XDefiant Launch Date Revealed: Set to Challenge Call of Duty

Ubisoft's XDefiant, a new FPS rivaling Call of Duty, announces a solid release date after facing development hurdles.
XDefiant Launch Date Revealed: Set to Challenge Call of Duty

Highlights

  • XDefiant is set to launch on May 21 with 5 game modes, 14 maps, 24 weapons, and 44 attachments.
  • Developed by Ubisoft San Francisco, XDefiant offers a multiplayer experience inspired by Call of Duty and popular Ubisoft franchises.
  • Players can anticipate regular content updates, with a new faction introduced each season according to Ubisoft's Year 1 roadmap.

XDefiant, Ubisoft's Call of Duty rival, has finally unveiled its release date: May 21. Initially met with skepticism and criticism, the game has undergone significant improvement since its 2021 announcement. Following multiple playtests and a beta, XDefiant gained praise for its combat mechanics, although it still fell short of the polish seen in Call of Duty. Despite delays in October and March, the game is now on track for release.

Unlike Rainbow Six Siege, another Ubisoft FPS, XDefiant aims to emulate the multiplayer experience of Call of Duty. Developed by Mark Rubin at Ubisoft San Francisco, the game blends elements from popular Ubisoft franchises like Far Cry, Watch Dogs, and Splinter Cell. Players can embody characters from different factions, each offering unique abilities and traits, with maps set in iconic locations from these franchises.

The confirmed release date for XDefiant is May 21, exclusively available on Xbox Series X and S, PlayStation 5, and PC through Ubisoft Connect. At launch, players can enjoy five game modes, 14 maps, and a variety of weapons and attachments. Unlocking characters, including the Dedsec faction, will require completing in-game tasks.

Release Date: May 21

  • May 21

Surprisingly, XDefiant will not launch on Steam and Epic Games Store initially, despite their popularity for FPS titles. The game's upcoming seasons will be a point of interest, with Ubisoft committing to new content every three months. The Year 1 roadmap teases the arrival of fresh factions each season, hinting at potential crossovers from games like Assassin's Creed or Rainbow Six that could enhance the current roster.

Fans of FPS games can anticipate the arrival of XDefiant on May 21, following a six-week pre-season before the first official season kicks off. With Call of Duty's current season ending around the same time, Ubisoft aims to attract players to XDefiant before the next Call of Duty season begins.