The First Descendant: Serena Build & Best Loadout – Season 3 E2

Welcome to The First Descendant Serena Build Guide for Season 3 Episode 2. Serena Antonietta is a weapon-focused Descendant and the first character who is able to fly. She is currently one of the most powerful Descendants.

Table of Contents for the Serena Build:

1. How to play Serena: A Deep Dive
2. Serena Builds Overview
   1. Serena Mobbing Build (Weapon-based)
   2. Serena Bossing Build & Wall Crasher (Weapon-based)
   3. Serena Mobbing Build (Skill-based)
3. Trigger & Ancestor Modules
4. Arche Tuning for Serena
5. Serena Equipment Overview
   1. Best Weapons for Serena
   2. Best Reactor for Serena
   3. Best External Components for Serena
   4. Inversion Reinforcements
   5. All Serena Transcendent Modules Explained
6. Serena Basics
   1. How to unlock Serena
   2. Skills Explanation – Master Serena’s Abilities
   3. Redemption’s Judgment Buff – How it work✨
   4. Ascension Skill Additional Effects – How it works✨
   5. Module Basics Explained!
   6. Best Grapple Hook for Serena
7. Serena’s Story

In this guide, we’ll show you how to unleash the full potential of Serena, the first flying character in The First Descendant. The build will include the perfect weapons, stats, and modules. This guide covers everything you need to create a truly devastating build for Serena Antonietta.

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.alcasthq.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 Serena Build for The First Descendant.

How to Play Serena in the First Descendant

In this section, we are going to take a look at how Serena works in The First Descendant. Serena works best as a weapon-based character. Her fourth skill Redemption boosts weapon damage to insanity. Learn about her skills in detail in Serena’s Skill Explanation section. Serena’s Transcendent Modules are also great and offer unique playstyles.

Serena’s most important ability is the fourth skill Redemption that boosts your weapon’s damage tremendously. With the correct mods you can have a 100% uptime on Redemption! Alternatively, you can also use the Divine Surge Transcendent Module to change Redemption into Divine Surge, allowing her to become a powerful skill-based AoE Descendant.

Having high HP is crucial for Serena, as her fourth skill, Redemption, scales with her maximum health, providing a significant boost to her damage output.

Serena’s AoE Capabilities: Maximum Damage!

Serena offers two very different AoE damage playstyles. You can play her as Weapon-basedMobbing Build (preferred) with any strong AoE weapon or as Skill-based Dungeon Build with her Divine Surge Transcendent Module that allows her to function as an AoE carpet bomber.

Therefore for any challenging mobbing content I can recommend the following two builds:

• Serena Mobbing Build (Weapon-based) – With a strong Weapon
• Serena Dungeon Build (Skill-based) – With Divine Surge Transcendent Module

Serena’s Single Target Damage: One-Shot Wonder!

With the correct weapons Serena can deal insane damage. Her fourth skill Redemption scales of HP. By having a higher HP build we get higher damage and therefore can massively increase her damage. This is so strong that you can nuke pretty much any boss currently.

•  The Serena Bossing Build offers solid survivability, group buffs, sustain, and great damage.

Serena’s Equipment: Make Or Break It!

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

• Weapons: Serena works best with a strong weapon. See the Best Weapons for Serena section.
• Reactors: Selecting the right reactor can drastically boost your power. Check out the Best Reactors for Serena section.
• External Components: These are critical for survivability. Properly configured, they double or triple your HP or DEF. Learn more in the Best External Components for Serena section.

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

Best Serena Builds Overview for The First Descendant

In this section, we are going to look at the different best Serena Build Setups for The First Descendant. The optimized setups require a lot of Crystallization Catalysts. We have a full guide on how to farm Crystallization Catalysts in The First Descendant.

All Serena build setups require an Energy Activator to increase the Module Capacity. We also have an in-depth guide on how to farm Energy Activators in The First Descendant. Additionally, you will need plenty of Kuiper Shards and Gold to increase Module Levels. Here are the Top 3 Kuiper Shard farm spots!

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

• How to obtain Modules: Read the Module Farming section.
• How do I reach 85 Module Capacity? Read the Module Basics section.

Serena Mobbing Build (Weapon-Based)

This Weapon-based Mobbing Build for Serena deals insane damage with a maxed-out weapon. Because Serena’s fourth skill scales of Max HP, the setup is focused on getting as much max HP as possible to increase our overall damage output of our weapons. With the extra skill duration modules, we can achieve a 100% uptime on the fourth skill Redemption.

How the Redemption skill works:

• When used on ground: Removes all debuffs on self and allies and grants damage reduction and extra recovery.
• When used in midair: Grants Redemption’s Judgment to self which boosts Serena’s damage massively.

We always activate the skill mid-air to get the damage buff!

Why Skill Effect Range Modules? Lastly, you might wonder why we use Skill Effect Range modules. When you activate Redemption you get the Redemption’s Judgment buff. The “Additional AoE Damage Range on Firearm Attack” range can be increased by Skill Effect Range modules. This is important to maximize damage.

