also optimized weapons, reactors, and components.

Best Kyle Builds Overview for The First Descendant

• Crystallization Catalysts: To unlock the necessary socket slots.
• Energy Activator: To increase overall module capacity.
• Gold & Kuiper: Best Gold Farming Method – Best Kuiper Shard Farming Method.

Equipment: I will cover Weapons, Reactors, External Components, Inversion Reinforcements, and Transcendent Modules in the Kyle Equipment section. To maximize the power of any build, you must get the correct items!

Kyle Mobbing Build

This Kyle Mobbing Build scales with Max Shield. Try to get as close to 70k Max Shield as possible, because that is how your damage scales. I prefer not to use a transcendent module. However, if you want, you can slot one; the build itself won’t change except that you’re slotting the transcendent module.

• Tooltip:
  • Max Shield x 0.80%
  • Max Damage Increase 560.0%
  • x = 70000.

Ancestor Module:

• Essential: Max HP, Max Shield
• Optional: Non-attribute Skill Power Boost
• Negative: Any harmless negative

Kyle Trigger Module

The Trigger Module slot needs to be unlocked first: How to unlock Trigger Modules in The First Descendant.

• Mobbing Setup: Overcharge Shield

Kyle Ancestor Module

Ancestor Modules can be slotted once you have acquired them. However, they are only worth it once you have an Ancestor module with good stat rolls on them.

• Kyle Ancestor Module: Controller’s Resol ution
• Superconductive Cooling Units (Needed to Reroll perks): How to farm
• Must Read: How Ancestor Modules Scale & Examples

It is only worth slotting an Ancestor Module if you have good rolls on it; otherwise, it isn’t worth it.

Kyle Mobbing Build

• Ideal Positive Rolls
  • Max HP
  • Max Shield
  • Non-Attribute Skill Power Damage
• Ideal Negative Rolls
  • Skill Modifier
  • DEF

Ancestor Module: What to Replace and Why

To slot an Ancestor Module effectively, identify existing modules that share the same primary stat. By replacing a standard module with an Ancestor version that offers similar values, you maintain your core build while gaining its additional unique perks as a ‘free’ bonus.

• How to: Replace a standard module with an Ancestor Module that mirrors its main perk.
  • The values should be close; you preferably don’t want to replace a 100% with a 30% value.
• Example 1: If your Ancestor Module provides Skill Critical Hit Rate, replace Skill Insight.
• Example 2: If your Ancestor Module provides Max HP, replace Increased HP.
• Example 3: If your Ancestor Module provides Skill Effect Range, replace Skill Expansion.
• Result: All other perks from the Ancestor Module will basically be a “freebie” and improve your build!
• Helpful Links:
  • Descendant Synchronization Value Explained
  • Ancestor Module Image & Build Examples
  • Ancestor Module Perk Quality & Stat Scaling Explained

As long as the Ancestor Module reaches a similar value to the one you’re removing, every additional stat on that Ancestor Module becomes a “free” bonus for your build.

Arche Tuning for Kyle

The Arche Tuning System in The First Descendant is important for every Character; it buffs your stats by a good amount.

• Mutant Cell: Arche Chain Catalyst

Kyle Equipment Overview in The First Descendant

Equipment is the cornerstone of any successful The First Descendant Build. For Kyle, having the right setup can mean the difference between dominating a dungeon and falling short. This section breaks down the essential equipment types: Weapons, Reactors, and External Components.

Kyle Equipment Guide

Equipment Type	Importance	Key Benefits
Weapons	Not very important because Kyle is a skill-based Descendant. Only used as a “stat stick” to get Sprint Speed and Grapple Hook Recharge or other weapon effect buffs!	Increases overall DPS. Amplifies the effectiveness of skills.
Reactors	Essential for boosting skill damage. Incorrect reactors severely reduce effectiveness.	Enhances skill potency. Ensures Kyle’s abilities perform at peak levels.
External Components	Arguably the most impactful equipment. Dramatically improves survivability and utility. Set Buffs with 2/4 pieces.	Quadruples stats like HP or DEF. Adds utility like MP recovery. Enables effective performance in high-difficulty content. Core System Enhancements.
Inversion Reinforcements	Adds further buffs to your build.	Perks that can make a difference in build power.

