Best XDefiant Factions to use for each mode

Faction abilities give you the edge you need to exceed in XDefiant’s many modes. Some are tailored for defense, while others excel in fast-paced rounds. Understanding these abilities is crucial for enhancing your gameplay, so let’s delve into the best XDefiant Factions for each mode.

Which Factions should you use with each mode in XDefiant?

There are five modes players can dive into in XDefiant: Escort, Zone Control, Domination, Occupy, and Hot Shot. Depending on the game mode, specific Factions will work better, so we’ll break each one down. 

Escort

• Echelon
• Phantoms

If you’ve landed on or chosen Escort, it’s best to go with high-defense Factions like Phantoms. Their protective abilities, such as the Blitz Shield and Ultra Aegis, are tailor-made for fending off enemy attacks and safeguarding the payload radius. With the need for constant movement in this mode, the Phantom’s mobile defense is a game-changer, instilling you with the confidence to navigate the battlefield with ease. 

The Echelon Faction also pinpoints enemy locations with the Intel Suit. You’ll often find yourself in vulnerable spots when guarding the payload, areas where you’re exposed and more likely to be targeted by enemies. However, knowing where your foes are makes it much more manageable. If you’re on the attack side for the payload, the two Factions are still great assets, especially with the invisibility of Echelon’s Digital Ghillie Suit and Phantoms’ defensive Mag Barrier.

Domination

• Cleaners
• Phantoms

In Domination, you and your team must get a hold of three Capture Zones. Unlike Occupy, these zones are stationary, forcing players to stick within one spot at a time. One of my favorite Factions for this one is the high-damaging Cleaners. You’ll see their value with their Firebomb ability, igniting and inflicting damage within a radius. The Incinerator Drone can also be excellent for oncoming enemies, unleashing a fiery flight path. 

Phantoms come in clutch once again during this mode. Use their Mag Barrier to guard the zone from the opposing side’s bullets and grenades. 

Occupy

• Echelon
• Libertad
• DedSec

XDefiant’s Occupy mode forces you to use mobile and defensive strategies. Considering that the capture zone will continuously change, Echelon’s stealth capabilities are among the best. The Digital Ghillie Suit is exceptional for both defense and offense. For instance, you can initiate a surprise attack on enemies or utilize it to sneak around the map. Plus, Echelon’s Low Profile keeps you off the opponent’s mini-map. 

Libertad is another fantastic choice for Occupy mode due to its healing skills. Whenever your team is guarding a zone, throw the gas canister of El Remedio to heal yourself and allies within its radius. Even more so, their Ultra Medico Supremo makes it almost impossible for the enemies to eliminate the team. It’s all partly due to Libertad’s large health boosters, which act as temporary shields. 

Those who unlocked the hacker DedSec Faction in XDefiant can also stop any threatening equipment. This mode often forces opponents to use their gear and abilities whenever your team is guarding the zone. Thus, players can activate Hijack to steal their skills or send a Spiderbot to eradicate them from a distance. 

Zone Control

• Phantoms
• Libertad

Zone Control resembles Occupy and Domination, tying into the standard capture zone gameplay. However, one of the significant differences is the fact that it takes longer to capture, indicating that defense is a strong suit here. Given that Phantoms excels in this category, it’s wise to use this Faction in XDefiant. You’ll need to basically use all their abilities to last longer, from their Blitz Shield to their Aegis. 

If you prefer support over defense, then go with Libertad instead. Similar to Occupy, throw the El Remedio to restore nearby allies’ health. You can also use the BioVida Boost whenever you’re on the move to increase your health even more. 

Hot Shot

• Echelon
• Phantoms
• Libertad
• Cleaners

The Hot Shot mode is all about going on the offense, differing from the heavy defense of some modes. The goal here is to collect Bounties from fallen players, in which targets can sometimes be placed upon you. Most of the Factions work considerably well in this XDefiant mode. 

As a Cleaner, players can inflict more damage with their incendiary ammo and Purifier Ultra (flamethrower). Alternatively, survivability can be increased with the Phantom’s Hardened or Libertad’s Espiritu de Libertad Passive Traits. Enemies often shoot at you in this mode, so use these skills for better chances. 

Since everyone will be coming at you, you could use Echelon’s Sonar Goggles to see nearby enemies. Players can also take a sneakier route with their other abilities. But if a target has been placed upon you, settle for the Intel Suit to get an opponent’s exact position.