XDefiant, Ubisoft's Call of Duty Rival, Receives Last Major Update
Dec 18, 2024 5:32 PMUbisoft's free-to-play arena shooter XDefiant has rolled out a significant final update ahead of its shutdown in June 2025. Notable features in the update include the introduction of the Assassins class, inspired by the Assassin's Creed franchise, along with three new factions, a variety of new maps, and a tactical game mode called Defuse. Despite previous assurances about the game's longevity, the decision to close down raises concerns among its player base, especially following a similar fate for another shooter, Concord, just weeks after its launch. Players can now enjoy enhanced gameplay mechanics, new weapons, and a revamped progression system as the team thanks the community for their support over the years.
Will XDefiant add new content before its shutdown in 2025?Yes, the final major update has included new content such as additional factions, maps, and game modes, providing players with fresh experiences until the game's closure.
XDefiant is a fast-paced, multiplayer shooter blending traditional gunplay with unique faction abilities, similar to titles like Call of Duty. The game was launched in May 2024 but struggled to maintain a player base, leading to the announcement of its eventual shutdown. Players experienced a robust community-driven environment, with constant updates aimed at improving gameplay and engagement, but ultimately, many are left questioning the sustainability of competitive free-to-play shooters in an increasingly crowded market.
Jordan Keats
Jordan Keats is a former professional gamer turned journalist, whose competitive background gives them a unique perspective on esports and multiplayer games. Jordan's expertise in strategy and game mechanics is unmatched, offering readers a deeper understing.
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It's a bummer to see XDefiant go, especially with that last update offering some cool fresh content, but it seems like free-to-play shooters are really struggling to find their footing lately. This trend raises eyebrows about player retention and what developers can realistically maintain without getting lost in the competitive sea of existing franchises.
It’s a bittersweet moment for players as XDefiant rolls out its final update while gearing up for shutdown; it’s a classic case of too little, too late. It’s a challenging landscape for free-to-play shooters right now, and this closure just underscores the importance of player retention in a crowded market.
It's a bummer to see XDefiant getting the axe so soon, especially with that final update bringing some cool new content. This freeze on a promising shooter really highlights the struggles of keeping players engaged in such a saturated market—let's hope other devs take notes