XDefiant is finally getting a major rework for weapon XP

After receiving feedback on the June 18 update, XDefiant developer Ubisoft has announced plans to implement a rework that will enhance weapon XP leveling and introduce additional Mastery changes.

The XDefiant community has been struggling with progression since its launch. Specifically, players have expressed frustration with the grinding required to increase weapon XP and Mastery levels.

The patch released on June 18 made some changes that resulted in faster weapon leveling for Primary guns. The XP requirements for these guns were decreased from 3,500 to 3,000. Similarly, the requirements for Secondary weapons were also reduced from 1,500 to 1,000 XP.

Despite the increased Weapon Mastery levels, players must now put in more effort and time in order to unlock XDefiant’s Bronze, Silver, and Gold skins.

As a result of the community’s backlash, developers were forced to reevaluate their approach to weapon leveling. This led to the implementation of refinements that will speed up the processes for weapon XP and Mastery levels, which will be launched soon.

Upcoming patch sneak peak (timing TBD):👂Feedback on mastery changes is heard- will now take half as long to earn a rank🐛Fix audio bug where kill confirmation is missing🚶Fix bug where you can only move and nothing else pic.twitter.com/6jpQVLXUkd

— XDefiant (@PlayXDefiant) June 21, 2024

The XDefiant Twitter/X account officially confirmed on June 21 that players will soon be able to earn weapon XP twice as fast.

For Primary weapons, the amount of XP needed to increase ranks will be reduced from 3,000 to 1,500. Similarly, for Secondary guns, the required XP for ranking up will be reduced from 1,000 to 500.

The developers have not yet announced a release date for the highly anticipated weapon XP changes for XDefiant players.

Mark Rubin, the Executive Producer, provided further details on the previous changes and the upcoming update through his personal social media account.

“The criteria for unlocking a mastery skin will remain unchanged, but the overall result will be a reversal of the previous alteration while retaining the 14% speed boost.”

“As a result, unlocking attachments will now be significantly faster, but the grind for Gold will also be 14% quicker compared to the previous patch. Additionally, this will result in a significant increase in the current level for all players.”

Rubin also expressed concern that Weapon Mastery, being XDefiant’s primary focus, could potentially be completed too quickly, resulting in skins feeling less unique and satisfying.

Rubin acknowledges that the divisive June 18 update caused controversy, although he concedes that it was not the best decision to completely revamp the system after players had already put in time and effort to progress.

“He added that instead of losing focus, we should have remained focused on the new grinds and challenges we are currently tackling.”

It is currently uncertain if the upcoming changes will be implemented before the start of XDefiant Season 1 on July 2.