New XDefiant Server Test Session Could Be Happening Soon

An insider has said that XDefiant‘s next server test session is set to take place on Friday, April 19, but also cautioned that this could change. Recently, Ubisoft confirmed that a server test session was coming soon but didn’t specify when, after the studio also confirmed unfortunate news regarding XDefiant‘s release.

In late March, it was announced that XDefiant‘s launch was delayed once again due to unfinished features, according to Ubisoft. The game was planned to release by the end of Q1 2024 after its October 2023 launch was also delayed, but its release date has again been pushed back to an unspecified date. However, Ubisoft said that a new release date should be locked in once XDefiant‘s next server test session concludes, and it appears that could be coming quite soon.

Insider Gaming’s Tom Henderson said that Ubisoft plans for XDefiant‘s next server test session to run from April 19 to April 21, available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S. Ubisoft originally said that the next test session would only be live for about 12 hours, but the insider’s sources say that the beta period should run until Sunday if no major issues come up. However, this news has not been confirmed so it should not be taken as fact yet, especially seeing the unpredictable nature of XDefiant‘s development so far.

XDefiant’s Next Server Test Session Possibly Launching on April 19

XDefiant‘s last server test session included a variety of maps, modes, and weapons for users to try out. It’s still unclear what the next one will include, but it will likely feature a similar offering and possibly brand-new content. Over the last year, XDefiant has been involved in its fair share of controversy. Recently, the game’s director pushed against claims that XDefiant‘s delays were partially due to Ubisoft trying to implement more and more features inspired by Call of Duty‘s success.

XDefiant‘s director said that delays were instead due to various technical issues not related to CoD-like features. Although it may not have contributed to delays, XDefiant does take plenty of inspiration from Call of Duty. The game utilizes a similar fast-paced approach and is set to be the first AAA competitor to Activision’s massive franchise in years.

Many hope that XDefiant can outperform Call of Duty by improving on the latter’s more controversial features while keeping its best ones. Ubisoft already confirmed that XDefiant features no skill-based matchmaking except in ranked modes and a boot camp mode meant for beginners, and the game also utilizes a free-to-play model unlike Call of Duty and its annual releases. Although it’s a popular decision, completely removing SBMM from an FPS is a bold move. It’s still unclear how a truly skill-less matchmaking system will pan out, assuming Ubisoft doesn’t back away from the strategy.

XDefiant

Ubisoft’s XDefiant is an online PvP shooter that focuses on fast-paced team-based gameplay. Taking inspiration from the publisher’s popular IPs, the game features factions and characters that represent franchises like Splinter Cell and Far Cry. Available on most modern systems, XDefiant is a free-to-play project.

Developer(s)

Ubisoft San Francisco

Engine

Snowdrop