XDefiant: Pro Gameplay Tips, Map Guide, and Preseason Developer Insights

XDefiant launches on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC on May 21. Before the preseason kicks off, tune into the first episode of XDebrief, the show that gives you all the first looks, news, and updates on XDefiant. Every episode of XDebrief will feature developer insights, first looks at new features like weapons, maps, modes, and community highlights.
In this first episode of XDebrief we chat with Executive Producer Mark Rubin to talk about design philosophy of XDefiant, we share Mark's top tips for each game mode, get insights into map design from Creative Director Safy Saada, and learn how to play XDefiant like a pro from professional FPS players.
About XDefiant:
Ubisoft's worlds collide in a free-to-play, first-person arena shooter where you compete to be the best in fast-paced online matches!
Join an always-evolving experience with regular updates bringing new playable factions and a growing collection of maps, weapons, and game modes. With cross-play, you will be able to join your friends across available platforms.
#Ubisoft #XDefiant
About Ubisoft:
Ubisoft is a creator of worlds, committed to enriching players’ lives with original and memorable entertainment experiences. Ubisoft’s global teams create and develop a deep and diverse portfolio of games, featuring brands such as Assassin’s Creed®, Brawlhalla®, For Honor®, Far Cry®, Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon®, Just Dance®, Rabbids®, Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six®, The Crew®, Tom Clancy’s The Division®, and Watch Dogs®. Through Ubisoft Connect, players can enjoy an ecosystem of services to enhance their gaming experience, get rewards and connect with friends across platforms. With Ubisoft+, the subscription service, they can access a growing catalog of more than 100 Ubisoft games and DLC. For the 2021-22 fiscal year, Ubisoft generated net bookings of €2,129 million. To learn more, please visit: www.ubisoftgroup.com.
© 2024 Ubisoft Entertainment. All Rights Reserved. Ubisoft and the Ubisoft logo are registered trademarks in the US and/or other countries.

[@JackieLombardi]

Literally the only dev team i've ever heard openly talk about EOMM and how it can ruin games. I'm so excited for XDefiant

[@bhabhutiji1169]

EOMM is just evil, they are using new players to cater to their pro players who pay them or get sponsored by them.

[@BoomSlang001]

Love his transparency about the first alpha I played very early on. Nothing clicked, the UI has garish, the hit detection nonexistent, and the variety made it seem like a cash grab of other abandoned franchises. However, the recent beta proved it's actually very fun and competent. CoD needs more comp, and we need more arena games.

[@saularmendariz1341]

What is EOMM

[@TheTjark57]

looks like fortnite cod trash without any idenity n- enjoy free to play with a hardcore ingameshop. ubisoft and freetoplay, waiting for the shtshow

[@yahshua4928]

@@saularmendariz1341Engagement Optimized Matchmaking

[@GILTERS]

Remember everyone Mark Rubin brought us possibly the best cods of all time. He's going to make this game HUGE

[@sanchezs7614]

Im bricked up

[@nuggetz4037]

I knew he was on the COD team but which COD games has he worked on?

[@0trystan0]

@@nuggetz4037 The original Modern Warfares and Ghost I believe

[@TheBlackItalianGamer]

​@@nuggetz4037He is also the guy on MW2 (2009) cover

[@Solonite]

The last COD mark and the ex- infinity ward devs made was modern warfare 2 (2009) also he was the guy dressed as a solider on mw2 2009 cover​@nuggetz4037

[@kaizakiiiiii]

The fact that he said content is the most important thing to keep players engaged. I feel they are onto something. I really hope this game takes off 😊

[@ericwalker6477]

A lot of us are ready to leave COD behind

[@Taurus94]

​@@ericwalker6477 and the others have already left, long time ago

[@ericwalker6477]

@@Taurus94 this is true. I love FPShooters so I stuck around waiting for someone else to make one.

[@Prfctpersistent]

Yes but that also requires paying for stuff in the game. Hope people can handle doing that to support this game

[@coryv5679]

Yeah, that is why they had to remake that game more than once because it was super important to them... Wink, wink. He can say that all he wants but it is far from true. Only when they get backlash did they start to "care" about content. I mean they were trying to bank off the Tom Clany name by calling it: Tom Clancy's XDefiant... They tried to bank on the name which is super caring about the content. Until people got super upset over t hat and they changed it.

