Key Differences Between XDefiant and CoD Explained

XDefiant is an FPS that has many similarities to Call of Duty, making the classic franchise its main competitor. Take a look at the key distinctions that distinguish XDefiant from CoD.

Despite the undeniable challenges of competing with Call of Duty in the FPS market, many players tend to immediately compare any new game to this classic franchise. XDefiant has also faced these comparisons, but it is important to note that there are distinct differences between the two games.

Those who are familiar with FPS games and are trying out XDefiant for the first time may be curious about what sets it apart from Call of Duty. Here are some notable distinctions between CoD and XDefiant.

XDefiant: A Free-to-Play Game

To address the elephant in the room, unlike Call of Duty, XDefiant is available for free on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. This makes Ubisoft’s FPS accessible to all players without any payment, making it a great option for new players or those seeking a different FPS experience.

XDefiant offers players the opportunity to purchase additional store content, such as the Founder’s Pack and various cosmetic items, which have no effect on the gameplay.

XDefiant download menu PlayStation 5
Sony/Ubisoft

You can find XDefiant in your preferred system’s store and download it for free.

XDefiant Will Not Feature SBMM (Skill-Based Matchmaking)

One key differentiating factor between XDefiant and Call of Duty is that XDefiant does not implement skill-based matchmaking (SBMM) in public matches.

The contentious issue has sparked an ongoing debate within the CoD community, while Ubisoft has deliberately chosen not to implement SBMM. From the start, the developers have stated that the skill-based matchmaking system will only be utilized in XDefiant’s Ranked Play mode, which is set to debut in Season 1.

XDefiant: No Killstreaks

Despite Call of Duty’s significant influence, Killstreaks have become a common feature in many modern FPS games, each with its own unique implementation. Despite this trend, the developers of XDefiant have chosen to exclude Killstreaks from their game, instead prioritizing the use of diverse weapons and strategic approaches on its various maps.

Following the beta release of XDefiant in April 2023, Executive Producer Mark Rubin stated that the team has no plans to include Killstreaks. He further explained that if something similar were to be added, they would not simply incorporate the traditional CoD Killstreaks into the game.

XDefiant’s Faction-based gameplay

One of the standout features of XDefiant is its factions, which differentiate it from Call of Duty. These factions provide players with a diverse array of Ubisoft-inspired characters and abilities specifically tailored for the game’s objective-based modes.

Selecting the appropriate Faction in XDefiant is crucial for gameplay, as it is one of the key customization tools alongside weapon loadouts. Depending on the mode, objective, and map size, accurately choosing your Faction can greatly affect your gameplay experience.

XDefiant Factions characters
Ubisoft

XDefiant has five different Ubisoft-themed Factions to pick from.

Arcade-style gameplay thrives in XDefiant

While Call of Duty’s recent releases, such as MW2 and MW3, have focused on achieving a realistic experience, XDefiant sets itself apart by offering an arcade-style gameplay. The game boasts smooth movement and visually striking maps, providing players with an immersive and dynamic atmosphere.

Despite sharing some similarities with Black Ops titles, XDefiant stands out from CoD with its own distinct movement style and a diverse range of Faction abilities. Ubisoft’s game has successfully developed its own unique feel and gameplay that sets it apart from CoD’s.

As you can see, those are the main distinctions between XDefiant and Call of Duty. People will continue to compare these first-person shooter games. XDefiant has already exceeded Ubisoft’s record for most players concurrently, thanks to its abundant content and unlockable features.

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