“‘Call Of Duty’ killer” ‘XDefiant’ launches with matchmaking issues

Ubisoft’s free-to-play shooter XDefiant has finally launched after numerous delays, with players experiencing issues with matchmaking.

First announced in 2021, XDefiant is a 6v6 multiplayer shooter that brings together characters from various Ubisoft franchises like The Division, Rainbow Six Siege and Splinter Cell. An open beta followed at the start of 2023 ahead of a planned launch, but the game was delayed indefinitely in September, after failing a number of console quality control tests.

Earlier this month, it was confirmed a six week preseason for XDefiant would be available for PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X/S ahead of a full first season of content. The preseason launched last night (May 21) and allows players to get to grips with five modes across 14 maps, with 24 different weapons and 44 attachments also available.

However, XDefiant’s launch has come with issues with matchmaking. “We’re aware that some players are unable to join a game- please bear with us while we look into servers and matchmaking,” the official X account said shortly after the game went live.

Update: We are all focused on the matchmaking issue and are continuously investigating. We will continue to provide updates as possible.

— XDefiant (@PlayXDefiant) May 21, 2024

Several follow-up messages were then shared, acknowledging the problem and promising a fix was on the way. The most recent update reads: “We are seeing progress on the matchmaking servers. We will continue to monitor the situation and keep you updated.”

Server issues aside, XDefiant is currently getting mixed reviews from players. Taking to the official subreddit, one player wrote “after 25 matches, this game isn’t for me” before explaining how the game feels “generic, bland and basic”. They also had issues with the gunplay, but another thread titled “I’m enjoying the game” has so far received more upvotes.

“XDefiant is some casual fun,” the more positive post continued. “Coming from Overwatch where I constantly have to use 100 per cent brain power, I’m glad I found a game where I still have a lot of ways to express my skill without having to be in focused, tryhard mode to enjoy it. I honestly don’t see myself buying another Call Of Duty when this is available for free. To me, this is a ‘Call Of Duty killer’.”

Earlier this year, it was reported that the continued delays to XDefiant were down to the team “chasing” Call Of Duty and copying features found in Modern Warfare 3 and Warzone but executive producer Mark Rubin swiftly shut down those claims. “We don’t want to be like what the newer Call Of Duty titles are like,” he wrote on social media.

The first season of XDefiant is due to launch in July and the studio has also shared a roadmap which confirms it expects to release an additional four factions and a dozen new maps and weapons for XDefiant over the next twelve months.

In other news, fans have been celebrating following the return of a trans character in the remake of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door.