Best Weapon for the Kyle Build in The First Descendant

Because Kyle is a skill-based Descendant, the weapon he uses is not that important. However, you still want to select A specific weapon as a “Stat Stick” that give you enhanced mobility and effects to boost your skills further.

Top 3 Weapons for Kyle

Here is my recommended setup for Kype, you will only need Secret Garden, but if you don’t have a fully optimized build yet, then Malevolent and Albion Cavalry Gun will be of great help!

Top Weapons for Kyle

Weapon	Category	Key Features	Why It’s Great for Kyle
ATR-0 Prototype	Tactical Rifle	Non-Attribute Skill Power Amplification Rate. Stat Stick.	Boosts all skill damage.
Secret Garden	Tactical Rifle	Stat Stick: Tech Skills activate Pest Control Effect (+Firearm ATK, + Skill ATK) of Secret Garden. Boosts the damage of your AoE skills tremendously!	Synergizes perfectly with Kyle’s Tech skills.

Other Useful Weapons

Other Useful Weapon Options for Kyle

Weapon	Category	Key Features	Why It’s Great for Kyle
Exterminator	Rocket Launcher	Easily destroys enemy Assault Ships. Easily destroys enemy Swarm Sacks & Tunnels. Auto Target function when aiming.	Weapon specialized in destroying Assault Ships, Swarm Sacks & Tunnels.
Shadow	Sword	Massive AoE & ST damage. Strong Special AoE skill.	Best allrounder Sword for massive damage. Fast movement.
Thunder Cage	Submachine Gun	Everyone has this weapon from the main story (easily accessible). “Newbies’ Best Friend” Rains down thunder on enemies.	Deals great AoE damage. Overall good performance.

Best Reactor for Kyle in The First Descendant

Selecting the best reactor for Kyle in The First Descendant can significantly enhance his abilities, allowing you to maximize his effectiveness in various scenarios. Not only does the reactor determine your skill damage, but it also gives additional secondary benefits through modifiers. These are often hard to get and take time to grind out!

It is hard to get a Reactor with two best in-slot specs. However, you should be able to get a Reactor with at least one good spec. I will highlight the more important spec in bold in the table below.

How to find the Location of Reactors

Reactor drop locations change every day. Not many players are aware of this and become confused. Now, there is a reactor search function in-game. Go to the map and press on Difficulty Level Rewards. In here, you can see where all the reactors currently drop.

Note: It is possible that not all reactor types are currently dropping. You have to come back and recheck every day.

If your specified reactor drops in an area, you go there and farm any missions and monsters (Preferably missions with lots of monster spawns). There will be plenty of reactors dropping from monsters all over the place, any monster works. It will take a while to get a good reactor!

Best External Components for the Kyle Build

• Enlightened Mage Set
  • Distorted Resolve Auxiliary Power: Max HP & Fire Resistance
  • Distorted Resolve Sensor: Chill Resistance & Shield Recovery Out of Combat
  • Distorted Resolve Memory: DEF & Shield Recovery in Combat
  • Distorted Resolve Processor: Max Shield & Shield Recovery Modifier

Inversion Reinforcements Setup for Kyle

You can find the Inversion Reinforcements in the inventory, located on the bottom left side. This changes with every new season and needs to be leveled up again. You level up Inversion Reinforcements by doing any activity. However, the fastest way to advance it is by completing Disrupt Invasion (max 4 daily) in the dungeon terminal with the red dungeons.

At max level, you have unlocked everything. While the last perk is always active in each row, you can only slot three additional perks at the bottom. Here is what you want to prioritize:

• Skills: Perk 1.
• Weapon: None.
• Recovery: Perk 2.
• Survival: Perk 2.
• Season: None.

Kyle Basics in The First Descendant

If it is your first time playing Kyle in The First Descendant, here are some useful things you should know.