Serena Mobbing Build (Weapon-based) Modules Explanation:

• Hymn: Allows us to jump higher into the air and move around.
• Increased HP: + Max HP
• Maximize Duration: + Skill Duration
• Nimble Fingers: – Skill Cooldown
• Multitalented: – Skill Cooldown
• Skill Expansion: + Skill Effect Range
• Mid-Air Maneuvering: Allows you to use the Grapple Hook anywhere, even air!
• MP Collector: Chance to recover MP when defeating enemies
• Maximize Range: + Skill Effect Range
• Skill Extension: + Skill Duration (Flex Spot, can be replaced with something else)
• MP Conversion: – Skill Cooldown, + Max MP
• HP Amplification: + Max HP, – Max Shield

Serena Mobbing Build (Weapon-based) Module Configuration Table

Module Slot	Module Name	Mod Level	Socket Type	Crystallized
0 (Trigger Module)	Arche Leak	N/A	N/A	N/A
1 (Skill Module)	Hymn	Max	Rutile	No
2	Increased HP	Max	Cerulean	Yes
3	Overwhelming HP	Max	Cerulean	Yes
4	Nimble Fingers	Max	Malachite	Yes
5	Multitalented	Max	Malachite	Yes
6	Skill Expansion	Max	Rutile	Yes
7 (Sub Module)	Mid-Air Maneuvering	Max	Malachite	Yes
8	Increased Shield	Max	Cerulean	Yes
9	Energy Collection	Max	Xantic	Yes
10	Skill Extension	Max	Rutile	Yes
11	MP Conversion	Max	Malachite	Yes
12	Stim Accelerant	Max	Cerulean	Yes

Serena Bossing Build & Wall Crasher for The First Descendant

• Bossing Build Type: Colossus fights on hard difficulty & Wall Crasher in Axion Plains.
• Bossing Build Focus: Maximium Damage, Survivability and endless MP.

Serena is so powerful that you can also run the same Mobbing Build on hard difficulty Colossus. They still get deleted within 2 seconds. However, if you want a properly optimized Serena Bossing Build that you can also use on Wall Crasher in the Axion Plains (8 Player Colossus Fight), then make sure to use this setup. Wall Crasher can be a tough fight if you solo queue. Dont get carried, carry others with this setup!

I do recommend the Albion Cavalry Gun with this bossing setup. It is by far the best weapon if you solo queue, and you don’t need to hit weak points constantly to get good damage. There are other good weapons, such as Ancient Knight and Excava, but these require premade groups to really push more DPS than Albion Cavalry Gun.

Important: With this setup, we can have a 100% uptime on our 4th skill Redemption and fly in the air without touching the ground for several minutes! This is achieved by a lot of skill cost and cooldown reduction. Activating our 1st skill Sacred Flame also allows us to restore Ammo mid-air, giving us infinite ammo.

• External Components: 2x Ascending Armory 2x Shell Crusher or 4x Ascending Armory. Make sure to have the correct optional MP-related perks.
• Trigger Module: Arche Leak reduces skill cost for 15 seconds after using our first skill.
• Why do I run out of MP? The Sensor needs Max MP and MP Recovery in Combat. Memory needs MP Recovery Modifier.
• Why do I run out of Ammo? Use your first skill Sacred Flame from time to time, it will refill your Ammo!

Serena Bossing Build Modules Explanation:

• Hymn: Allows us to jump higher into the air and move around.
• Skill Extension: + Skill Duration
• Increased HP: + Max HP
• MP Conversion: – Skill Cooldown, + Max MP
• HP Amplification: + Max HP, – Max Shield
• Maximize Duration: + Skill Duration
• Mid-Air Maneuvering: Allows you to use the Grapple Hook anywhere, even air!
• Focus on Singular: – Skil Cooldown
• Final Wish: – Skill Cost when activating fourth skill
• Focus on Fire: – Skil Cooldown
• Nimble Fingers: – Skill Cooldown
• Maximize Conservation: – Skill Cost

Note: Focus on Singular and Fire Modules are only slotted to get the extra cooldown reduction!

Serena Bossing Build & Wall Crasher Module Configuration Table

Module Slot	Module Name	Mod Level	Socket Type	Crystallized
0 (Trigger Module)	Arche Leak	N/A	N/A	N/A
1 (Skill Module)	Hymn	N/A	N/A	N/A
2	Skill Extension	Max	Rutile	Yes
3	Increased HP	Max	Cerulean	Yes
4	MP Conversion	Max	Malachite	Yes
5	HP Amplification	Max	Cerulean	Yes
6	Maximize Duration	Max	Rutile	Yes
7 (Sub Module)	Mid-Air Maneuvering	Max	Malachite	Yes
8	Focus on Singular	Max	Rutile	Yes
9	Final Wish	Max	Malachite	Yes
10	Focus on Fire	Max	Almandine	Yes
11	Nimble Fingers	Max	Malachite	Yes
12	Maximize Conservation	Max	Malachite	Yes

Serena Dungeon Build (Skill-based)

• Dungeon Build Type: 400% Dungeons, Void Erosion Purge, Void Vessel, Disrupt Invasions, anything with hard difficulty.
• Dungeon Build Focus: High survivability, great skill range, damage and sustain.

