Ubisoft’s free-to-play first-person shooter XDefiant was released in May 2024 with high hopes, but the game has unfortunately not lived up to expectations.
After facing fierce competition from established titles like Fortnite and Rainbow Six Siege, Ubisoft announced that the game will be shutting down permanently on June 3, 2025. This marks the end of a short but action-packed journey for XDefiant, which will be remembered for its unique factions and gameplay style.
Despite its untimely closure, XDefiant continues to deliver new content to its dedicated player base. Season 3, the final major update, brings an array of exciting new features, including additional factions, maps, and new gameplay modes. Below, we delve into the key highlights from the final patch notes.
New Factions and Abilities
One of the most notable additions in Season 3 is the introduction of new factions, each bringing distinct abilities and playstyles to XDefiant‘s fast-paced combat. These include:
- Assassins: With a background steeped in secrecy and tactical precision, Assassins come equipped with the iconic Hidden Blade for quick, lethal strikes. This faction thrives in stealth, making it a formidable presence in close combat situations.
- Wolves: Ex-special forces soldiers turned rogue, Wolves employ advanced Skell Tech drones for both offensive and defensive operations. Their drones can disrupt enemy lines of sight and provide area control, making them a unique choice for players who favor strategic play.
- Blood Dragon: Cyber-commandos from a dystopian future, Blood Dragons are armed with powerful cybernetic enhancements and deadly shurikens. Their high-tech arsenal includes the Killstar laser, perfect for dealing massive damage to enemies.
New Maps and Game Modes
Season 3 also brings fresh environments for players to explore, including:
- Mykonos (Arena): A sun-soaked Greek island, perfect for rooftop firefights and fast-paced engagements.
- El Barrio (Arena): A vibrant city map that promises intense urban combat.
- Jorvik (Linear): A map inspired by Viking history, ideal for a more strategic, tactical gameplay experience.
- Animus Anomaly (Tactical): A corridor-style map set in an ancient world, introducing a new tactical mode for players to master.
For those looking for new challenges, Ubisoft has also introduced several exciting game modes:
- Defuse: A slower, more tactical take on BOMB!, where players plant and defend bomb sites with only one life per round.
- Lum Hunt: A quirky mode where players chase and capture elusive Lums, with the opportunity to earn rewards in Private Matches.
- Turbo XD: Experience gravity-defying combat as you super jump your way through intense battles.
Ranked Play and Weapon Additions
XDefiant‘s competitive scene also sees the introduction of new ways to showcase player skill. Season 3 introduces the Top 500 leaderboard, which will feature the highest-ranked players each season, alongside detailed stats like win/loss ratios and MVP counts.
Additionally, new weapons have been added to diversify combat options:
- Famas Assault Rifle: Known for its burst fire, the Famas allows players to quickly engage enemies with high accuracy.
- MG5 Light Machine Gun: A powerful LMG with a high rate of fire, ideal for players who can handle recoil.
- M1A Marksman Rifle: A versatile medium-range weapon with fast fire rates and precision.
Progression System and New Rewards
Season 3 also introduces significant changes to progression. The Prestige System allows players to reset their progress in exchange for exclusive cosmetics and emblems, creating an incentive for long-term dedication. Meanwhile, the Faction Mastery feature enables players to track their progress and unlock unique rewards for leveling up different factions.
For those seeking additional challenges, Badges have been introduced as part of a new challenge-based progression system. These hidden objectives encourage players to engage deeply with the game and discover new ways to play.
Conclusion
Though XDefiant may be nearing its end, Ubisoft has ensured that its final season brings exciting new content for players to enjoy. With new factions, maps, game modes, and progression systems, Season 3 offers a fitting farewell to a game that, while short-lived, left its mark on the free-to-play FPS genre.
If you’re still a fan of XDefiant, now is the perfect time to dive into the game’s final updates and enjoy everything the game has to offer before it shuts down in 2025.
XDefiant Set to Shut Down in 2025: Ubisoft’s Arcade FPS Faces the End