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In the competitive FPS business, few games have achieved the iconic status thatCounter-Strikehas. Its thriving esports scene and intense, tactical gameplay have managed to captivate millions of players worldwide(for years!), setting the standard for competitive shooters.
Now, Ubisoft’s latest foray into the free-to-play shooter genre,XDefiant, is gearing up to introduce a mode that could potentially challengeCounter-Strike‘s long-standing dominance.
Since its release,XDefianthas garnered attention thanks to its unique blend of elements and characters from other Ubisoft franchises with fast-paced arena shooter gameplay. But there’s one thing that could takeXDefiantto the next level and cement its place as a true competitor toCounter-Strike:the inclusion of aSearch and Destroymode.
The Community’s Burning Question
Despite its initial success, fans have been clamoring for the addition of a Search and Destroy-style game mode toXDefiant‘s lineup. Finally putting some of the speculations and rumors to rest, the game’s executive producer, Mark Rubin, addressed the community’s burning questions in a recent exchange on X:
In case you missed the IGN Live interview, I wanted to say that we have been listening to the amount of people asking for TDM and we will be adding it in a couple of weeks.
When a user explicitly asked,“What about SnD?”referring to Search and Destroy, Rubin confirmed:
Still coming. More complicated mode to make.
This direct confirmation has ignited excitement within theXDefiantcommunity about the potential inclusion of the iconic Search and Destroy mode that has defined theCounter-Strikeseries for over two decades.
The Key toXDefiant‘s Long-Term Success
IfXDefiantwere to introduce the Search and Destroy mode, it could be a game-changer for the title. Imagine the intense, high-stakes, round-based gameplay ofCounter-Strikecombined with the unique factions and abilities ofXDefiant. The possibilities are endless, with each faction bringing its own unique strategies and playstyles to the table.
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Of course, implementing such a mode is no small feat for a game that offers such a diverse range of abilities and tactics for each faction. As Rubin himself acknowledged, it’s a“more complicated mode to make.”
Balancing the intricacies of a tactical, round-based mode with the fast-paced, ability-driven gameplay ofXDefiantwill undoubtedly require careful planning and extensive testing before it goes live.
AsXDefiantcontinues to evolve and grow, the potential introduction of the Search and Destroy mode could be the key to its long-term success. By providing a fresh spin on a beloved classic,XDefiantcan carve out its niche in the competitive FPS market and attract a dedicated player base looking for a new challenge.
Ubisoft’s proven experience in creating engaging and balanced PvP experiences, as seen in titles such asTom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege, leaves no doubt that they have what it takes to create a mode that lives up to the high standards set byCounter-StrikeandCall of Duty.
It May Not Be the ‘Call of Duty Killer’ Fans Expected, But XDefiant is Comfortably Beating 1 of 2023’s Dying Shooters
Only time will tell ifXDefiantcan dethroneCounter-Strikeas the king of tactical, round-based shooters. However, one thing is certain: the future looks quite bright for the gameif(and that’s a big “IF”)the developers can maintain their current level of activity, continue listening to player feedback, and remain transparent with their fanbase.
XDefiant is available now on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, with cross-platform play supported.
Soumyajit Mukherjee
Gaming Writer
Articles Published :967
Soumyajit Mukherjee is a Gaming Writer at FandomWire, known for his deep dives into tactical shooters and co-op games. Since joining in June 2024, he’s focused on breakout multiplayer titles like Helldivers 2 and Marvel Rivals, bringing sharp analysis and veteran instincts to every story. His gaming journey began at a local café with the OG Modern Warfare 2, and from that very first frag, he’s been chasing the rush ever since.A former competitive Rainbow Six Siege team captain, Soumyajit has played and written about everything from CS:GO, Valorant, Overwatch, and Apex Legends to Rocket League, Call of Duty, and Battlefield. He’s proudly PC-first and has been since said LAN days… but with GTA 6 looming on the horizon, a long-overdue PS5 might finally sneak onto his setup.