The Serena Dungeon Build (Skill-based) setup focuses on the Divine Surge Transcendent Module that turns her fourth skill into an AoE dive bomb where you drop down from the air and hit a big area. You also leave a glowing area behind that deals continuous damage. This is a skill-based setup. That means we want to focus on extending our skill range and overall skill damage.

Serena Dungeon Build (Skill-based) Modules Explanation:

• Divine Surge: Changes her 4th skill into Divine Surge that deals massive AoE damage.
• Increased HP: + Max HP
• Skill Expansion: + Skill Effect Range
• Nimble Fingers: – Skill Cooldown
• Maximize Range: + Skill Effect Range
• Decimator: + Skill Power Modifier
• Mid-Air Maneuvering: Allows you to use the Grapple Hook anywhere, even air!
• Focus on Fire: + Fire Skill Power, – Skill Cooldown
• Focus on Singular: + Singular Skill Power, – Skill Cooldown
• Frugal Mindset: – Skill Cost, + Skill Effect Range
• MP Conversion: – Skill Cooldown, – Max MP
• Energy Collection: + MP Recovery

Serena Dungeon Build (Skill-based) Module Configuration Table

Module Slot	Module Name	Mod Level	Socket Type	Crystallized
0 (Trigger Module)	Arche Leak	N/A	N/A	N/A
1 (Skill Module)	Divine Surge	Max	Rutile	No
2	Increased HP	Max	Cerulean	Yes
3	Skill Expansion	Max	Rutile	Yes
4	Nimble Fingers	Max	Malachite	Yes
5	Maximize Range	Max	Rutile	Yes
6	Decimator	Max	Xantic	Yes
7 (Sub Module)	Mid-Air Maneuvering	Max	Malachite	Yes
8	Focus on Fire	Max	Almandine	Yes
9	Focus on Singular	Max	Rutile	Yes
10	Frugal Mindset	Max	Malachite	Yes
11	MP Conversion	Max	Malachite	Yes
12	Energy Collection	Max	Xantic	Yes

• Ultimate Bossing Build Type: N/A
• Ultimate Bossing Build Focus: N/A

Note: Ultimate Serena has not been released yet. Once Ultimate Serena is available, I will update this section of the guide.

Trigger and Ancestor Modules for the Serena Build

Trigger and Ancestor Modules are also part of the module category, but they are a special type of module that are harder to unlock and acquire.

• Trigger Modules: Go into a special slot. Unlock special buffs and unique effects.
• Ancestor Modules: Go into a normal module slot. Enhance the build by adding additional stats.

Serena Trigger Modules

You need first to unlock the trigger module slot for each character. Learn how to unlock Trigger Modules in The First Descendant.

For our The First Descendant Serena Build, you always want to use the Arche Leak trigger module. This is activated with the first skill and reduces our skill cost and increases damage via the Skill Power Modifier increase.

• Mobbing: Arche Leak
• Bossing: Arche Leak

Serena 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.

Serena Ancestor Module: Hope’s Resolution

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

Weapon-Based Builds

• Ideal Positive Rolls
  • Max HP
  • Duration
  • Cooldown
  • Range (if you aren’t at max range yet)
• Ideal Negative Rolls
  • Max Shield

Skill-Based Builds (Divine Surge Mod)

• Ideal Positive Rolls
  • Fire
  • Dimension
  • Cost
  • Cooldown
  • Fire
• Ideal Negative Rolls
  • Max Shield

Arche Tuning for the Serena Build

The Arche Tuning System in The First Descendant is important for every Character; it buffs your stats by a good amount. For The First Descendant Serena, we are focusing on the left and upper left area.

You level up Arche Tuning in the Sigma Sector Dropoff Operation. Mutant Cells also drop there with a small chance.

We use the Defense Neutralization Mutant Cell. This allows us to weaken high HP enemies or bosses and deal increased damage for a while.

• Mutant Cell: Defense Neutralization

Serena Equipment Overview in The First Descendant

Equipment is the cornerstone of any successful The First Descendant Build. For Serena, 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, External Components, and Transcendent Modules, and explains how they maximize her power.

