The gaming community, especially fans of First-Person Shooters (FPS), have long been dominated by the influence of the Call of Duty (CoD) franchise. Recently, Ubisoft San Francisco has announced XDefiant, a title that promises to bring fresh gameplay elements to the table. Although the developers do not label the game as a “CoD killer,” the potential for competition is high. While the game’s release has been indefinitely postponed, numerous closed beta tests have provided valuable insights. This article aims to dissect five notable features where XDefiant diverges from Call of Duty, offering FPS fans new avenues for gameplay experience.

No Skill-Based Matchmaking (SBMM)

One recurring complaint from the Call of Duty community is the Skill-Based Matchmaking (SBMM) feature, which many players feel diminishes the casual gaming experience. Given the presence of Ranked Play, many feel that the SBMM component in standard multiplayer hampers the enjoyment, penalizing strong performance. In contrast, XDefiant developers have opted not to include SBMM, providing players with the casual experience they seek. This decision could result in a migration of players eager to escape the frustrations of Call of Duty’s SBMM.

Focus on Operator Abilities

Call of Duty players are well-versed in the concept of killstreaks, but XDefiant takes a different route by emphasizing operator abilities. Each faction within the game has its own set of unique abilities, ranging from instant healing to flamethrowers. This offers a departure from CoD’s killstreak-centered gameplay and introduces new strategic elements. Although this might be less grounded in realism compared to what Call of Duty offers, it brings in a unique and ambitious element that diversifies gameplay strategies.

Absence of Tactical Sprint

Recent Call of Duty entries like Vanguard and Modern Warfare have introduced Tactical Sprint as a gameplay feature. While some players find it useful, critics argue that it hampers the ability to aim down sights quickly during unexpected encounters with enemies. Recognizing these concerns, XDefiant has omitted the Tactical Sprint feature altogether. This absence allows for a more fluid transition between sprinting and aiming, enhancing the overall gameplay experience.

Free Operators from Other Franchises

One of the unique selling points for XDefiant is the integration of operators inspired by other Ubisoft franchises such as Far Cry, Watchdogs, and Splinter Cell. Unlike Call of Duty, where similar characters and skins are often tucked behind a paywall, XDefiant offers them as part of the base game. Future season passes may expand this roster, and the potential for crossover events with other developers adds another layer of appeal for players.

Free-to-Play Model

While Call of Duty’s Warzone offers a free-to-play Battle Royale mode, it lacks other traditional multiplayer modes. XDefiant aims to fill this gap by providing a completely free-to-play experience across all game modes. Though this will likely result in the presence of microtransactions to generate revenue, the free-to-play model is a significant factor that could attract players seeking an alternative to Call of Duty’s limited free offerings.

Final Thoughts

Ubisoft’s XDefiant presents a series of features that set it apart from the long-standing Call of Duty franchise. From its stance on skill-based matchmaking to its focus on operator abilities, XDefiant is shaping up to be a serious contender in the FPS genre. Whether these features will be enough to sway loyal CoD fans remains to be seen, but they undoubtedly offer a fresh take on the familiar FPS format.

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