Summary
Ubisoft’s new multiplayer FPSXDefianthas become available for gamers to preload. Set to go live on May 21,XDefiantwill be free-to-play and will launch on Xbox Series X and S, PlayStation 5, and PC via Ubisoft Connect. Strangely, the title is skipping Steam and Epic Games Store; Ubisoft has yet to confirm whetherXDefiantwill come to these popular PC storefronts in the future.
As Ubisoft’sCall of Dutycompetitor,XDefiantcertainly has a lot to live up to. Helping it stand out are its several different factions based on other Ubisoft games that players can take control of.The Division’s Cleaners,Splinter Cell’s Echelon,Watch Dogs' Dedsec,Far Cry 6’s Libertad, andGhost Recon’s Phantoms will all be available to players at launch. Each faction is home to three different characters with their own unique sets of abilities to try out. After a rocky reveal in 2021 and several delays,XDefiant’s open beta last summer was met with better reception. Enduring another recent handful of delays,Ubisoft’s answer toCall of Dutyis finally ready to go next week.
Just a few days ahead of its May 21 launch, Ubisoft announced thatXDefiantis now ready to be preloaded. Xbox, PlayStation, and Ubisoft Connect users on PC can prepare for its release by having the entire game installed ahead of time, eliminating the need to wait on launch day. Despite some eager fans requesting Ubisoft to turn the servers on early, gamers won’t get to actually playXDefiantuntil the game’s proper release next week.
With massive titles likeCall of Duty,Apex Legends,Overwatch 2, andValorantdominating the multiplayer FPS landscape, it’ll be interesting to see whetherXDefiantwill be able to join them by carving out a piece of the market and finding continued success. As a live service game, being free-to-play is certainly a good start, though having a steady stream of content and updates is equally important.XDefiantwill launch with 14 maps, 24 weapons, and five modes, with the Dedsec faction needing to be either purchased or unlocked. Ubisoft has already detailedXDefiant’s first year of post-launch seasonal content, with four seasons planned thus far, each bringing a new playable faction, three new weapons, three maps, and a 90-tier battle pass.
XDefiant’s preseason will coincide with the game’s May 21 launch and will last six weeks. Season 1 ofXDefiantwill then begin, with each new season lasting three months. With aJune 10 Ubisoft Forward on the horizon, there’s a very strong chanceXDefiantplayers will get a glimpse at the game’s first post-launch season at the event.
XDefiant
XDefiant is a free-to-play, first-person online arena shooter where you compete in fast-paced clashes. With cross-play available at launch, you will be able to play with friends on a variety of platforms.Season 1 introduces the Team Rainbow operators of GS-Kommando leveraging their counter-terrorism training to disrupt their enemies. They can deploy electrified barbed wire for area denial, counter incoming enemy devices with their Active Defense System, and dazzle multiple foes with flash charges mounted on their G52-Tactical Shield.While GS-Kommando operators pride themselves on using non-lethal force whenever possible, they are as capable on the battlefield as any spec ops group.Customized Loadouts: Choose from a large arsenal of weapons, attachments, and devices to optimize the way you play. Combine any weapon with any faction, and unlock new options as you play to perfect your playstyle.Factions: Factions are drawn from iconic Ubisoft worlds and represent distinct classes, each with unique abilities and ultras. Choose any character from any faction to assemble your team of six players. Change your faction at any point during play to adapt to your strategy.Maps, Modes, and Mayhem: Play in a diverse range of 14 maps at launch across several different arena and linear modes including Zone Control, Escort, Occupy, and more. Fight in casual matches or climb the tiers in competitive ranked mode.