Serena Equipment Guide

Equipment Type	Importance	Key Benefits
Weapons	Critical for maximizing damage. A wide variety of weapon types enables different playstyles.	Increases overall DPS. Amplifies the effectiveness of skills. Proper weapon selection can double or triple your damage.
Reactors	Essential for boosting skill damage, duration or cooldowns. Incorrect reactors severely reduce effectiveness.	Enhances skill potency of Serena. Ensures Serena’s abilities perform at peak levels.
External Components	Arguably the most impactful equipment. Dramatically improves survivability and utility.	Quadruples stats like HP or DEF for Serena. Adds utility like MP recovery. Enables effective performance in high-difficulty content.
Inversion Reinforcements	Adds further buffs to your build.	Perks that are nice to have and increase your build power.
Transcendent Modules	Unlocks advanced playstyles for Serena. Essential for specialized Serena builds.	Significantly boosts skill efficiency and power for Serena.

Best Weapon for the Serena Build in The First Descendant

Depending on what content you do with Serena, you will need different weapons. Below you can find the Top 3 Weapons for Serena in The First Descendant for Mobbing and Bossing, as well as some extra weapon choices.

• Important 1: Serena doesn’t need to reload weapons because of her third skill Soar. By activating the skill she instantly reloads the magazine. That means we won’t need any extended magazine-size modules.
• Important 2: Serena’s fourth skill Redemption needs to be active for the weapons to deal massive damage. Make sure you activate it in the air while flying/jumping to get the damage buff!
• Important 3: To optimize damage, always change the elemental damage to whatever the current enemy is weak to for massive DPS gains.

Don’t forget to have the correct Reactor Optimization Condition with the correct weapon types; otherwise, your skills will deal much less damage!

Top 3 Mobbing Weapons for Serena

Top 3 Mobbing Weapons for Serena

Weapon	Category	Key Features	Why It’s Great for Serena
Albion Cavalry Gun	Machine Gun	Insane AoE damage. Stuns enemies.	Thanks to Serena’s 3rd ability, you can instantly reload the weapon. Insane AoE damage and stuns nearby enemies. Deals massive damage when Serena’s fourth skill is active. Fast Fire Rate
Malevolent	Hand Cannon	Max AoE Damage	Perfect for her Weapon-based Mobbing Build. With this, you deal massive AoE damage.
Restored Relic	Launcher	Guided Rounds Cluster Bombs	This is a powerful rocket launcher that fires guided rounds that explode into clusters to hit even more enemies!

Top 3 Bossing Weapons for Serena

Top 3 Bossing Weapons for Serena

Weapon	Category	Key Features	Why It’s Great for Serena
Last Dagger	Hand Gun	High Burst Single Target DPS. Insane Fire Rate	Combines well with Serena’s fourth skill Redemption.
Executor	Shotgun	Insane Burst Damage Close Range Only	This shotgun deals massive damage with Serena’s skills.
A-TAMS	Sniper Rifle	Insane Single-Target Damage Consumes MP to charge a shot that deals massive damage	A-TAMS is a powerful Sniper Rifle that gets enhanced damage through Serena’s skills.

Other Useful Weapons

Other Useful Weapon Options for Serena

Weapon	Category	Key Features	Why It’s Great for Serena
Voltia	Beam Rifle	Instantly destroys Anti-Void Shields and Arch Barriers. Electrocutes nearby enemies.	Best weapon to instantly destroy Anti-Void Shields and Arche Barriers, nothing even comes close to it. A must-have in your group if you are doing Void Vessel Operation runs!
Thunder Cage	Submachine Gun	Everyone has this weapon from the main story (easily accessible) “Newbies Best Friend” Electric Shockwaves	While this isn’t the best weapon out there, it is easily accessible. Deals great AoE damage.

Best Reactor for Serena in The First Descendant

Selecting the best reactor for Serena in The First Descendant can significantly enhance her abilities, allowing you to maximize her 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!

All of Serena’s skills are Fire. Additionally, you want to get the correct mounting (Optimization Condition) to benefit from the 160% boost.

Luckily, Serena only needs one reactor, a Burning Singularity Reactor with Skill Duration and Skill Cost or Cooldown. Because we want to utilize her fourth skill Redemption as much as possible for both the weapon-based damage Boss Build and the Divine Surge Transcendend Module Dungeon Build.

How to Find the Location of Reactors

Reactor drop locations change every day. Not many players know this and get 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 Serena Build

Depending on what setup you run you want to use different External Components. So here is the best External Components for her Weapon-based setups and her Skill-based Setup.

Additionally, External Components now also have core slots; it is recommended to slot Max HP and DEF cores.

Weapon-Based Setups

When you are playing Serena’s Weapon-based setups (which is what most players do), then I recommend either:

• 4x Ascending Armory: – Skill Cost and restores Ammo while flying.
• 2x Ascending Armory + 2x Shell Crusher: – Skill Cost and + Fire Rate. The Fire Rate you gain from this set is insane even though it only shows +5%.

Skill-Based Setup

For Serena’s skill-based Dungeon Setup setup I recommend the Hunter Set. This removes all your MP issues as it restores 30% of your MP whenever you drop below 50% MP, allowing you to fly constantly and spam your skill.

4x Ascending Armory Set for Serena

How to get Ascending Armory: You can get the Ascending Armory set in the Sigma Sector Dropoff Operation from any random mission monster on both normal and high-risk difficulty.