[@TheFrogEnjoyer]

I think I speak for most people when I say it's so refreshing to hear transparency between the developers and the players regarding things like SBMM/EBMM.

[@phyaz]

Like if you can't wait to play Tuesday 💪🏽

[@scp0178]

Yes, I am

[@alpha10165]

Me too

[@jasonadersonwedion9874]

Get a job

[@Sam-Fisher]

Hype awesome

[@Dystopian_Phantom_595]

​@@jasonadersonwedion9874Same to you keyboard warrior.

[@Gemini_Jack]

As someone that's been part of the playtests and Insider Sessions since 2021, I'm so excited to be this close to launch! Congrats to everyone involved in creating this clearly passionate project.

[@youngersgaming3509]

Same brother, it’s been a long road but we’re finally here 😂🙌🏼

[@Gemini_Jack]

@@youngersgaming3509 lol I'm proud of us 🥲 we did it

[@Solonite]

I have been the same as you with the insiders test. They have changed so much to make it better, even after playing 30+hrs of this I am still super hyped to see this finally be released

[@Gemini_Jack]

@@Solonite Yup it's nice seeing them implement so many changes after all these years. I'm glad they're listening to us and gives me a lot of hope for the future.

[@BerzerkRhyzen]

looks way better than the new cods AND its free and not 80 dollars like the new trash cods releasing every year

[@xDaPrincex]

Bingo! & It's fixed & finished now.

[@HenryCeption]

Give it a few months and have fun with smurfs in ranked

[@Scooter_MaGGaven]

XDefiant doesn't need to feel like Call of Duty to be successful. XDefiant doesn't need to feel like Call of Duty to be successful. XDefiant doesn't need to feel like Call of Duty to be successful.

[@schism15]

Say it louder for people in the back

[@TotemicFiend]

It DOES need a BR to succeed as I’m told I might be wrong. 🧐

[@Scooter_MaGGaven]

@@TotemicFiend having a BR would absolutely be a bad idea for XDefiant. It's a new IP so we as the gaming community need to let these developers have unique and creative ideas exclusively for XDefiant. Having a BR isn't necessary for XDefiant to be successful.

[@bollocks7754]

@@TotemicFiendmove on from br, its been 7 years now, boring

[@tonytheman111]

@@TotemicFiend please no, no more battle royales

[@sam_5780]

I prefer this over any FPS game since BO2. Thanks to all teams involved. I would love to see a skate park map. Also a map on a Yacht if you catch my drift…

[@josuerestrepo1476]

Cod 2019 is good

[@L0STV1K1NG96]

It’s Dollar Store Call of Duty

[@Ykh45..]

@@L0STV1K1NG96 u mean cod with no sbmm, no $70 dlc posed as a "game", no stupid skins (though if it gets them it will fit its theme which is a fun arena fps) and hopefully no p2w bundles.

[@SaturnZsGaming_]

I pray this doesn’t flop I mean it’s Ubisoft ppl let’s slow the praising til it’s actually here and has made its mark

[@ericwalker6477]

Yea it’s Ubi but Ruben basically made a COD game here.

[@SaturnZsGaming_]

@@ericwalker6477 that doesn’t sound good lol

[@ericwalker6477]

@@SaturnZsGaming_ you know what I mean lol.

[@SaturnZsGaming_]

@@ericwalker6477 lmaooooo I do 🤣🤣🤣🤣👌🏾

[@Prfctpersistent]

Ubisoft does pretty well with its MP games outside of hyperspace. R6 is one of the most popular games.

[@gpboreas9170]

So much has changed over 2 years. From the punk'd theme "Tom Clancy's Xdefient", to "Ubisoft Original Xdefient". Can't wait for the official launch

[@Dondingo4]

Nice spelling bro. It's not like the title of the game is right there or anything...

[@boxerjav123x]

🤓☝️​@@Dondingo4

[@Iwan__CFC]

What a journey this game has been on already it’s just the beginning. Also don’t worry about your spelling we know what you’re trying to say ❤

[@condorgaming4000]

Ubisoft gets a lot of flack, but when they hit, their games are addictive af. I think this will be one of them. I still play for honor. Need a sequel to that game btw

[@anti-naturevegan]

Most of the time they don't hit like r6s or whatever

[@Xander_Park]

Bro I have 300+ hours in the crew 2 and almost 500 hours in the crew motorfest, I'm a fan of Ubisoft!

