What is XDefiant - the new Call of Duty Killer?
The Closed Beta for XDefiant is now live, but what is it, and could it shake up the landscape of FPS games as we know it? XDefiant is a brand new FPS game from Ubisoft, looking to battle the top FPS games such as Call of Duty. As a Free to Play game, XDefiant has already attracted an average of 32,000 live viewers in the Twitch category since launch on Thursday, and peaking just under 100,000 on launch day.
What is XDefiant?
XDefiant will feel familiar to players of FPS games, but it features its own twist on the genre. Firstly, we have Factions. Factions are different types of characters in the game that have different abilities and affect your playstyle. These all take inspiration from other Ubisoft titles such as Watch Dogs and Far Cry.
Every XDefiant Faction
- Cleaners (The Division)
- Libertad (Far Cry)
- DedSec (Watch Dogs)
- Echelon (Splinter Cell)
- Phantoms (Ghost Recon)
Each Faction mimics the style of play in the Ubisoft title they represent, for example the DedSec Faction focuses on hacking and tech, having an EMP like ability. Every Faction has one Passive, two General and an Ultra ability. The Passive abilities are constantly there for that player throughout the course of the game, the General abilities are earnt over time and the Ultra ability is the biggest and best of them all, and only earnt a minimal number of times a game.
XDefiant Weapons
Each player can have a Primary and Secondary weapon in XDefiant, and there are 18 in total:
- M4A1
- ACR 6.8
- MP7
- RPK-74
- Vector .45 ACP
- AK-47
- M16A4
- TAC-50
- SVD
- P90
- AA-12
- M60
- MP5A2
- M44
- MK 20 SSR
- M249
- M870
- Double Barrel
XDefiant Modes
There are also a number of different game modes in XDefiant, catering for each and every playstyle out there. Modes are split into Arena Modes and Linear Modes. Arena Modes are the classics of Domination and Hardpoint style modes from Call of Duty, while Linear Modes see attackers and defenders play in modes similar to Push from Overwatch.
How to get access to the XDefiant closed beta
Players on PS5, Xbox and PC can play XDefiant, but you’ll need a code for access to the Closed Beta. Players can sign up for a chance to get a code on the website.
- Head to the Ubisoft XDefiant register page.
- Sign into or create your Ubisoft account and choose which platform you wish to play on.
- Look out for an email to confirm that you have been accepted into the beta.
If chosen, you should receive an email with a XDefiant closed beta code for your platform of choice.
