XDefiant: Release delays, gameplay, Factions, platforms, more

Joseph Pascoulis
Tom Clancy's XDefiant

Plenty of time has gone by since the initial reveal of XDefiant, however, Ubisoft are still working to launch their new FPS title by launching the last Server Test Session. Here’s all you need to know about XDefiant, including all the release delays explained, and more.

Ubisoft have been working for years on the development of its new FPS, XDefiant set to introduce an exciting arena shooter experience. After being revealed in 2021, Ubisoft held two playtests, however, just when it seemed like XDefiant was very close to being released, several announcements put everything on hold.

As its final stage of development, players will put Ubisoft’s FPS servers to a new test in the Server Test Session, so devs can finally set a global release date. If you’re hyped about XDefiant, here’s everything you need to know.

XDefiant expected release window

XDefiant will launch sometime in 2024. On March 29, the devs shared an update stating they hoped to release the game “by the end of March,” but more “improvements” were needed so the game’s launch was pushed back further.

XDefiant release delays explained

The first major delay for XDefiant was announced back in September 2023, when Mark Rubin addressed the community’s concerns and explained the development process revealing the game could have been released from late September to early-mid October.

However, on October 9, after the Public Test Session, XDefiant would be delayed again given “game experience inconsistencies” preventing the expected launch in October 2023. This was followed by yet another delay announced in December 2023, where Mark Rubin shared that despite “progressing really well,” the devs still had a lot of work in key aspects of the game to allow players to enjoy the experience.

Finally, the latest delay came on March 29, 2024, with the XDefiant dev team sharing the news in an X post, after revealing that they were trying for a March 2024 release date.

XDefiant Server Test Session

Despite the delay, the dev team announced and revealed XDefiant’s Server Test Session on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC to “stress” the servers and get “critical data” in preparation for the global launch.

Be sure to check out everything in our Server Test Session guide, including how to preload, and more.

XDefiant platforms

XDefiant will launch as a free-to-play title on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.

Those on the previous generation of consoles will have to wait, as the devs confirmed that they are working on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One versions of the game, and they will come out after launch.

Here are all the confirmed platforms in which XDefiant will be available.

  • PC (via Ubisoft Connect)
  • Xbox Series X|S
  • PlayStation 5

XDefiant gameplay details

XDefiant focuses its gameplay on players using different Factions that include specific traits, abilities, and ultras to defeat their opponents. These Factions and their abilities are all inspired by other Ubisoft titles such as Far Cry and Splinter Cell.

Make sure you check out our guide on all of the XDefiant Factions if you’re interested in more information on this.

The arcade and fast-paced nature of XDefiant’s gameplay will likely be popular among players who enjoy Call of Duty’s style of play. Ubisoft also stated in the reveal video that gun gameplay will be their main focus and that it will be the most important factor in winning and losing.

On multiple occasions, devs have said that they’re making XDefiant more closer to the legacy CoD titles than the newer few, with the game not featuring SBMM and Ubisoft hinting at a potential classic Prestige system.

XDefiant trailers

The reveal video gave players a first look at what they can expect when they jump into the new game and a rundown of various aspects by a couple of the game’s developers including Mark Rubin, who worked as an Infinity Ward dev in Call of Duty.

XDefiant – Gameplay Trailer

XDefiant – Deep Dive Trailer

That’s all you need to know about XDefiant. For more about Ubisoft’s FPS, make sure you also check out some of our other guides:

How to check XDefiant stats | XDefiant Ranked Play | Will there be an XDefiant Battle Royale? | Best XDefiant PC settings | Best controller settings for XDefiant

About The Author

Joseph is a Senior Writer at CharlieIntel, specializing in shooters such as Call of Duty, Apex Legends, Fortnite, and Overwatch. He also enjoys Souls-likes, the Resident Evil franchise, and Tekken. After writing for KeenGamer, he joined CharlieIntel in 2021. If Joseph isn't writing about games, he's most likely playing them. You can contact him at [email protected].