[@condorgaming4000]

@@anti-naturevegan I enjoyed R6S for like the first 2 years. We used to play that in the barracks all the time. I wouldn't play it now though but it definitely scratched an itch that no other fps on console could for awhile.

[@condorgaming4000]

@@Xander_Park oh yeah I forgot about the crew. Only played the first one but it wasn't bad. Not really a fan of looter racer games though I found out.

[@0trystan0]

@@anti-naturevegan Problem is they do hit at launch (at least to an extent), then they find a way to f things off... Tho r6s is technically in great shape (in terms of stats) at the moment so we'll see I guess (and xdefiant will also be intern competition for player base lol)

[@ginyu4665]

as someone who's played nearly every playtest i'm so hyped to play the game :D

[@Xander_Park]

The hype is real!

[@XDefiantLFG]

Love it! Can’t wait to play again.

[@CWdeLima]

Big hopes for the launch day!

[@Lyxier.]

So hyped and happy the devs actually listen to the players and not data

[@markhogg8707]

Shows like this is what really fortifies the community based around the game more of this please!!! even highlight streamers clips once a week or something alot of content can be made

[@Avenzic]

They’re saying all the right things. Let’s hope they deliver 🙏🏼

[@Phil_Official]

If it releases on Tuesday, then the servers should probably work by Friday, right? So let´s look forward to a great weekend lol

[@bioinfused3189]

Had fun in all of the play tests I was able to play, looking forward to launch. Great work!

[@L.S-D]

"We were a Tom Clancy punk rock game and the feedback we got is nobody wanted that, nobody liked it" Man, I actually did want that I really liked the idea of the classes and esthetic. Did it match 'Tom Clancy' genre? Probably not, but I think it would have been cool

[@m.a.k.dynasty4504]

Exactly. They took away the style and flare of the original vision, as if that was the problem and not the fact that it has the Tom Clancy title attached to it, and replaced it with literally freaking nothing in return. You would think that with them adding more wacky factions like DedSec and the gang from Far Cry 6 into the mix that they would embrace the absurdity of the original vision more, but no. Apparently, the game is trying to take itself even more seriously than before which is just bizarre. That new logo that they gave the game is clean, but oversimplified, and boring with not a hint of creative expression to be seen.

[@noodleflixTV]

we’re close

[@alvimahmood7781]

will there be snd mode officially even for rank in future??

[@OddSanity]

I cannot wait for the official launch. So excited for Xdefiant and hoping for nothing but success for you guys!

[@-coms-]

im so exited for xdefiant and i love that they talk to the players

[@Iwan__CFC]

I cannot wait to see you all in game

[@Number2Vaderfan]

my two suggestions are: add more passageways to the outdoor spawn in emporium because most of the time players from indoor spawn can gatekeep the windows all match long which makes it very difficult for the opposite team to push in, and find a way to make hot shot less campy since most of the time teammates that have the point advantage will meatshield the hot shot on their spawn and kill the flow of the match. the latter is supposed to play like a TDM mode, you should be running around imo

[@akaPointlessYT]

Love the concept of XDebrief already. I hope you guys will make dedicated playlist for those, it will be much more convenient to find them amongst all the ohter Ubisoft YT channel videos, and we'll just be able to bookmark the playlist :)

[@kingleej777]

i like that they give us some tips on how to play and tells us how to get a hang of the gameplay

[@rjlamons2272]

I really hope this is a consistent thing, not something that’s only here for a month. I really love the transparency with this dev team and project!

[@BLACKDADDY101]

Will there be the ability to change region on XDefiant like other games. I kept lagging in the playtest because it put me on the wrong server? For example in Fortnite you can pick your region for the best ping. I play on console

[@aitornilo91]

Will it be possible to play with a keyboard and mouse from an Xbox Series console?

