Defiance 2050 is a free-to-play, futuristic massively multiplayer online (MMO) action shooter set in a post-apocalyptic world. Developed for PC, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4, the game is designed as a reimagined and revamped version of the original Defiance, updated to take advantage of current-generation hardware. It offers a cooperative gameplay experience where players can team up with friends to explore a story-driven world, engage in combat, and unlock weapons and gear without any upfront cost. The core gameplay systems, including character progression, loadout customisation, and mission structure, have been modernised to provide a definitive Defiance experience. Importantly, Defiance 2050 operates on a "free to win" model, meaning that while optional purchasable items are available in the cash shop, they are limited to cosmetic and convenience items and do not provide any gameplay advantages.
Gameplay and Core Features
Defiance 2050 is positioned as a complete free-to-play experience. The game is built from the ground up, with significant updates to its core systems. Players can engage in single-player, cooperative, and multiplayer modes, all set within a Massively Multiplayer Online (MMO) framework. The narrative invites players to explore a post-apocalyptic landscape, uncovering the stories behind the world, the advanced alien technology present, and their own character's quest.
Key features of the gameplay include:
- Cooperative Play: The game emphasises teaming up with friends for cooperative action. The official description notes that "gameplay with friends is always more fun," encouraging players to team up to take on challenges together.
- Story and Exploration: Players can "Experience The Tale" by exploring the post-apocalyptic world and discovering the stories behind the advanced alien technology and the state of the world.
- Loot and Progression: The "Get The Goods" feature highlights the importance of discovering and unlocking a variety of weapons and items to gain an edge in combat. This is supported by extensive skill and customisation systems.
- Free to Win Model: A critical aspect for players is the game's economic model. The source material explicitly states that Defiance 2050 offers a "true free to play model." The only items available for purchase are cosmetic and convenience items, and crucially, "no gameplay advantages can be purchased." This means that all competitive and progression-based elements are accessible through gameplay alone.
Character Progression and Classes
A major update for Defiance 2050 is the introduction of a new class system. Players can choose from one of four base classes, each of which can be levelled individually up to a maximum level of 25. The available classes are:
- Assault
- Assassin
- Combat Medic
- Guardian
This class-based system represents a significant update to the core gameplay mechanics from the original Defiance, allowing for more specialised roles and playstyles within cooperative and competitive scenarios.
Platform and Availability
Defiance 2050 is available on multiple platforms, specifically PC, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4. It is important to note that the game is not cross-platform compatible. This means that players on PC cannot play with or against friends on consoles, and vice versa; the player base is segregated by platform.
At launch, the game was made available in three languages: English, French, and German.
Free-to-Play Model and Purchasable Items
The game's free-to-play structure is central to its appeal. As a free-to-play title, there is no cost to download and play the core game. The monetisation strategy is focused on optional purchases that do not impact gameplay balance. The purchasable items are described as "cosmetic and convenience items." This approach is designed to maintain a fair playing field where success is determined by skill and time investment rather than financial expenditure.
For the existing Defiance community, there is an additional benefit. The developers have implemented a "Valor Program" to thank loyal players. This programme allows players to transfer select rewards from the original Defiance to Defiance 2050. Specifically, account-based purchases such as character and loadout slots, as well as specific unique titles like "Old School," will be transferable. A new reward system is also being added to the original Defiance game, where players can earn Valor, which will be usable in some capacity in Defiance 2050, though more details on this were to be revealed later.
Beta Access and Community Engagement
Prior to the full launch, a closed beta test was conducted. Interested players could sign up for the beta through official channels. The developers encouraged players to keep an eye on their email, as well as the Defiance forums, Facebook, and Twitter for potential invites. This closed beta period allowed the development team to test systems and gather feedback from the community.
Community engagement is a highlighted aspect of Defiance 2050. The developers actively encourage discussion on the official Defiance forums and other social media platforms to gather player thoughts and feedback.
Comparison to the Original Defiance
Defiance 2050 is not a sequel but a complete reimagining, revamp, and remaster of the original Defiance game. It is built from the ground up to deliver a modernised experience. A key feature for veterans of the original game is the ability to transfer some account information. This includes transferable purchases and unique titles, allowing returning players to begin their adventure in Defiance 2050 with a step ahead. The previous DLC content from the original Defiance is also provided free of charge to all players in Defiance 2050, regardless of whether they purchased it previously.
Conclusion
Defiance 2050 presents itself as a comprehensive free-to-play MMO shooter for PC, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4. Its core appeal lies in its cooperative gameplay, story-driven world, and a monetisation model that explicitly avoids selling gameplay advantages, instead focusing on cosmetic and convenience items. The game modernises the original Defiance with updated systems, including a new class-based progression system and improved hardware utilisation. For the existing community, the Valor Program offers a way to carry over certain rewards and recognitions into the new experience. While not cross-platform, the game offers a full-featured, free-to-win experience for players across its supported platforms.