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Learn: Game Designer Profession from Scratch to PRO
Find out moreXDefiant didn't make an impression at first glance. The game's dynamics and maps were reminiscent of Call of Duty, but didn't bring anything new: the same game modes, similar TTK, and small maps. Even the system of Specialists with unique abilities resembled Black Ops 4. The situation was exacerbated by frequent delays—at times, it seemed as if even its publisher had abandoned the project when it stopped public demonstrations. It's important to note that a lack of innovation and an unstable release schedule can negatively impact player interest.
At launch, XDefiant surprised with its immediate success. The peak online viewership on Twitch immediately after the game's release exceeded 200,000. According to Insider Gaming, over a million players played XDefiant in the first two and a half hours, an unprecedented achievement for Ubisoft. Currently, the number of unique players has exceeded 8 million, confirming the game's high interest and popularity among gamers.
XDefiant attracted the attention of arcade shooter fans thanks to its unique gameplay and dynamic action. The game combines elements of classic shooters with modern mechanics, making it appealing to a wide range of players. With a variety of characters and unique abilities, players can choose the playstyle that best suits their preferences.
Newcomers should check out XDefiant, as it offers intuitive controls and accessible tutorials. This allows players to quickly master the core mechanics and enjoy the gameplay. Furthermore, regular updates and an active player community create a favorable environment for engagement and learning.
Therefore, XDefiant is an excellent choice for both experienced players and newcomers, providing the opportunity to immerse themselves in the exciting world of arcade shooters.
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Just like old times
Call of Duty fans will immediately appreciate the atmosphere and dynamics of XDefiant. This shooter offers intense battles on compact maps. Players can move quickly, engage in fast-paced firefights, and respawn almost instantly after death. Expect intense encounters at every turn, creating a unique gaming experience that will captivate fans of the genre.
XDefiant significantly differs from Call of Duty in its mechanics. One notable feature is the high time-to-kill (TTK), which is 5-6 bullets when using rapid-fire weapons. This time is approximately 500 milliseconds, which is twice as long as many Call of Duty games. Such changes in game mechanics can impact player strategy and tactics, offering a new experience in the shooter genre.
Shooters actively encourage constant movement, which is a key element of gameplay. Players can quickly strafe, and jumping and sliding provide significant momentum, making the character a difficult target for opponents. In addition, actions can be combined into a seamless chain: by switching from sliding to jumping, the player can instantly change direction in the air, which allows them to effectively avoid attacks and create strategic advantages.
In practice, this means that success in firefights does not depend solely on quick reactions, but rather on character control skills and weapon recoil control. Even in a difficult situation, when it seems like you are on the losing side, you can achieve victory if you master the bunny hopping technique in advance. Proper use of this technique allows you to effectively maneuver and evade enemy attacks, which significantly increases your chances of success in the gameplay.
Shootouts are only one component of matches in XDefiant. Most modes, with one exception, require the capture and control of points of interest. This creates a need not only to survive longer, but also to act more strategically. Fortunately, the game design encourages a tactical approach and a variety of game strategies.
All maps in XDefiant are compact trilanes consisting of three main lanes that intersect at specific points. This allows players to carefully analyze the overall situation on the battlefield and make informed decisions. They can identify vulnerabilities in enemy defenses, use routes suitable for their weapon class, and block enemy spawn points depending on the current circumstances. This approach to strategic interaction on maps makes gameplay more dynamic and tactical, which contributes to the development of teamplay skills.
At the beginning of the game, despite its intense and dynamic nature, traditional team deathmatch and free-for-all modes are absent. However, these modes will certainly be added in the future, making the gameplay even more varied and engaging.
The playstyle in Call of Duty is largely defined by the classic minimap, which is an essential element of gameplay. This minimap displays enemies firing without a suppressor, as well as the current position of allies. It is a powerful tool that players use in different ways. Beginners tend to focus on red dots, while more experienced gamers analyze enemy locations based on where their teammate just respawned. Proper use of the minimap can significantly improve the chances of winning a game, allowing players to make more informed tactical decisions.
A Solid Foundation
XDefiant's game design is built on a solid foundation, thanks to the involvement of experts associated with the Call of Duty franchise. Executive Producer Mark Rubin previously held a similar position during the development of the original Modern Warfare 2 and Ghosts. Legendary professional CoD player Patrick Price, known by his nickname Aches, also contributed to the creation of XDefiant. Bloggers who have actively covered the Activision series for many years also provided consultation to the developers. The team's experience and expertise allow them to create a high-quality and engaging gameplay experience that will attract both long-time fans and new players.
The team successfully avoided many of the mistakes inherent in similar games. In particular, there are practically no complaints about the weapon balance. Different weapon classes significantly vary in effectiveness in various gameplay situations, making gameplay more dynamic and engaging. This approach allows players to choose the optimal weapon based on specific combat conditions, which promotes better interaction between classes and strategic planning.
