Ubisoft has announced significant changes to sniper rifles in its popular first-person shooter, XDefiant, following player feedback. Since its release in late May, XDefiant has quickly gained a substantial player base, breaking Ubisoft records for unique users within hours of its launch. The game, often compared to Call of Duty, has been praised for its fast-paced gameplay and unique faction-based mechanics.

XDefiant's launch was notably successful, reaching over one million players within just two and a half hours. Despite initial server issues, the game's user base expanded to three million within 48 hours. Though it's a new addition to the FPS genre, XDefiant stands out with unique features like faction abilities and the omission of skill-based matchmaking. However, the game has faced criticism regarding the balance of sniper rifles, which many players consider overpowered.

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In response to these concerns, XDefiant's executive director, Mark Rubin, confirmed on X (formerly Twitter) that sniper rifles would undergo significant changes. The developer admitted that the sniper rifles are indeed buggy in their current state. The team aims to fix and balance these overpowered rifles as soon as possible. Rather than reducing their damage, the development team plans to add flinch mechanics, making it harder for players to maintain accuracy while taking hits. This adjustment aims to balance the gameplay without entirely removing the one-shot kill capability that many players enjoy.

XDefiant Will Add Flinch To Balance Sniper Rifles

The first major update for XDefiant has already been released, addressing numerous issues including the reactivation of the Practice Zone and improvements to hit registration. This update highlights Ubisoft's commitment to refining the game based on player feedback and enhancing the overall experience. These updates come as part of the game's preseason phase, with more content and features expected as it approaches its first season.

Just weeks after its release, Ubisoft started planning on more updates for XDefiant. The teaser for the Far Cry-inspired map Signal is another exciting development for XDefiant. This vibrant and immersive environment is expected to enrich the game's dynamic and fast-paced combat. The addition of diverse and detailed maps reflects Ubisoft's strategy to keep the game fresh and engaging for its players, helping XDefiant to stand out in the competitive FPS market.

However, not all feedback has been positive. Players have expressed disappointment over the lack of earnable weapon skins in XDefiant, a feature standard in many other FPS games. This omission could impact player retention, as rewards for in-game achievements are a significant motivator for many gamers. Ubisoft's responsiveness to player feedback, including upcoming features like Search and Destroy mode and a killcam, shows promise. Still, addressing particular concerns could be crucial for maintaining XDefiant's momentum and satisfying its growing community.

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.

Platform(s)

PC , PS5 , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S

Released

May 21, 2024

Developer(s)

Ubisoft San Francisco

Publisher(s)

Ubisoft

Genre(s)

FPS

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