XDefiant, Ubisoft’s first-person shooter, launches May 21

Tom Clancy’s XDefiant is almost upon us. Ubisoft is release the free first-person shooter on May 21 for Xbox series X|S, PS5 and PC via Ubisoft Connect. The developer is kicking things off with the pre-season build of the game, which is expected to last six weeks before XDefiant the first season officially begins. Ubisoft announced the game in 2021, promising shooter-focused team matches that will include elements from other games in the Tom Clancy universe.

The pre-season will feature five different game modes with 14 maps, 24 weapons and five playable factions inspired by other Ubisoft franchises. Players will need to choose their faction before the match begins and before respawning. They also have to choose their primary and secondary weapon – their options include assault rifles, submachine guns, shotguns and sniper rifles – as well as a grenade. To customize a weapon, they can add barrel and muzzle accessories, such as sights and grips.

Each faction will give players access to two active abilities, a passive buff and another ultra ability that they will need to recharge during the course of the match. Libertad, one of the available factions, emphasizes healing, while members of the Cleaners faction can use fire to burn their opponents. Echelon players can reveal enemy locations with their stealth technology, while Phantoms’ abilities can block damage. The last faction available, DedSec, is for those who want to play as hackers.

At the launch of the first season, Ubisoft adds four new factions, 12 new weapons and 12 new maps to the game. According to First year roadmap the developer shared last year it plans to roll out four seasons with the game‘s first year, each adding new content intended to keep players engaged, invested, and more likely to come back and continue playing.