The First Descendant Trials Protocol 002 is the new Trials dungeon in Update 1.4.5, released October 15, 2026. It features the Legion of Immortality, whereas Protocol 001 features the Order of Truth. The two dungeons rotate daily, but they use the same entry method, Arche Activity requirements and rewards.
The most useful thing to know is when the available dungeon changes. You cannot manually choose both Trials maps at any time, and each map has a separate best-record table for every Descendant Group. Nexon’s full patch notes confirm those details, so here is how to enter the new map, check the rotation and understand the rewards.
October 22 update: Trials Protocol 001 is back in rotation
Trials: Protocol 001 was briefly removed from the daily rotation on October 16 after a multiplayer portal could disappear before the whole squad reached the Commander Stage. Patch 1.4.6 fixed the disappearing portal on October 22, 2026, and Nexon confirmed that the normal daily rotation resumed. Both Protocol 001 and Protocol 002 can now be selected when their assigned day arrives.
The current dungeon switches at 00:00 PDT. If you cannot select Protocol 002, check the current rotation on the Trials entry screen rather than relying on the temporary October 16 shutdown notice. The patch also fixed boss-area fall-through locations and several Variable Code interactions. Official details: Nexon’s patch 1.4.6 notes.
The First Descendant Trials Protocol 002: dungeon, enemies and entry
Protocol 001 is the original Order of Truth dungeon. The First Descendant Trials Protocol 002 is the new Legion of Immortality dungeon. Nexon says the entry method, access requirements, Arche Activity thresholds and rewards are identical. You don’t have to complete a newly announced unlock quest specifically for Protocol 002.
| Dungeon | Enemy Legion | Rotation | Entry and rewards |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trials: Protocol 001 | Order of Truth | Daily | Same as 002 |
| Trials: Protocol 002 | Legion of Immortality | Daily | Same as 001 |
How to access The First Descendant Trials Protocol 002
- Install Update 1.4.5 once the October 15 server maintenance is complete.
- Open the game’s Trials mission entry screen using the same menu and access method as Protocol 001.
- Read the name of the available dungeon and its Legion.
- Check the countdown to the next dungeon change.
- Enter when Protocol 002 is active, provided you meet the ordinary Trials entry requirements.
The screen shows which dungeon is available, the enemy Legion and the time left until the next change. If you already meet the original Trials requirements, there is no separate increase in Arche Activity for the new map. It is still possible that your build will need adjusting against the new faction.
The First Descendant Trials Protocol 002 daily rotation and reset time
The available Trials map changes at 00:00 PDT every day, according to the final patch notice. On October 15, that’s 8 AM BST. The in-game mission entry screen displays the remaining time, making it the best way to check whether the map is due to rotate during your play session.
Only the day’s assigned dungeon appears. If The First Descendant Trials Protocol 002 isn’t available in the menu, look at the countdown instead of searching for a second permanent Trials playlist. The new dungeon and the existing one alternate according to the daily rotation, with different Legion enemies to fight.
The First Descendant Trials Protocol 002 rewards: are they different?
No. Nexon explicitly states that both Trials dungeons award identical rewards. It also leaves the entry and Arche Activity requirements unchanged. There’s no announced Protocol 002-exclusive reward tier and no reason to assume the second dungeon offers better loot than Protocol 001.
The 1.4.5 patch section doesn’t repeat a complete item-by-item Rewards table for Trials, instead confirming the existing rewards remain intact. Check the actual rewards panel in the Trials menu for current quantities. The new Onslaught Stage 5 Transcendent option reward belongs to a different activity, not to this Trials map.
The First Descendant Trials Protocol 002: separate best times and Descendant Groups
Records are handled separately for each dungeon and for each Descendant Group. Your personal best clear time for Protocol 001 is not automatically the best time for Protocol 002. You’ll need to complete the new dungeon to establish a record against its Legion of Immortality enemies.
That’s useful when comparing character performance. A faster run on The First Descendant Trials Protocol 002 doesn’t necessarily mean your loadout improved: the maps and enemy legions differ. Compare attempts within the same Protocol and Descendant Group to track your results accurately.
Why can’t I select The First Descendant Trials Protocol 002?
First, check that the October 15 update has installed and that the servers are available. Then open the Trials entry screen and check its rotation timer. The First Descendant Trials Protocol 002 isn’t a permanently selectable alternative if today’s map is Protocol 001.
If neither Trials dungeon is accessible, compare your eligibility with the standard Trials access and Arche Activity requirements. Nexon says those have not changed, so a missing unlock is not explained by the addition of a new Protocol. The patch also doesn’t publish different completion-time limits for Protocol 002.
The First Descendant Trials Protocol 002 versus Onslaught Stage 5
Trials gains a second dungeon with an unchanged reward system and daily rotation. Onslaught Stage 5 is a separate addition: it has six waves, a Colossus at the end and a weekly reward with a guaranteed Transcendent-tier option. Those mechanics shouldn’t be copied into the Trials reward explanation.
For Onslaught, see our Stage 5 unlock and rewards guide. The new Prepping in the Dark Trigger Module and Enzo 1.4.5 Rework are other updates you can explore while waiting for the next Trials rotation.
Official source: Nexon Update 1.4.5 Patch Notes.