Ascending Armory Set Bonuses:

• 2 Set Bonus:
  • Skill Cost -6.5%
• 4 Set Bonus:
  • When reloading in mid-air, provides Supply Bullets (Cooldown 10s)
  • Field Supplies +10%
  • Intercept Battle Supplies +10%

Serena Ascending Armory External Components Best Setup

External Component Part	Base Stat	Selective Best Stats	Cores
Ascending Armory Auxiliary Power	Max HP	Max HP MP Recovery Out of Combat	Max HP DEF
Ascending Armory Sensor	Max HP	Max MP MP Recovery in Combat	Max HP DEF
Ascending Armory Memory	Max HP	MP Recovery Modifier DEF	Max HP DEF
Ascending Armory Processor	Max HP	Max Shield Shield Recovery Modifier	Max HP DEF

2x Ascending Armory + 2x Shell Crusher Set

• How to get Ascending Armory:  Sigma Sector Dropoff Operation Broken Boundaries Mission.
• How to get Shell Crusher: Sigma Sector Dropoff Operation Isolated Desert Mission.

Bonuses

• Ascending Armory 2x Set Bonus:
  • Skill Cost -6.5%
• Shell Crusher 2x Set Bonus:
  • Fire Rate +5%

Serena Ascending Armory+Shell Crusher External Components Best Setup

External Component Part	Base Stat	Selective Best Stats	Cores
Ascending Armory Auxiliary Power	Max HP	Max HP MP Recovery Out of Combat	Max HP DEF
Ascending Armory Sensor	Max HP	Max MP MP Recovery in Combat	Max HP DEF
Shell Crusher Memory	Max HP	MP Recovery Modifier DEF	Max HP DEF
Shell Crusher Processor	Max HP	Max Shield Shield Recovery Modifier	Max HP DEF

4x Hunter Set for Serena

How to get Hunter Set: Void Vessel on normal or hard difficulty.

Hunter Set Bonuses:

• 2 Set Bonus:
  • Skill Cooldown -4%
• 4 Set Bonus:
  • MP Recovery In Combat +0.12%
  • MP Recovery Out Of Combat +1.03
  • When current MP is at 50% or below, grants Arche Shield (Cooldown 5 seconds).
  • While Arche Shield is active, Firearm ATK -12%.
  • When hit, Arche Shield is removed and recovers MP by 30%.

Serena Hunter External Components Best Setup

External Component Part	Base Stat	Selective Best Stats	Cores
Hunter Auxiliary Power	Max Shield	Max HP MP Recovery Out of Combat	Max HP DEF
Hunter Sensor	Def	Max MP MP Recovery in Combat	Max HP DEF
Hunter Memory	Max Shield	MP Recovery Modifier DEF	Max HP DEF
Hunter Processor	Max HP	Max Shield Shield Recovery Modifier	Max HP DEF

Inversion Reinforcements Setup for Serena

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:

• Hunt: Arche Circulation Tactic.
• Attribute: Strike Point Amplification.
• Recovery: None.
• Survival: Pain Suppression.
• Season: None.

All Serena Transcendent Modules Explained

First, let us look at the full list of all Transcendent Modules for Serena in The First Descendant. It is important to note that not all of the modules will be used. Some are more effective than others!

Module Name	Module Description	Best In Slot
Divine Surge	Flies forward, inflicting Knockback on enemies in the path and deals large amounts of damage on landing. Additionally, creates a path of fire in her wake that deals continuous damage to enemies within range.	Serena Dungeon Build (Skill-based)
Hymn	When used on the ground, creates a zone that increases the Jump of allies. When used in midair, temporarily increases the Movement Speed of nearby allies and increases maximum movement distance.	Serena Boss Build (Weapon-based) Serena Mobbing Build (Weapon-based)

Divine Surge Transcendent Module

• Description: Flies forward, inflicting Knockback on enemies in the path and deals large amounts of damage on landing. Additionally, creates a path of fire in her wake that deals continuous damage to enemies within range.
• Divine Surge is an Serena-exclusive Transcendent Module.

How to get Serena’s Divine Surge Module:

• Intercept Battle: [Hard] [Pyromaniac]
• [ Albion ] [ Hard ] – [ Broken Boundary: Landing Zone Ast ] Mission Monster
• [ Albion ] [ Hard ] – [ Broken Boundary: Landing Zone Beatrix ] Mission Monster
• [ Albion ] [ Hard ] – [ Broken Boundary: Landing Zone Cassian ] Mission Monster
• [ Albion ] [ Hard ] – [ Broken Boundary: Landing Zone Darius ] Mission Monster
• [ Albion ] [ Normal ] – [ Broken Boundary: Landing Zone Ast ] Mission Monster
• [ Albion ] [ Normal ] – [ Broken Boundary: Landing Zone Beatrix ] Mission Monster
• [ Albion ] [ Normal ] – [ Broken Boundary: Landing Zone Cassian ] Mission Monster
• [ Albion ] [ Normal ] – [ Broken Boundary: Landing Zone Darius ] Mission Monster
• Available by combining modules

Hymn Transcendent Module

• Description: When used on the ground, creates a zone that increases the Jump of allies. When used in midair, temporarily increases the Movement Speed of nearby allies and increases maximum movement distance.
• Hymn is a Serena-exclusive Transcendent Module.

