Is XDefiant going to be free to play when it releases? That’s a question many prospective players of Ubisoft’s cross-platform FPS game have been asking. As a competitive shooter with fast-paced gameplay that brings you specialized factions inspired by games from across the Ubisoft universe, it’s certainly a question that begs an answer considering how many are in the genre.
Will XDefiant be Free to Play?
Yes, XDefiant is going to be free to play on all platforms, including PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. That’s been confirmed by Ubisoft. It joins other free to play games from the developer/publisher, such as Brawlhalla and the upcoming Tom Clancy’s The Division: Heartland.
Ubisoft promises in the trailer that XDefiant will always be free-to-play and never feature any pay-to-win mechanics, which has us feeling good about the longevity of the game.
XDefiant had its very own Showcase back in April that gave us a deep dive into the gameplay, and we were able to preview the game, saying that XDefiant is a “tactical FPS meets Hero Shooter.” You’ll be able to choose from specialized factions that represent unique classes with distinct abilities and Ultras. The game’s matches have teams of six that can be made of any combination of factions, and you can even change your faction and loadout mid-match.
There are currently five factions for XDefiant — Libertad, Phantoms, Echelon, Cleaners, and DedSec. Libertad are Freedom Fighters who are expert medics; think of them as your squad healer. Phantoms are Future Soldiers with advanced tech like personal shields pushing the team forward. Echelon are the Super Spies of the game, with tactical advantages that can reveal enemy locations. Cleaners are Pyro Technicians with Incendiary skills, bringing firepower to the game. Lastly, DedSec are Cyber Attackers, with abilities like scrambling the enemy’s HUD.
It’s pretty clear that the factions of XDefiant have what it takes to make a solid squad, so we’re excited to try them out again in the Open Beta, running from June 21 to June 23.