1. How to unlock Kyle
2. All Kyle Skills
3. Best Grapple Hook for Kyle

How to Unlock Kyle in The First Descendant

Let’s take a quick look at how to unlock Kyle in The First Descendant. To unlock Kyle, you have to purchase him from the store, or research him. You need the following items to research Kyle:

• 1x Kyle Enhanced Cells
  • Archive Shards
• 1x Kyle Stabilizer
  • Archive Shards
• 1x Kyle Spiral Catalyst
  • Archive Shards
• 1x Kyle Code
  • Archive Shards

When you visit Magisters Anais at the Research Institute you can hover over each item. Then click on Acquisition Info and it will tell you where this specific item drops. You can also view a more in-depth guide on How to unlock Kyle in The First Descendant.

The First Descendant Kyle Skills Explained

In this section, we are going to explain the skills available to our Kyle Build in the First Descendant, how each skill works and the best ways for you to use them.

Icon	Skill Name	Description
	Repulsion Dash	Charges towards the enemy, dealing damage.
	Magnetic Bulwark	Creates a frontal Barrier to protect against enemy attacks.
	Magnetism Spurt	When damaged, Magnetic Force is reduced instead of HP or Shields. After a certain period of time, Magnetic Force detonates to deal damage around him.
	Superconductivity Thrusters	Allows Kyle to fly. When landing, deals damage in an area around his landing zone.
	Experienced Technician (Passive)	Obtains Magnetic Force with his Skills. When his Shield is broken, he recovers Shield and Magnetic Force.

Repulsion Dash

Charges towards the enemy, dealing damage.

Repulsion Dash Skill Description:

• Non-Attribute – Tech
• Charges forward to inflict damage and Knockback on the colliding enemy.
• Recovers Magnetic Force proportional to Max Energy Shield upon dealing damage to the enemy.
• When the skill ends, grants a DEF boost for a period of time.

How to use Repulsion Dash:

Repulsion Dash is useful for spearheading attacks at the beginning of combat. It deals damage in a small AoE and knocks enemies back. You’ll also get a defence buff, so you’ll take less damage for a few seconds. The cooldown is fairly short on Repulsion Dash, so you can use it several times in longer engagements.

Magnetic Bulwark

Creates a frontal Barrier to protect against enemy attacks.

Magnetic Bulwark Description:

• Non-Attribute – Dimension
• Creates a Barrier in front that block enemy projectiles.
• When the Barrier is hit, recovers Magnetic Force proportional to the enemy’s damage received.

How to use Magnetic Bulwark:

Magnetic Bulwark is a defensive skill that blocks enemy projectiles, allowing you to create cover at a location of your choosing. Maintining the barrier costs a small portion of your Max Shield every second, so be careful not to run it down too much.

Magnetism Spurt

When damaged, Magnetic Force is reduced instead of HP or Shields. After a certain period of time, Magnetic Force detonates to deal damage around him.

Magnetism Spurt Description:

• Non-Attribute – Dimension
• After using Magnestism Spurt, Magnetic Force is consumed first before Energy Shield or HP when hit by an enemy.
• When Magnetic Force is completely depleted, deals damage to enemies within range. This damage increases by the total Magnetic Force consumed.
• Pressing the skill button one more time ends the skill. When the skill ends, Kyle recovers the Energy Shield of nearby allies proportionally to his Max Energy Shield.

How to use Magnetism Spurt:

Another handy defensive skill, Magnetism Spurt allows you to ignore damage for a while, by effectively using your saved up Magnetic Force as a secondary shield. Once it expires, you’ll deal a pulse of damage to all nearby enemies. The more Magnetic Force you consumed during the skill’s duration, the more damage you do. Therefore, it’s advisable to save up a decent amount of Magnetic Force before using Magnetism Spurt, but it’s not too essential because the skill has a short cooldown, so you don’t lose too much if you use it at a bad time.

Superconductivity Thrusters

Allows Kyle to fly. When landing, deals damage in an area around his landing zone.

Superconductivity Thrusters Description:

• Non-Attribute – Tech
• Enables you to fly in the air for a period of time
• Inflicts damage on enemies when you collide with them.
• When the skill ends, Magnetic Force is completely consumed, and the damage increases proportionally based on Magnetic Force stats.