How to get Serena’s Hymn Module:

• Intercept Battle: [Hard] [Swamp Walker]
• [ Albion ] [ Hard ] – [ Isolated Desert: Landing Zone Gideon ] Mission Monster
• [ Albion ] [ Hard ] – [ Isolated Desert: Landing Zone Helix ] Mission Monster
• [ Albion ] [ Hard ] – [ Isolated Desert: Landing Zone Indigo ] Mission Monster
• [ Albion ] [ Hard ] – [ Isolated Desert: Landing Zone Juno ] Mission Monster
• [ Albion ] [ Normal ] – [ Isolated Desert: Landing Zone Gideon ] Mission Monster
• [ Albion ] [ Normal ] – [ Isolated Desert: Landing Zone Helix ] Mission Monster
• [ Albion ] [ Normal ] – [ Isolated Desert: Landing Zone Indigo ] Mission Monster
• [ Albion ] [ Normal ] – [ Isolated Desert: Landing Zone Juno ] Mission Monster
• Available by combining modules

Serena Basics in The First Descendant

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

1. How to unlock Serena
2. Skills Explanation – Master Serena’s Abilities
3. Module Basics Explained!
4. Best Grapple Hook for Serena

How to Get Serena in The First Descendant

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

• 1x Serena Enhanced Cells
  • Location: Sigma Sector Dropoff Operation
• 1x Serena Stabilizer
  • Location: Sigma Sector Dropoff Operation
• 1x Serena Spiral Catalyst
  • Location: Sigma Sector Dropoff Operation
• 1x Serena Code
  • Location: Sigma Sector Dropoff Operation
• 400k Credits

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 read our in-depth guide on How to get Serena in The First Descendant.

The First Descendant Serena Skills Explained

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

Serena’s skill loadout is themed around fire, applying fire damage with her Sacred Flame skill and buffing allies while flying.

Skill Name	Type	Effect	Best Use Case
Sacred Flame	AoE	Fires flames in the direction of the crosshairs to deal damage and inflict Repentance. On hitting an ally, grants Blessing. Repentance acts the same as Burn. Firearm attacks against enemies inflicted with Repentance have a chance to recover Rounds for the firearm in use. Additionally, when an enemy with Repentance is killed, inflicts Repentance on nearby enemies. Flames pierce terrain when used on the ground and explode when colliding with terrain when fired in midair.	AoE Damage
Ascension	AoE	Greatly decreases gravity while this skill is active. Firearm attacks while in mid-air have additional effects depending on the Rounds in use. However, Jump and Grappling Hook charge times have been adjusted.	Utility
Soar	AoE	When used on the ground, Serena shoots into the air. When used in midair, Serena moves quickly in the direction of movement and Reloads the currently equipped weapon. Additionally, Serena’s number of Jumps is reset and holding down the skill key increases the distance traveled.	Utility
Redemption	AoE, Snare	When used on the ground, removes all debuffs on Serena and all allies within range, and grants Prayer of Redemption. When used in midair, grants Redemption’s Judgment to self.	Buff
Divinity (Passive)	Passive	When used on the ground, removes all debuffs on Serena and all allies within range, and grants Prayer of Redemption. When used in midair, grants Redemption’s Judgment to self.	Is always active

Sacred Flame Skill 1

Fires flames in the direction of the crosshairs to deal damage and inflict Repentance.

Sacred Flame Skill Description:

• Fires flames in the direction of the crosshairs to deal damage and inflict Repentance.
• On hitting an ally, grants Blessing.
• Repentance acts the same as Burn.
• Firearm attacks against enemies inflicted with Repentance have a chance to recover Rounds for the firearm in use.
• Additionally, when an enemy with Repentance is killed, inflicts Repentance on nearby enemies.
• Flames pierce terrain when used on the ground and explode when colliding with terrain when fired in midair.

Ascension Skill 2

Greatly decreases gravity.

Ascension Description:

• Greatly decreases gravity while this skill is active.
• Firearm attacks while in mid-air have additional effects depending on the Rounds in use.
• However, Jump and Grappling Hook charge times have been adjusted.

Soar Skill 3

When used on the ground, Serena shoots into the air.

Soar Description:

• When used on the ground, Serena shoots into the air.
• When used in midair, Serena moves quickly in the direction of movement and Reloads the currently equipped weapon.
• Additionally, Serena’s number of Jumps is reset and holding down the skill key increases the distance traveled.

Redemption Skill 4

When used on the ground, removes all debuffs on Serena and allies.

