After multiple delays, XDefiant, the Ubisoft free-to-play first-person-shooter that will bring together multiple franchises like Far Cry, Splinter, Cell, Ghost Recon, and Watchdogs, will be released on May 21 according to the developers.
Ubisoft revealed the launch date via social media and a blog post. They also confirmed that XDefiant will release alongside a prelude preseason period ahead of season 1, which is set to start at a later date this year.
The preseason will feature 14 maps (10 for arena and four for progression, the two main modes of the FPS), five default factions (Cleaners, Libertad, Echelon, and Phantoms) with the sixth, Dedsec, being unlocked through gameplay or by purchasing it, five different modes (three being arena-based and two progression variants), 24 weapons, and 44 attachments.
XDefiant has undergone so many delays that fans, and even us, had lost faith in the game ever coming out. At one point back in September, it was reported that the game had failed console certification tests, being indefinitely delayed a few weeks later.
All that is finally in the past and barring some last-minute delays, which considering this is XDefiant we're talking about I wouldn't completely rule out, the game is all but ready following Server Test Session conducted by Ubisoft.
To say this is an ambitious project would be an understatement. The preseason is already jam-packed with content considering Ubisoft announced it'll only last six weeks. After that, each subsequent season will introduce a brand-new faction, three weapons, three maps, and a battle pass with 90 tiers of content to grind.
XDefiant will be available on PlayStation 5, PC, and Xbox Series X/S. PC enthusiasts will be disappointed to hear that the FPS won't be on Steam as it will exclusively launch via Ubisoft Connect, the company's own launcher.
Fans are hopeful a Steam version releases later down the line, but in the meantime, I wouldn't get my hopes up.
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