[@SorrowsPrison]

These developers appear to be the saviors of fps games I just hope the game is good and they stay on this path

[@sugs0377]

loooooooooool

[@giovannimuscolo]

A question but is the prestige system seasonal or are there 10 new prestiges per year

[@dopam3m3xl]

Love the progress and open discussion over the game changes, glad to see we can talk about it and not be left in the shadows like another studio i'm sure were all thinking of!

[@mhkb24]

Didn’t get into any of the play test so I’m very excited to get going

[@gelatofrost2752]

Having all the old cod pros talk at the end is just the chefs kiss

[@Martin-im4gb]

Hey guys i have a question! Im loving all the game modes coming to the game but will there be search and destroy or anything similar to it?

[@sonicgd9416]

Is xdefiant just gonna have a multiplayer mode, or there other modes as well like zombies?

[@Vinarchy]

WE'RE SO CLOSE!

[@Solonite]

Well done to Mark and the team for releasing the game. I am super hyped. Also, these xdebriefs are a great idea

[@qopiqq3629]

We are loud when you guys make mistakes, we should be loud when you make great games. xDefiant is everything i wanted in a shooter, i gave up on the genre when the arcade feel died out. To not only have it back but as a free to play game (that way friends will give it a shot who normally didn't join us) and with so much content on day one is amazing. To have such open communications with the developers gives me hope that the game will stay great in the future. I'll get one of the starter packs to support you guys, thanks for the amazing work!

[@TheFellowMelo]

Can't wait to play!

[@Dystopian_Phantom_595]

This is literally launching on my birthday 😂😂. Excited to check it out!

[@Given2Fly7173]

Got too play for about 2hrs yesterday and couldn’t put it down….nice change of pace with similar traits. I’ll be on again tonight!

[@FangZ_07]

I hope one of the factions they have planned are like modern day assassin’s from assassin’s creed that would make for a dope faction

[@BloodBladeRonin]

This about to be my main baby , I'm grinding this out

[@HaloDaycare]

I'm honestly so excited to play this game. Seems like this game was developed by good people who understand the fundamentals of making a fun, yet competitive game.

[@Popino09]

Damn actually surprised they ditched sbmm, big W man it looks like they are going for the fun gameplay rather than sweaty. Wasnt expecting much from this game but now im hyped, and Mark Rubin involved? 🔥

[@miketehknigh1927]

Can we get Ability to customize our UI Example Put Kill streaks to the left and mini map to the right

[@Moosewala2000]

THIS IS SICK. They got all my favourite pros

[@nicholaswahl1093]

I've been hyped for long enough Idk if I can edge much

[@Deeprophecy]

Yes sirrrrr I can’t wait !!!

[@Visarly]

I don’t think I’ve ever been more excited for a game

[@pumathegod2554]

One thing I ask is for a blood money game mode like 4v4 or 5v5 team attacking a money stash and the other defending

[@roke7652]

Great presentation. I would strongly suggest to implement a traditional TDM and S&D modes as soon as possible. For casual and competitive players, these two modes are paramount for player base retention. Hopefully they will be implemented prior to season one. Also, I noticed the operators had taunting or trash talking voice lines. Are these voice lines customizable? can we select or purchase all types of voice lines per factions?

[@JavelinBayraktar]

I wonder what game modes they can bring besides classic ones. Will there be any pve mode also.

[@MOISTLORD02]

Looks like so much fun

[@jayoflegend5602]

This is the exact thing I want to see from devs. People who actually play the game and understand what players want.

[@TopGun08463]

can you change it so your shoot with l2 and r2?

[@Ironwill_Games]

I really hope this game is alive and well in the next few years. Cautious hoping for a blast!

[@TiGeR13589]

Does any body know why the gamemodes are disabled because its disabled for me

[@gmoney4215]

is there a set hardpoint rotation like there is in cod?

[@caolanmcivor2819]

I love that Aches basically “rallied the troops” of the old Complexity team to get on board

[@simpleguy0078]

OMG Attica from Phantoms ❤️ Loved that game, countless hours, soo many memories. Can't wait to get back in.

[@felipebrognoli]

Im happy to hear that the smoothness of the gameplay is a important factor for you guys, but i also don't feel like it's there yet. I know that CoD had years and lots of money to get where is at, but it's way smoother and people will always compare to it.