Redemption Description:

• When used on the ground, removes all debuffs on Serena and all allies within range, and grants Prayer of Redemption.
• When used in midair, grants Redemption’s Judgment to self.

Note: Redemption’s Judgement range can be buffed by skill range modules!

Divinity (Passive)

Serena gains an additional stat bonus when firing a firearm midair.

Divinity Passive Description:

• Air Attack increase
• Air Explosive Attack increase
• Air Accuracy Increase
• Air Recoil Reduction Rate

Serena’s Redemption’s Judgment Buff Explained

This buff is from the fourth skill Redemption.

Players often ask why Skill Effect Range modules are used on Serena even when you have a weapon-based build. The answer can be found with the Redemption’s Judgment buff.

“Additional AoE Damage Range on Firearm Attack” gets an increased radius from Skill Effect Range modules. This is important because it allows you to spread your damage in a bigger area, hitting more enemies. With our weapon-based Serena Build we get a 22.9m range, which is bad news for our opponents.

If you don’t use any skill range modules, you will notice that monsters don’t get hit by the damage quite often in bigger rooms.

Serena’s Ascension Skill Explained

There is an important aspect that many players overlook about the Ascension skill. Depending on what weapon you use while Ascension is active, you get different bonuses.

General Rounds Additional Effects

• Multi-Hit Chance Increase
• Multi-Hit Damage Increase

Impact Rounds Additional Effects

• Attack Drop-off Distance Increase
• Critical Hit MP Recovery

Special Rounds Additional Effects

• Surrounding AoE Damage
• Damage Range
• Target Count
• Max Expandable Range

High-Power Rounds Additional Effects

• Skill Power
• Additional Fire Damage Chance

How Modules Work in The First Descendant

Modules are the bread and butter of all The First Descendant Builds. There are a few important things to remember about modules. This is for both Descendant and Weapon Modules.

While most builds require you to increase Module Capacity with an Energy Activator (you get two for free), they won’t require you to reduce the Module cost with Crystallization Catalyst. However, if you want to truly min-max a build, you will need plenty of these Catalysts.

1. How to increase your Module Capacity
2. Module Levels and Cost
   1. Kuiper Shards & best way to farm!
3. Reduce the cost of Modules
4. How to farm Modules

How to Increase Module Capacity

You get a base of 45 Modules for every Descendant character. And you can increase this up to 85 currently. First off, always slot a Sub Attack Module (Slot 7). When you increase this to the max level you will get an additional 10 Module Capacity. if you use a Crystallization Catalyst on the Sub Attack Module, you even get 15 extra slots. You will see this in the setup below.

Additionally, you can use an Energy Activator to increase your Module Capacity by another 20. However, these are fairly hard to farm, only use them on your best Descendants.

Lastly, increasing your Mastery Rank will also increase Module Capacity. Rank 1 gives you 25 Module Capacity, Rank 20 gives you 50 Module Capacity. That is how we reach the 80 Module Capacity that you see on most builds.

1. Slot a Sub Attack Module (and max it out to get +10 capacity, crystallize it for +15)
2. Use an Energy Activator (2o extra capacity)
3. Increase Mastery Rank (25 base capacity, max 50)

Weapons: Basically the same, but because you don’t have Subattack Modules, the Energy Activator gives you 30 instead of just 20 extra capacity.

You can also read my in-depth guide on how to increase Module Capacity in The First Descendant if you need more information. Or my Best Energy Activator Farm Spots and our Best Crystallization Catalyst Farm Spots. I tested all of the grind spots by myself and have already farmed plenty of these items with this method.

Module Levels and Cost

Modules can be enhanced (leveled up) with Kuiper Shards in The First Descendant. Enhancing Modules increases their power. At higher levels, the power will increase way more than at lower levels. Therefore it is always recommended to max out the most important Module first.

Here is an example of a must-have Module called Increased HP for our Descendant. You will notice that we start at 22%, but at the max level, we get a whopping 218.5% increase in health!

Transcendent Modules are the exception; they decrease Capacity Cost with higher levels!

For an in-depth overview, please visit our How to Level Up Modules in The First Descendant guide.

How to Farm Kuiper Shards

Kuiper Shards are used to level up Modules. We have a guide on the Top 3 Kuiper Shard Farming Locations in the First Descendant. We explain how to most efficiently farm Kuiper Shards (300-500k/hour) and show the amount you need to level up mods. As a summary, to max out a Module you need:

• Normal Modules: 103’100 Kuiper Shards
• Rare Modules: 206’200 Kuiper Shards
• Ultimate Modules: 309’300 Kuiper Shards
• Transcendent Modules: 515’500 Kuiper Shards

Always max out the most important Modules first, we will showcase the order below.

How to Reduce the Cost of Modules

To reduce the cost of Modules you need Crystallization Catalysts in The First Descendant. These require a lot of time investment. If you want to completely min-max you need to get plenty of them as technically, every slot can have a specific socket type to half the cost.

