Summary
AnXDefiantdeveloper confirmed that the game will implement a prestige system similar to the one seen in classicCall of Dutytitles. Ubisoft’sXDefiant, which has positioned itself as a direct competitor toCall of Duty, is still without a release date.
XDefiantwas originally slated to release in Summer 2023 until it was pushed back to a Q4 2023 release. Fans eagerly awaited the game’s launch untilXDefiantagain announced that the game was delayed, and this time indefinitely so. Its development team was vague about what specific issues were plaguing the game’s development, but these problems likely weren’t trivial, seeing that the game is still without a release date going into 2024. In the meantime, anXDefiantdeveloper shared new information regarding the game’s features.
Mark Rubin,XDefiant’s executive producer and formerCall of Dutyexecutive producer, explained that the game will feature a prestige system based on the ones seen in classicCall of Dutygames. What he means by this is thatXDefiantwill not feature seasonal prestiges or seasonal level caps, but instead will launch with something like 10-15 prestiges which players can progress through unimpeded, without being capped at a certain level each season. Rubin added thatXDefiantis intended to last for years unlikeCall of Duty’s annual releases, so new prestiges will possibly be added as the game grows older. While this is probably a promising update forfans of classicCall of Dutygames, this is just one of the ways thatXDefiantplans to attractCoDfans to the new franchise.
Attributes of XDefiant’s Prestige System
XDefiantis utilizing a plethora of features to convinceCall of Dutyfans, or just FPS fans, to try out Ubisoft’s new game. Skill-based matchmaking, or SBMM, became a hot topic amongCall of Dutyfans over recent years.XDefiantconfirmed that no playlists will utilize this mechanic, other than Ranked playlists and the game’s Welcome playlist which is intended for newcomers. It’ll be interesting to see how the total lack of SBMM will impact the matchmaking of a twitchy, competitive-ish FPS game, which is a rare occurrence in today’s multiplayer titles. Other features that might attractCall of Dutyfans who are looking for something new include operator abilities, no tactical sprint, and a free-to-play model.
In addition to features that have already been confirmed, fans have daydreamed abouthowXDefiantcould further outdoCall of Duty. These possible strategies include less egregious microtransactions, more maps, and better battle pass rewards. Ubisoft will need to put in massive amounts of effort if it wishes to challengeCall of Dutyon its high mountaintop, so it’s certainly possible that strategies similar to these will be implemented.
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.
