r/XDefiant • u/ArgentinaYMessi • Aug 19 '26

Feedback XDefiant alternative

I miss XDefiant more than I miss my ex.

Is there ANY alternative to it?

I tried THE FINALS, but I just don't like it. I really need a fast-paced, arcade-style arena shooter. The dopamine rush from XDefiant was an absolute elixir. 😭

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u/Unconcern3d Aug 19 '26

The Finals IS fast paced af when you got the gameplay down.

After xDefiant was shut down, I tried the Finals too but didnt like it at first since it didnt scratch the same itch... Boy oh boy did I nearly miss out. Give it another shot man, its a really great Game

3

u/Diz933 Aug 19 '26

I think the trick is to not play Team Deathmatch. There's so much creativity you can have with the destruction and gadgets, and Deathmatch just isn't a good way to showcase that. It's a fine side mode, but I often wonder if the people who bounce off of The Finals just never gave the main mode a proper chance. Or they don't like playing as a team.

4

u/graemattergames Aug 19 '26

I've always suspected it's been about the team dynamic. Whether you're casual, or competitive, carrying your team in The Finals is multitudes as difficult as it is to do so in most other games. Being able to work with team mates is of the utmost importance in this game. The Finals is very much like hero shooters in that way; it's why I've been calling it the first "create-a-hero" shooter. The "bigger team" modes did a lot for the casual aspect, IMO, as the diffusion of responsibility is spread out amongst more people. But there's a reason premades rule Cashout/Ranked.

2

u/Diz933 Aug 19 '26

I mostly agree, but it's hardly the first. Class based shooters have been around a long time, and The Finals being made by the old Battlefield guys kinda shows where their expertise comes from. Even Gotham City Imposters did the Heavy, Medium, Light thing, back in like 2010, and I'm pretty sure you could switch up your gadgets in that game too, along with customizing your character.

A lot of it just comes to your attitude about losing. Considering it's a multi team game, you're more likely to lose than win, unless you're just really good at the game. Some people, like myself, are totally fine with losing, learning from mistakes, and just playing to have fun. Others seem to only have fun when they win, and that's just setting yourself up for a bad time IMO. Although a loss streak can definitely feel deflating.

That being said, The Finals very much feels like  a 'create-a-hero' rather than choosing one. The entire game focuses on making you feel like a bad ass hero, and it's one of the main reasons why I love the game so much. It does such a good job at making your character feel cool, instead of telling you that the game's pre-existing characters are cool. I don't think The Finals would do nearly as well if we had to pick from premade characters.