How to use Superconductivity Thrusters:

Superconductivity Thrusters is a rather strange skill, since it at first glance it seems like it’s just a cool jetpack ability for moving around quickly, but colliding with enemies with the skill active actually does a huge amount of damage, with the precise amount increasing based on how much Magnetic Force you saved up. Note that your Magnetic Force gauge needs to be at least 30% full before you can activate the skill.

Due to the long cooldown of 60 seconds base, we recommend saving up more than the minimum 30% Magnetic Force before using this skill – with a long cooldown skill like this you ideally want to make sure that you have as a high a damage modifier as possible so you get the most value from the skill, and the way to do this is to save up more Magnetic Force before using it.

Experienced Technician (Passive)

Obtains Magnetic Force with his Skills. When his Shield is broken, he recovers Shield and Magnetic Force.

Experienced Technician Passive Description:

• Non-Attribute
• Increases max Magnetic Force proportional to Max Energy Shield.
• When Kyle’s Energy Shield is depleted, gains Magnetic Care.
• Magnetic Care recovers Energy Shield and Magnetic Force at fixed intervals. This effect gains cooldown.
• When out of combat, Magnetic Force is consumed at fixed intervals.

How to use Experienced Technician:

Turret Sync is a passive skill, which means it is always active. This passive has two purposes. The first is to define how much Magnetic Force Kyle can hold – it scales based on your Max Shield stat, which is something to keep in mind when choosing your Components for the build – having more Max Shield will improve Kyle’s Max Magnetic Force, too.

The second purpose of the Experienced Technician passive is to provide a defensive utility. To summarise this effect, when your Max Shield runs out, you’ll automatically begin regaining Shield and Magnetic Force Recovery. The amount gained scales based on your Max Shield, so once again you are incentivised to build into Max Shield more heavily than with most other Descendants. Once triggered, this effect has a base cooldown of 5 minutes.

Smooth Grapple Hook for your Kyle Build

Using the standard Grapple Hook in The First Descendant can be a pain, and it feels kinda frustrating at times. Don’t worry, there is a way better alternative that will make it a joy to use the grappling hook!

It is called the Mid-Air Maneuvering Sub Module. I use this on all my The First Descendant Builds because it improves grappling by so much.

With this Module, you can attach your Grapple Hook to anything, even air! That means you can simply aim towards the sky and Hook up your grapple hook there for guaranteed fast movement!

Here is a guide on how to get the Mid-Air Maneuvering Sub Module in The First Descendant. It won’t take a lot of effort, but it will definitely improve your build and overall gameplay in The First Descendant.

Kyle’s Story in The First Descendant

After a long period of time, the Spectral Digger finally sprung into life, and the entire Construction Corps shouted with joy. All that was left was for everyone to go home. However, the Legion of Darkness forces, which had been standing by on Karel’s orders, launched an ambush, and the joyful cries on the thought of returning home turned into screams.

Kyle, who had been wrapping things up in the back, could only look on as his teammates fell helplessly from the enemy’s bullets. Eventually, the bullets that pierced his teammates also began flying towards him. “I’m going to die soon”, Kyle thought as he closed his eyes tightly. While closing his eyes, something seemed to block the bullets. They fell to the floor powerlessly. Kyle intuitively knew why when he saw the bullets rolling around at his feet. He also possessed Arche, something he had only heard about until now.

However, by the time he realized he had this power inside of him, it was too late to save his teammates. Shocked, Kyle felt completely useless. With that, he retired, simply stating, “I did all I could” to HQ. During the time when he was hiding his power, unwilling to meet anyone, and wishing for his end to come, he happened to learn that the Spectral Digger had fallen into the hands of the Vulgus.

This was unacceptable to Kyle. That digger cost the lives of his teammates. It was the digger that he constricted with his teammates, whose bodies he was unable to recover due to the Vulgus ambush. Without hesitation, he went to HQ, telling them everything and making a pledge to walk the path of a Descendant. He would reclaim the Spectral Digger, recover the remains of his teammates, and bring them home. After which, he would pour out that expensive liquor they were so eager to drink in honour of them.

Related Guides for The First Descendant

• The First Descendant Builds Database
• The First Descendant Bunny Build
• The First Descendant Sharen Build

You can also check out our Ultimate Weapons Database for The First Descendant or the Builds Database for The First Descendant.