Video Gamer is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Prices subject to change. Learn more
Soon, XDefiant servers will no longer be terrorized by frustratingly elusive, bunny-hopping maniacs. Mark Rubin, the game’s executive producer, has confirmed that next week’s much-needed update will introduce a nerf to bunny hops, so a massive movement shift is set to arrive soon. In addition, the upcoming patch will also bring changes to sniper flinch, grenade screen shake, and hit reg, which means this will be the biggest and most crucial XDefiant patch to date.
Rubin also clarified in his Twitter/X post that bunny-hopping, or jumping in quick succession, is the only movement mechanic that will be taking a hit. “Jump-shotting is and should be a thing. It’s a movement skill, but multiple jumps repeatedly is not what we want from the design,” he said. With this in mind, XDefiant’s gameplay is set to see a massive shift, with the game set to place more of a focus on gunplay and aiming.
Arguably, even more important than the bunny hop nerf, though, are the sniper nerf and hit reg/net code changes. The update is set to add flinch to players using snipers, rendering it less effective in close range and reducing its potency after getting fired upon first. Hit reg improvements also mean a more accurate shoot ’em-up experience — no more rage-inducing, controller-throwing moments where you know you hit an opposing player, but the game somehow doesn’t register your bullets as hits.
Ubisoft also released an XDefiant patch earlier this morning containing changes to console crossplay. According to Mark Rubin, if you turn off crossplay on Xbox, you should be able to matchmaker with anyone on the same platform without issue. Previously, turning crossplay off hadn’t functioned as intended, so this should be a relief to players who don’t want to face keyboard and mouse gamers.
Now, before you jump back into the game, check out our pages on the best XDefiant loadouts and class setups and the best XDefiant weapon tier list so you can frag out with ease.
