Ubisoft’s highly anticipated free-to-play first-person shooter, XDefiant, finally has a release date after facing delays and setbacks. The game is set to launch on May 21st for PC, Xbox Series X, and PS5, with no Steam release planned at this time. The preseason will kick off on the same day at 10am PT/1pm ET and will run for six weeks before Season 1 officially begins.
XDefiant will debut with 14 maps, including 10 arena style maps and 4 progression style maps, 5 factions to choose from, 5 game modes, and 24 weapons. Some of the factions players can align with include Echelon, Phantoms, Cleaners, Libertad, and Dedsec. The game modes available at launch will include Domination, Hot Shot, Occupy, Escort, and Zone Control. Additionally, a 4v4 Ranked mode will be available featuring various game modes for competitive play.
New seasons are planned to release approximately every three months, bringing new content such as maps, factions, weapons, and more. Year 1 is expected to introduce 4 additional factions, 12 weapons, and 12 maps on top of the launch content. Each season will also come with a 90-tier Battle Pass for players to progress through. While new modes are also in the works, such as a potential Search & Destroy mode, Private matches will be added in the future to enhance the player experience.
One of the standout features of XDefiant is the absence of Skill-Based Matchmaking (SBMM), a controversial topic within the gaming community. Instead, the game will utilize ping-based matchmaking in an effort to create a more enjoyable and balanced experience for players. This departure from traditional SBMM in popular shooters like Call Of Duty has piqued the interest of many gamers, who are eager to see how it will impact gameplay.
Early impressions of XDefiant suggest a mix of positive and negative feedback. While some aspects of the game have been well-received, such as the variety of factions and maps, others, like the Hero Shooter-style powers, have been criticized as gimmicky additions. Despite these critiques, there is optimism that XDefiant will provide a fun alternative to established shooters like Call Of Duty, though it may not be a direct competitor. With the release date fast approaching, players will soon have the opportunity to experience the game for themselves and form their own opinions.
