Today is a sad day for XDefiant fans. After a brief but explosive run, Ubisoft has officially shut down XDefiant’s servers on June 3, 2025, bringing an abrupt and permanent end to what many once called a “Call of Duty killer.”
XDefiant’s journey began with a series of promising beta tests throughout 2023, generating buzz among FPS fans looking for a fresh alternative. After much anticipation, the game finally launched in May 2024. Despite early issues with netcode and matchmaking, the community rallied behind it, praising its fast-paced gameplay and faction-based mechanics.
A Record-Breaking Launch
In just one month post-launch, XDefiant made Ubisoft history—breaking records by reaching 1 million players faster than any title before it. By June 2024, CEO Yves Guillemot proudly confirmed that 11 million unique players had logged in, and expectations were sky-high with Season 1 on the horizon.
However, cracks soon began to show. As early as August 2024, rumors about declining player numbers and internal uncertainty began circulating. Despite Executive Producer Mark Rubin’s attempts to reassure the community, December 2024 brought the shocking announcement: XDefiant would be permanently shut down on June 3, 2025.
Hello XDefiant Fans,
I am unfortunately here today to announce that XDefiant will be shutting down.
Starting today (December 3, 2024), new downloads and player registrations will no longer be available. We will still release our Season 3 content in the near future (exact date…
— Mark Rubin (@PixelsofMark) December 3, 2024
The Final Day Arrives
Now, six months later, that dreaded day has come. Ubisoft has begun shutting down the servers, and while an exact time wasn’t disclosed, players were urged to log in while they still could.
Unfortunately, there will be no offline mode, no farewell event, and no way to preserve the experience. Ubisoft previously confirmed the game would be entirely unplayable following the server shutdown.
🎮 “It was fun while it lasted.”
— A sentiment echoed by thousands across social media today.
Refunds and Closure
There is a small silver lining: Ubisoft automatically issued DLC refunds for purchases made on or after November 3, 2024. For many, it’s a bittersweet gesture, as digital receipts are now all that remain of the game.
A Flash of Greatness, Gone Too Soon
Though short-lived, XDefiant showed real promise. Its fast growth, compelling mechanics, and passionate community made it a standout in Ubisoft’s catalog. For fans, June 3 will forever mark the end of what could’ve been something much greater.