Summary

  • XDefiant broke records by reaching one million users in record time for Ubisoft, signaling a strong start for the game's future success.
  • Despite server issues, XDefiant attracted over 500,000 concurrent users on launch day, showcasing the game's popularity and potential.
  • With upcoming updates addressing bugs and hit registration, XDefiant aims to maintain its positive reception among players and community figures.

XDefiant became Ubisoft's fastest-ever game to reach one million unique users, according to an established insider's sources. 48 hours after its launch, XDefiant had reached an even more impressive number of players, as Ubisoft looks to maintain the success of its newest hit.

Ever since its announcement, XDefiant has been positioned by many as a Call of Duty competitor due to its resemblance to CoD titles from earlier in the 21st century. However, XDefiant has thrown in plenty of features to set itself apart from Activision's megalithic franchise, whether that be faction abilities, a modern but relatively stripped-down movement system, or the surprising decision to ditch skill-based matchmaking altogether. While XDefiant still has a long road ahead if it intends to challenge CoD's supremacy in the genre, it seems to be off to a fantastic start.

In addition to XDefiant's impressive feat of reaching one million unique players within two and a half hours, the game also went on to reach over three million unique users within 48 hours of its launch, per Insider Gaming's sources. Also, over 500,000 concurrent users were logged in to XDefiant at one point on launch day, despite server issues that have since been fixed. Since Ubisoft usually doesn't publicly share its player numbers, it's unclear where XDefiant now stands about 72 hours after its launch, but it seems unlikely that its success will slow down in the immediate future.

XDefiant's Record-Breaking Start

  • Reached one million unique users within two and a half hours, making it Ubisoft's most successful launch ever
  • Went on to reach three million unique users within 48 hours of its launch
  • Despite major server issues, the game reached 500,000 concurrent users on launch day

XDefiant's core gameplay appears to be a hit with many players despite its early bugs and server complications, so it seems the game's continued success could come down to post-launch support and future development decisions. Ubisoft's devs just released XDefiant's first update, which included various fixes for the Practice Zone, netcode, and other gameplay problems.

Recently, a senior XDefiant dev also confirmed that a hit registration patch is in the works, although a release window for the update is still unknown. The game is set to receive its major Season 1 update sometime this summer, possibly on July 2 if it begins immediately after the preseason concludes, which has a confirmed runtime of six weeks.

Despite the early issues, XDefiant has been well-received by both community figures and players. AAA arena-style FPS titles have been rare releases in recent years, partially due to the massive popularity of the battle royale format, but XDefiant seems to be turning into the subgenre's first success story in a while.

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XDefiant Tag Page Cover Art
XDefiant
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FPS
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Systems
PC-1 PlayStation-1 Xbox-1
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Released
May 21, 2024
ESRB
T For Teen due to Mild Language, Violence
Developer(s)
Ubisoft San Francisco
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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.

Publisher(s)
Ubisoft
Genre(s)
FPS