XDefiant Season 1: Release Date, Maps, Modes & New Faction

has released a small showcase to inform players of what they can expect from Season 1 of the popular new FPS. combines the different Ubisoft franchises into one high-octane arcade hero shooter. Each faction has two main abilities they can choose from, and one ultra that builds throughout a match. Players can choose from a wide variety of weapons as matches take them across some of the most recognizable locations in Ubisoft gaming history.

The five factions in are the Cleaners, DedSec, Echelon, Libertad, and Phantoms. Each faction excels in its area and makes them feel unique to each other. After a rocky beta, the game has been able to find a stable balance between the factions and their special features. As of now, the developers have said the game will receive a new faction every season, which will help the game feel fresh and expand playstyles.

XDefiant joins the horde of live service games to implement a battle pass system, but can this one be as worthwhile as other top tier games.

Season 1 of will start on July 2, 2024. This date gives the team plenty of time to continue working on the balance feedback taken from the preseason and gives the seasonal content time to polish. The preseason was intended to be short, but regular seasons will last about three months. This means that Season 2 can be expected around early October. Luckily, Season 1 has more than enough content to last those three months.

Joining the ranks of in Season 1 is the German Anti-Terrorist Special Forces GSG 9, now the GSK. This is one of the original groups from the resurgent tactical shooter, and it appears like the characters that can be played as, or at least ones modeled off, include IQ, Blitz, and Jäger. All four of the German operators are popular in the community, so bringing them over rather than creating new members is likely a wise decision.

Though specific information will be revealed a day before the season starts, GSK's gadgets can be spotted in the gameplay trailer. The two