Submachine guns offer quick aiming and maneuverability when firing, but their effectiveness significantly decreases at long ranges. In this context, XDefiant differs from Call of Duty, where even at medium ranges, some mobile weapons allow players to feel confident. For example, in XDefiant, the MP7 requires six shots to eliminate an enemy at a distance of up to 17 meters, while at longer ranges it will require at least ten shots. Therefore, neutralizing an enemy at long range with a submachine gun becomes difficult, especially for more experienced players.
There are significant differences within each weapon class in the game, while the overall balance is maintained. Players won't encounter weapons that are clearly ineffective, allowing them to experiment with their choices without worrying about making a bad decision. This is especially important in a situation where the number of available weapons is limited—on average, 3-4 options per class. This approach promotes a variety of gameplay tactics and increases the interest in exploring different combat styles.
One of the most common complaints from the XDefiant community is the imbalance of sniper rifles. This is unsurprising, as sniper weapons are always controversial among players. The negative attitude toward them is understandable: the game has a high time-to-kill (TTK), but sniper rifles retain the ability to instantly kill with a single shot to the chest or head and also have a fast aiming speed. Dying from a well-aimed shot is always unpleasant, highlighting the need for a more balanced approach to gameplay.
Players using rapid-fire rifles have certain advantages on the battlefield. Active movement makes them difficult and unpredictable targets for opponents. In games like Call of Duty, shooting and accurate aim with sniper rifles become more accessible thanks to their high reaction speed and maneuverability. This makes the gameplay more dynamic and exciting.
Weapon attachments in XDefiant are a unique blend of elements from classic Call of Duty titles and modern games. Unlike traditional upgrades, which objectively boost weapon performance, players are offered a wide selection of attachments. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, allowing for a personalized playstyle. This approach makes weapon customization more engaging and strategic, allowing you to tailor it to specific gameplay situations.
In XDefiant, each of six categories offers six different attachments. Some of these attachments can significantly improve weapon performance. For example, there is a muzzle that increases damage but simultaneously reduces the rate of fire. With the right weapon selection, this improvement can significantly reduce the time to kill (TTK). For example, the MP7 has 19 damage at an effective range, requiring six shots to kill. A slight increase in this stat reduces the required number of shots to five, making a noticeable difference in effectiveness. In this case, a slight decrease in the rate of fire will not have a critical impact on overall combat effectiveness.
Weapon performance can be significantly improved by combining various upgrades correctly. Each category includes attachments that speed up aiming. While each of them may seem ineffective individually, when combined, they significantly increase player speed. Experimenting with this system is fun, but interest can quickly wane. Since attachments are similar for most weapons, you will soon learn to accurately determine which modifications need to be installed and what exactly should be emphasized.
Level Design
All maps in the game are high-quality trilogies, but their layout could be criticized. Many locations look too safe, without original and exotic interweaving of paths, which makes them less unique. The developers should consider introducing more varied routes so that each map acquires its own individuality and interest. This will add an element of surprise and appeal to players, enhancing the overall gaming experience.
Playing on the maps remains engaging, despite the variety of styles. Each map offers a unique mix of open and enclosed spaces, suitable for both snipers and shotgun enthusiasts. Snipers can take advantage of long, open streets, while shotgun enthusiasts will find comfort in narrow corridors. The map layout allows for approaching key points from multiple directions, encouraging a more tactical and effective playstyle. Control point defenses become tense, but generally fair, adding an element of strategy and competition.
The main issues with the game's maps aren't related to the layout of cover or the logic behind its placement, but rather arise from design flaws. The visual language of interactive obstacles leaves much to be desired. Although the environment artists painted most objects in the traditional yellow color, some remain unpainted. Furthermore, the height of interactive barriers isn't always well-thought-out. Players may encounter low walls that they can't vault over, which can be frustrating during combat. As a result, during intense moments of the game, such trifles can be distracting and interfere with focusing on completing tasks.
The game is experiencing issues with its respawn point selection algorithm. The mechanism, borrowed from Call of Duty, divides the map in capture mode into "friendly" and "enemy" zones. If the algorithm cannot place the player in the desired area due to a large number of enemies nearby, the respawn locations are switched. This can negatively impact gameplay and requires improvement to improve the gaming experience.
A systematic approach to combat analysis allows players to use the minimap more effectively. By mastering key respawn points for each side, they can anticipate possible enemy spawns based on the locations of their teammates. However, this strategy does not always work effectively. The respawn algorithm sometimes places the character directly in front of the enemy, which leads to unexpected and disadvantageous situations. In addition, the respawn zones are often unbalanced, which also affects the overall gameplay.
