XDefiant expected release date, open beta details, platforms and crossplay

22 June 2023 , 09:00

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Here's everything you need to know about the upcoming Ubisoft shooter XDefiant (Image: Ubisoft)

XDefiant is Ubisofts new take on the FPS genre, aiming to take on Call of Duty's crown as the premiere twitch shooter.

XDefiant is a strange hybrid of hero shooters and Call of Duty, taking the worlds and factions from a multitude of Ubisoft's series' and throwing them into an arena shooter. 6v6 team-based battles over a variety of game modes aren't anything new to those of you who play Call of Duty, but the catch is you'll be playing as characters from Watch Dogs, Far Cry, and Splinter Cell. But if Valorant can mix hero shooter with CSGO and make it work, I suppose a hero shooting Call of Duty could work.

After the demise of titles like Hyperscape, Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Frontline, and Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Phantoms, XDefiant is Ubisoft's latest attempt to conquer the free-to-play shooter market. Unlike those titles, however, XDefiant seems to be picking up steam after positive reactions from the open beta, we could be looking at the next great arena shooter.

XDefiant expected release date

Ubisoft has confirmed that XDefiant will launch in Summer 2023 which could mean anytime between June 21, to September 23, 2023, if we want to get technical with it. We're within the release window now and there's still no confirmed release date, so it seems Ubisoft are using the current open beta to test the game's polish before committing to a specific date.

XDefiant open beta details

The XDefiant open beta started on June 21 and will run until Saturday, June 24. However, considering the XDefiant closed beta was extended, perhaps we could see the same thing happening to the open beta, considering it's been having some server issues.

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The beta has had some updates since the closed beta, including new Netcode changes, a new 120Hz mode on PS5 and Xbox Series X. and updates to the controller experience including changes to input delay and aim assist.

Players who participate in the XDefiant open beta will also have the chance to unlock the DedSec faction, which will remain a permanent unlock – carrying over to the full release. You'll need to earn 125K XP during the open beta and you'll have the Watch Dogs-themed faction ready and waiting for you on day one.

XDefiant platforms and crossplay

XDefiant will be available on PC, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PS4, PS5, and the Amazon Luna cloud streaming service when the full release of the game launches. Unfortunately, the open beta is only available on current-gen consoles and PC, so players on PS4, Xbox One or Amazon Luna are out of luck for now. The game is confirmed to have crossplay, so you'll be able to team up with your friends no matter what platform they prefer.

Scott McCrae