Modules have Socket Types. Our Increased HP Module has the Cerulean Socket Type.

• Module: Increased HP
• Socket Type: Cerulean

This is important because if we place our Increased HP Module in the fitting Socket Type, it will half the cost of the Module!

How to farm Modules in The First Descendant

Most The First Descendant Modules can be acquired fairly easily, but the higher-quality ones (Ultimate, Transcendent) are more tedious to obtain. Here is the easiest process to farm Modules quickly.

Open Map > Swap to Access Info > Select Modules

Here, you can find all Modules and their drop locations. If a module drops from several locations, it is recommended to select drop locations with higher drop chances.

There isn’t really much more to this. Simply check the location and go farm. Normal and Rare quality Modules have 30-50% drop chances in most cases. Ultimate ones range around the 5% mark and Transcendent ones can be a tough cookie with around 2% drop chance.

Smooth Grapple Hook for your Serena 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 improve your build and overall gameplay in The First Descendant.

Serena’s Story in The First Descendant – Serena Antonietta

The Generation of Despair refers to the first wartime generation, born on the brink of the Apocalypse and forced to grow up in a crumbling world. Trapped in a world that was collapsing around them, with evacuation and hunger as their only companions, the Generation of Despair grew up brighter than most people that were forced to live in such times. Since their lives began with war, there was never peace to be taken away from them.

Maybe that is why the Generation of Despair, contrary to its name, symbolizes the hope of the surviving members of humanity. When the Magisters joined humanity and conducted a census for the Arche Factor, this generation had the highest rate of Arche manifestation. Later records would reveal that out of the “Firsts,” including the very first Descendant, Raley, nearly half were from the Generation of Despair. Included among them was the Military Chaplain, Serena Antonietta, the holy fire spewing “Sister of Light”.

The First Descendant Serena was devoted enough to join the antiquated Order of Knights while hundreds of knights were dying daily at the hands of the Vulgus and the Colossi.

Serena’s rise to prominence came when the Magisters, who had defected to humanity, awakened Arche in human DNA. Serena was also tested for Arche at this time and was determined to be a new kind of soldier, called a “Descendant.” Among these “Descendants,” she had the easiest time adapting to modern firepower, and was particularly adept at using it to develop her Arche abilities.

Serena’s abilities manifested in the form of emitted Arche light particles. Serena’s abilities became known as “Holy Fire” and were powerful enough to rival beam weapons, but could also be used to target Vulgus DNA. Using an extremely high concentration of radiation, she could burn out the Vulgus mutations. Applying these properties, Serena used her Arche to cure the Vulgus infection. Her light was a beacon of hope for her people and of dread for her enemies. Another unexpected benefit of her Arche was that she was able to spend time with her crush, fellow Descendant Raley, while healing him.

But the shy feelings faded as the Descendants were deployed to the frontlines. Serena’s mission at the time was to investigate the epicenter of the Apocalypse in order to prove the Magisters’ Dimension Isolation Theory. Serena promised her family of Knights, her comrades-in-arms, and her crush, Raley, that she would return soon…

But, no one knew it would be the last time they’d see her. The epicenter of the Apocalypse was the most heavily polluted area, now called Sigma Sector, and it contained not only Void Contamination, but also a darker plot than anyone could have ever imagined. As the last light was extinguished, Serena faced despair for the first time. Death seemed so far away, but there also seemed to be no hope of waking again. There was only pitch-black darkness enveloping her body… as all her senses began to shut down.

Serena prayed with all her might, until her consciousness faded. If only I could wake once again, I would burn with a light that would never be extinguished. I will restore hope to all, I will be a ray of sunshine for Raley…

After the echoes of her wish reverberated for a century, Serena’s prayers were finally answered. She opened her eyes once again, still in Sigma Sector, but, with unfamiliar Descendants standing over her, surprised. Serena realized instinctively, that The Age of Despair had not ended yet. As she promised herself in her hundred years of prayer, she joined the new generation with an unquenchable radiance.

This time, with a new prayer, to never again have to feel such despair…

Serena’s Exclusive Equipment – Photon Emitting Battlesuit Exorcister

The Magisters’ warfare technology was at its peak before they lost most of their equipment to frequent retreats. The Photon Emitting Battlesuit Exorcister is one piece of such equipment. This powerful exoskeleton is the ultimate assault weapon, amplifying Arche particles emitted outside the body, ionizing the user’s Arche, and granting them the ability to maneuver in the air.

Specifically, the Arche sorbent stabilizers can read micro-muscular signals to adjust the direction of movement, giving the user the movement of an angel from ancient Ingris mythology. The problem is, Serena is the only one who can wield it with any level of sophistication. So, it is practically Exclusive Equipment for her at this point. Not to mention, that the core technology was lost in its entirety and has yet to be fully restored even to this day.

“Uhh… so… it seems to operate… using electricity.”

– Serena Antonietta, explaining the battlesuit to Raley…

Related Guides for The First Descendant

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