Ubisoft's free-to-play shooter, XDefiant, has finally been given a release date after facing several delays throughout 2023. The highly anticipated title, which pits players against each other in 6v6 battles, brings together characters from iconic Ubisoft franchises like Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege, The Division, and Splinter Cell.

First announced in 2021, XDefiant's launch trajectory was hampered by various issues. The game narrowly missed its targeted March 2024 release window, having previously scrapped its October 2023 launch date.

Despite the setbacks, Ubisoft has confirmed a May 21st release for XDefiant. Players can expect the game to go live at 6pm BST/10am PT, marking the beginning of a six-week "preseason" period leading up to Season 1.

The preseason will offer players a taste of what's to come, featuring five distinct game modes across 14 maps. Players will have access to 24 weapons with 44 customization options, along with all five previously revealed factions.

These factions, each with unique strengths and abilities, draw inspiration from various Ubisoft franchises. Players can choose from Libertad (Far Cry), Phantoms (Ghost Recon), Echelon (Splinter Cell), and Cleaners (The Division). The Dedsec faction, based on Watch Dogs, will be available through unlocking or purchase methods.

Following the preseason, Ubisoft plans to implement a regular update schedule, with new content drops planned quarterly. Players can expect each season to introduce fresh maps, weapons, and potentially even new factions. Over the course of XDefiant's first year, Ubisoft aims to release an additional four factions, 12 maps, and 12 weapons.

Developed by Ubisoft's San Francisco studio and led by former Call of Duty executive producer Mark Rubin, XDefiant is seen as Ubisoft's competitor to the popular Call of Duty franchise.

At launch, XDefiant will boast five game modes, 14 maps, 24 weapons with extensive customization options, and five playable factions, each inspired by beloved Ubisoft titles. These factions promise to add a layer of strategic depth with their unique abilities and playstyles.

The official announcement from Ubisoft mentions a pre-season release date of May 21st for PC via Ubisoft Connect, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S. Notably, the announcement does not confirm a release on PC storefronts like Steam or the Epic Games Store.