XDefiant, the upcoming free-to-play first-person shooter from Ubisoft, has officially been given a launch date. Following several delays, the game’s preseason is set to debut on May 21 for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series S/X via Ubisoft Connect. At launch, players can expect to experience five distinct game modes across 14 different maps, alongside a starting lineup of 24 weapons and 44 attachments. The game will feature five playable factions, each inspired by notable Ubisoft franchises.
Ubisoft has outlined a roadmap for the game, indicating planned content updates following the preseason launch. The preseason will span six weeks before transitioning into the first official season. Subsequently, players can anticipate new seasons every three months, each introducing fresh weapons, maps, events, and an additional faction.
In its inaugural year, XDefiant aims to expand its offerings with four new factions, 12 additional weapons, and 12 new maps beyond the preseason content. The five factions available at launch will draw from established groups within Ubisoft titles such as Far Cry, Splinter Cell, and Watch Dogs. These factions include Echelon, Phantoms, Cleaners, Libertad, and Dedsec (which can be accessed through unlocking or purchasing). The game will feature five modes at launch, which include Domination, Hot Shot, Occupy, Escort, and Zone Control.
The development of XDefiant faced setbacks last September when it did not pass console certification tests with PlayStation and Xbox. Initially slated for a summer 2023 release, the game was subsequently pushed to October 2023. The release was delayed once more, with new targets set for 2024.
In April 2023, Ubisoft conducted a closed beta test. Observations from this beta suggested that while XDefiant showcases proficient gameplay mechanics, it may struggle to make a significant impact in a crowded market dominated by established titles like Call of Duty.
First revealed in 2021, XDefiant promises “fast-paced 6-v-6 arena combat” featuring faction-based abilities. The game is scheduled to go live on May 21 at 10 am PT / 1 pm ET, which corresponds to 10:30 pm IST.