[@ReeceHendrix]

Thank you for everything

[@MrBocco1]

Will there be custom button mapping? Anyone know?

[@colin7225]

Question for those that have played this, is it anything like a first person multiplayer division in terms of the gunplay feel? Gives me hints of a division game, I'm aware it takes some factions from there.

[@NoFailer]

It is nothing like The Division. It is like older Call of Duty's, your Black Ops 1 or Black Ops 2.

[@colin7225]

@@NoFailer oh ok, plays nice does it?

[@littledrummerofDEATH]

Im so ready. The world needs this familar and fresh shooter.

[@TheWolfOfGamers]

Tienen bastante potencial, esperemos lo mejor mañana en su día de lanzamiento.

[@XDefiantGuides]

Bro I can’t waittttttt

[@MrDragon013]

I don't remember from the beta but I hope guns are linked to the heros, I want to use my fav gun with my fav operator

[@mentillist7292]

been playing since closed beta. so excited for tuesday

[@AandJGaming2018]

I want to see founders packs?

[@varmentnabber2018]

Cant wait to try once mouse and keyboard support is added. game looks great!

[@gamingsigger]

would be cool if there would be some sort of replay mode For example, you will be able to add cameras that will allow you to rotate a number of degrees and follow the path added by the player and also set the replay speed. Such a mode will make it easier to detect, for example, cheaters in the game.

[@shadeogxgreen420]

Fix the fact that we have to wait for the heal even after death that needs to be reset every time we die so we can combat getting spawn trapped if need be

[@calmingkaleb]

Please added a aspect ratio setting for pc

[@illiaandriukhin5386]

Mark Rubin looks like a guy who knows what he is talking about and genuinely cares. Rare feat for Ubi employee.

[@MHA01]

I want to know how much xdefiant cost and if we can get it on steam or if is just Ubisoft Connect game for PC.

[@Zick-YT]

Free with battle passes and on PC yo can only play it on the Ubisoft launcher

[@NoFailer]

If you watched the video, you would have heard that they said it is free to play.

[@tasteewheat393]

It looks really good, there's old cod players who will look forward to playing this arcady feel of the game 🔥 I know Mark of J would be playing 💪

[@carlosoto1115]

Question does the game has 120fps mode ?

[@ericwalker6477]

Loving all the tips

[@lilreesemo568]

Yu should open the shooting range so players can get the feel of movement guns an abilitys

[@xDaPrincex]

I swear like a few days early won't hurt, who wants to spend 5+ minutes in the firing range when everybody gonna be playing.

[@HenryCeption]

I only have one question, because in the long term this will determine whether the game is successful + how much money I am willing to spend in the in-game shop. Will the anticheat be taken care of here to the same level as in Rainbow Six Siege? If so... just forget it.

[@NoFailer]

Do you want some kernel-level anti-cheat Chinese rootkit like Vanguard instead?

[@Palumpalumpa]

I'll definitley give XDefiant a chance when it will come to Steam.

[@zackmoore1351]

Is there a way to mark enemies?

[@kirbycopas4642]

Thank you Mark

[@Kendrickast]

shout out Mark Rubin for his communication and leadership! shout out the SLAYAAAAA Aches, get ready to learn XDefiant y'all! #Greenwall

[@MadLadDillon]

I am sooo hyped for this game man

[@KingJay-fu8sd]

OMG!! Mark Thank you for saying the words from the voiceless. I definitely stopped playing call of duty because of SBMM/EBMM. Im fully invested in playing this game. And we should add a match replay for when the hackers come so we can have a fair review system on hackers.

[@xkollx]

This looks cool but why was map voting originally gonna be added way down the road? Isn’t that a basic feature these days? I mean, of course the players wanted it lol. Seems like a bit of fluff there but it’s all good. Can’t wait to check it out!

[@sandrino13]

96 hours LETS GOOOOO

[@NNNateMMMate]

We have it downloaded! Now let us play it!

[@XJayslayzX]

Has the movement been updated at all?

[@qpkun889]

jo mark rockin an ultra wide TV?? based

[@richieb457]

Is the game going to haveba hardcore mode??

[@Majesticluis1994]

I can't wait for May 21, 2024 ❤ Been waiting for this game for months and months #xdefiant