XDefiant (2024)

Ubisoft still can't land on any compelling identity for XDefiant, but it remains a genuinely exhilarating F2P shooter I wish was more active.

XDefiant is a solid first-person shooter featuring familiar gameplay elements as other games in the genre but with a twist, including the different factions and their unique abilities. The factions help to keep the gameplay fresh from match to match, and they're all fairly balanced in their ability, though not necessarily their application. Unfortunately, the game still suffers with weapon balancing and hit registration, as well as missing a some accessibility and quality of life options.

XDefiant offers a nostalgic experience of the good old days of FPS, with fast-paced gameplay and plenty of variety. The faction system is well-integrated, allowing you to control the various objectives. From a visual standpoint, the first-person shooter experience doesn't particularly stand out from the market. In addition, it is essential for Ubisoft to resolve Netcode issues and improve weapon balancing. Otherwise, the title will suffer from the same problems as its competitors. The basis is there, but there's still work to be done!

At the end of the day, though, XDefiant is free to try and free to own. There is literally zero barriers for entry to try it out. But even so, does it respect the player enough to warrant pouring hours into it? I have to say yes, but barely. Sure, the developers have promised a lot of things that are headed to the game, but we can’t grade a product based on its potential, right? If the devs do manage to add a ping system, adjust objective scoring, etc., then that could make XDefiant one of the year’s best multiplayer experiences. But until that day happens, we need to score it based on what’s on the table. For now, XDefiant is worth the download and disk space. I mean, I’m now at level 80+ and even with the issues I’ve mentioned, I’m still playing it; that has to account for something, right? If its execution matches its ambition, then this could be the start of another long-running Ubisoft franchise.

Leave it to Ubisoft to craft a hero shooter in as boring a fashion as its weaker open worlds.