In Occupy mode, the capture point changes its location every minute. Each location corresponds to two main spawn zones for the teams. These zones can be positioned quite creatively. For example, one team might respawn just a few meters from the capture point, while the other team must traverse the entire map. Escaping this disadvantage is only possible by "flipping" the spawn zones, adding a strategic element to the gameplay.
Character Abilities
XDefiant features a Specialist system borrowed from Call of Duty mechanics, but with a unique approach based on factions from other Ubisoft games. Before the start of a match, the player selects a Specialist with a unique set of abilities. Each faction provides one passive skill, an ultimate ability, and an active piece of equipment to choose from. For example, if a player selects Echelon from the Splinter Cell series, that character will not appear on the minimap, will be able to periodically activate camouflage, and will receive an ultimate ability that allows them to see all enemies through walls for a limited time. This approach to selecting specialists adds depth to the gameplay and allows players to adapt their strategies depending on the chosen faction.
Before release, the Specialist mechanic raised concerns among players. In Black Ops 4, a similar system often led to unfair, unavoidable deaths. However, in XDefiant, the situation has improved. Many Specialist abilities are focused on supporting their allies. For example, a health replenishing tank, a portable shield, and the ability to highlight nearby enemies—all these elements not only help the player but also significantly improve their team's chances of winning the match.
This approach gives the game a unique charm. XDefiant more effectively motivates players to help their allies compared to Call of Duty. Battles become more dynamic and exciting thanks to a variety of tools that help get out of the most difficult situations. Players can use a variety of strategies and tactics, making each battle unique and exciting.
The developers carefully selected core activated abilities, allowing for effective team support. Many of these abilities provide assistance to allies, even when used for personal gain. For example, placing a canister at a key point makes area control easier for the entire team.
In game worlds with a high degree of utility, there is often a risk of imbalance. Some abilities in the game require refinement. For example, the "Phantoms" ability from Ghost Recon provides an additional 20 health. This feature is activated passively and has no limit, making it overpowered. Destroying such an enemy usually requires more ammo, which in turn can affect combat strategy and the overall dynamics of the game. Optimizing such skills is necessary to ensure a fairer and more engaging gaming experience.
The game currently faces numerous situations where players face uneven playing fields. For example, rechargeable abilities like portable shields or camouflage can be neutralized with an electric grenade. However, ultimate abilities like Echelon are undefendable. If a skilled opponent activates this ability, the only option is to hide and wait for it to expire. Dying in these situations is significantly frustrating. The developers should consider introducing additional gameplay mechanics that will allow players to more effectively counter opponents with a clear advantage. This is especially relevant in light of Ubisoft's plans to expand ranked matches, which are scheduled to fully launch in a month.
Specific matchmaking is the game's main feature
Before the release of XDefiant, the game's main advantage was the lack of a skill-based matchmaking system (SBMM). Mark Rubin frequently emphasized this on his social media, and before the game's launch, the developers published a special article dedicated to the matchmaking system in XDefiant. This decision has attracted the attention of players seeking fairer and more engaging matches.
Call of Duty fans are intrigued by this feature, but many casual players are confused about why it is receiving so much attention. Some specialized publications have even criticized Ubisoft's approach.
In our previous article, we took a detailed look at the skill-based matchmaking system in the Call of Duty series, including its hidden negative consequences. In this article, we will focus on the experience the game offers without strict matchmaking. The absence of a rigid matchmaking system can provide more varied play sessions and increase the level of enjoyment. Players can encounter different playstyles, which contributes to skill improvement and the creation of unique gameplay situations. This approach can also help build a friendlier and less competitive atmosphere, where newcomers and experienced players can enjoy the game on an equal footing.
The absence of a skill-based matchmaking system (SBMM) has significant implications for gamers. Freeform matchmaking evokes the atmosphere of old-school arcade shooters, providing variety and unpredictability in every game. Players never know who they'll face in a new lobby—it could be a group of laid-back newbies or seasoned pros. Some believe that casual players can quickly become frustrated when faced with the dominance of more experienced opponents. However, this simplistic view doesn't capture the full depth of the gaming experience. Players can develop their skills, learn from more experienced opponents, and enjoy a variety of gameplay, making every session unique.
Matchmaking is most often based on the statistical distribution of players. Each team includes both strong and weak players, as well as mid-level players. This allows even inexperienced players to find opportunities to rack up kills and contribute to the team's overall victory. While exceptions do occur, they add variety to the gameplay. Challenging battles require players to exert maximum concentration and skill, while more relaxed matches can follow, providing an interesting mix of intense and easy-going gameplay.
