Summary
The upcoming first-person shooterXDefianthas great news for skill-based matchmaking, with Ubisoft officially confirming that the feature will not be included in the casual playlists of the game.XDefiantis fast approaching its May 21 release date, and Ubisoft has now clarified one of gamers' biggest questions about the shooter.
Skill-based matchmaking has been a hot topic in FPS circles over the last few years. The feature attempts to connect players with other gamers of a similar skill level in matchmaking games, which, in theory, results in games that are consistently much closer. This helps low-skill gamers not get stomped in every match, which is huge for retaining players for long periods of time. TheCall of Dutyseries is notable for employing the use of skill-based matchmaking, but critics argue that it makes for a much less rewarding experience for players who are great at a game. WithXDefiantwanting to differentiate itself fromCall of Dutyin several key ways, this could be the perfect move.
As first reported byIGN, a post on the Ubisoft website confirms that skill-based matchmaking will not be included inXDefiant’s casual playlists. The post clarifies that “We believe that no SBMM is paramount to a fun and varied game experience in the long term,” claiming it makes casual matches “repetitive,” creating “matches that are just as stressful and matched as ranked.” IfXDefiantis looking to outdoCall of Duty, this could be the perfect way forward.
Ubisoft Confirms No Skill-Based Matchmaking in XDefiant
With no skill-based matchmaking,XDefiantwill instead place a priority on fast connection times for casual play. When it comes to ranked play,XDefiantwill connect players within a certain rank range, and it makes sense to have this in place for the competitive modes. However, ranked play will be added after the initiallaunch ofXDefiant, so players will have the chance to hone their skills in casual first.
WithXDefiant’s release just around the corner, the hype continues to grow for Ubisoft’s flagshipCall of Dutycompetitor. It will be a big task to take on the juggernaut, and Ubisoft has already revealed that a few features fromCall of Dutywill be present in its own title in order to get an edge. A few months back, it was revealed thatXDefiantwill have a Prestige systemof its own, which will be a great way to keep gamers playing for a long time to come. Hopefully, the game lives up to the hype, as more competition in the casual shooter space is always a good thing.
XDefiant
XDefiant is a free-to-play, first-person online arena shooter where you compete in fast-paced clashes. With cross-play available at launch, you will be able to play with friends on a variety of platforms.Season 1 introduces the Team Rainbow operators of GS-Kommando leveraging their counter-terrorism training to disrupt their enemies. They can deploy electrified barbed wire for area denial, counter incoming enemy devices with their Active Defense System, and dazzle multiple foes with flash charges mounted on their G52-Tactical Shield.While GS-Kommando operators pride themselves on using non-lethal force whenever possible, they are as capable on the battlefield as any spec ops group.Customized Loadouts: Choose from a large arsenal of weapons, attachments, and devices to optimize the way you play. Combine any weapon with any faction, and unlock new options as you play to perfect your playstyle.Factions: Factions are drawn from iconic Ubisoft worlds and represent distinct classes, each with unique abilities and ultras. Choose any character from any faction to assemble your team of six players. Change your faction at any point during play to adapt to your strategy.Maps, Modes, and Mayhem: Play in a diverse range of 14 maps at launch across several different arena and linear modes including Zone Control, Escort, Occupy, and more. Fight in casual matches or climb the tiers in competitive ranked mode.
