5 Key Differences Setting XDefiant Apart from CoD: Biggest Changes Explained

While some may quickly dismiss XDefiant as just another Call of Duty clone, such a perspective overlooks the unique qualities of Ubisoft’s latest first-person shooter. XDefiant brings a lot more to the table than what might initially be apparent. Following its initial announcement three years ago and a subsequent comprehensive rework, XDefiant has finally made its debut. Ubisoft’s shooter blends elements from various popular Tom Clancy-inspired games and introduces fresh features to the FPS genre, which has long been dominated by a single series. Activision's Call of Duty has dominated the gaming industry for years, and with the upcoming launch of Black Ops 6, it continues to maintain its momentum. However, those who dismiss XDefiant as merely a CoD replica are missing out on what makes it unique. Here are five major differences that set XDefiant apart from Call of Duty.

No SBMM in XDefiant

One of the most significant distinctions is the absence of Skill-Based Matchmaking (SBMM) in XDefiant. SBMM has been a hotly debated topic, particularly within the CoD community, for years. Designed to match players of similar skill, the system has faced criticism for reducing the ‘fun’ factor of earlier FPS games. Matches can become highly competitive, rather than featuring a mix of skill levels. XDefiant eliminates the trend of enforcing SBMM in its casual playlists. While the competitive mode will still pair you with similarly skilled players, non-competitive modes allow for a more random mix of players, regardless of skill.

XDefiant is Free to Play

Unlike Call of Duty, which launches a new full-priced game annually, XDefiant stands out by being completely free to play. Ubisoft's shooter is designed to be accessible to all FPS fans, enabling anyone to join and enjoy the game without financial barriers. This crucial difference means fans can immerse themselves in their favorite genre without the cost associated with CoD. Additionally, XDefiant is built for long-term support, ensuring players benefit from continuous updates and improvements without the need to buy a new game every year.

Movement is Different in XDefiant

Movement in XDefiant also differs. While it remains a traditional, boots-on-the-ground FPS, certain unique features are excluded. For example, Tactical Sprint, a faster sprint option that has become a staple in CoD games since Modern Warfare 2019, is intentionally absent in XDefiant. There is only regular movement speed and a sprint option, with no third, faster option. Similarly, combat stance options are limited; you cannot go prone in XDefiant, eliminating the possibility of snaking and character model detection issues prevalent in CoD. Players can only crouch, with no option to lay flat on the ground.

XDefiant Does Away with Killstreaks

Killstreaks, a long-standing feature of the CoD franchise, are absent in XDefiant. You won't earn airstrikes for a string of daed, nor will you end a match with a powerful nuke for a 25- streak. Instead, XDefiant emphasizes Faction characters' abilities, which influence the course of a match, rather than killstreaks that alter the game’s flow.

XDefiant Harkens Back to Black Ops 3

During the height of Overwatch’s popularity in 2016, many shooters sought to replicate its success. Even Treyarch’s Black Ops 3 incorporated hero abilities, introducing unique gameplay mechanics like speed boosts, decoys, and self-revival. These abilities have since vanished from the CoD series, but XDefiant revisits this older formula.

Each character in XDefiant features a unique ability on cooldown and an Ultra ability (similar to Overwatch’s Ultimate). While gunplay purists may critique these features, especially in competitive play, they provide a distinctive element that sets XDefiant apart from Activision’s dominant series in 2024.