This approach doesn't feel manipulated, as often happens in modern shooters, and allows for a more accurate assessment of your skill. Paradoxically, matchmaking focused on player skill rarely achieves this goal. The SBMM system, especially without a visible ranking indicator, creates a gaming environment in which players often perform at an average level—without distinguishing themselves by either good or bad play. In such a system, it's difficult to determine whether you're truly improving. Unpredictable matches force you to wonder, "Am I getting worse, or is the game deliberately matching me with stronger opponents?"
Free matchmaking provides an opportunity to evaluate your level of play in the long term. While some failures are inevitable, over time, players tend to win more matches. This is because they are further and further away from beginners on the bell curve. As a result, statistically, they will be facing less experienced opponents. This creates a wonderful sense of gradual progress, which eventually allows a beginner to reach the level of a pro, leaving behind those who once defeated them in their early matches. This approach to matchmaking promotes skill development and increased confidence, which in turn leads to even greater success in the game.
The game runs the risk of quickly becoming boring, but a lot depends on the first season
All of this leads to the conclusion that XDefiant is a high-quality shooter developed by a team with a good understanding of its target audience. However, over time, the game begins to feel like it lacks ambition. The project feels like an experiment in which the publisher lacked confidence, resulting in a lack of compelling features beyond the gameplay. The developers should focus on elements that could make the game more engaging and engaging for players.
This primarily concerns progression. In Call of Duty, players always have an overarching goal. This begins with leveling up to unlock new gear, then completing challenges for individual weapons and achieving general objectives like winning 100 matches. Every battle in the series creates a sense of meaningful progress, often in multiple directions at once. This makes the gameplay more engaging and motivates players to keep fighting, striving for new achievements and improvements.
In XDefiant, levels don't have a significant impact on gameplay. They're simply numbers that gradually increase. Equipment is unlocked by completing simple, unengaging challenges. For example, to unlock a new submachine gun, you need to kill 50 enemies using other weapons of the same class. The guns themselves don't have unique challenges, which makes the process less engaging.
All that's left is to level up the weapons, which unlock unique camouflages. It seems Ubisoft intentionally slowed this process down to keep players engaged at the start. Admittedly, the process can be quite tedious: to level up one level, you need to kill 30 enemies, and for each gun, you need to complete this action 100 times. Ultimately, to get the gold camouflage, you need to kill 3,000 enemies. This creates significant challenges for players, which can negatively impact their enjoyment of the game.
The problem is compounded by the need for specialized attachments for some weapons, which limits their effectiveness in combat. For example, the Vector submachine gun has an impressive rate of fire of 1,000 rounds per minute, but its standard magazine holds only 25 rounds. Until the player reaches level 11 and unlocks the advanced magazine, they will have to face difficulties in encounters with opponents, which can lead to frequent loss of lives.
The current version of XDefiant is a pre-season stage, used to test game mechanics and prepare for the first full season, which starts on July 2. This stage will help determine whether XDefiant can offer players something meaningful in the long term. The developers have already unveiled a preliminary roadmap, according to which each season will bring a new faction, three new maps, and additional game modes. Thus, XDefiant is preparing interesting updates and innovations for its users, which may affect its popularity in the future.
If Ubisoft can consistently provide players with new weapons, challenges, and unique events, XDefiant will have a chance to retain its audience for the long term. Otherwise, the game may face problems similar to those experienced by The Finals, when a successful release was followed by a sharp churn of players. Only time will tell if XDefiant can offer enough content to maintain interest.
Finally, a Call of Duty killer?
The phrase "Call of Duty killer" has lost its relevance over the years. Only a few developers have attempted to create full-fledged competitors to this famous franchise. However, surprisingly, no game has been able to offer a similar level of quality and gameplay. In this context, XDefiant can already be considered a success. Call of Duty fans report a high level of enjoyment from the game. Many admit they weren't expecting such a captivating experience from a new shooter. XDefiant demonstrates that even in a saturated genre, something unique and engaging can be created.
Despite XDefiant's impressive launch, which shows a high peak in online players, this doesn't mean one game can completely replace another. Data shows that Call of Duty continues to be popular, without significant pressure from new releases. XDefiant's success indicates high player interest in arcade shooters that don't include a skill-based matchmaking system (SBMM). This demonstrates that the arcade shooter market remains saturated and there is continued demand for games that offer freer and less restrictive gameplay.
XDefiant could be a major indicator of problems in the Call of Duty series. If a major gaming franchise makes significant design mistakes, fans can easily switch to a high-quality free-to-play equivalent. This can lead to a better user experience for all players, as competition drives higher standards and quality of games.
Game Designer Profession from Scratch to PRO
A game designer creates the structure of a game. They develop the idea, rules, and gameplay, and decide what emotions the story will evoke in players. You'll master the principles of game design from scratch and learn how to work with popular engines like Unity and Unreal Engine. You'll learn how to keep players engaged and monetize games. And we'll help you start a career in the gaming industry.
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