[Discussion] XDefiant Patch Notes: Y1S2.4 Update Brings Gameplay Balance and Key Fixes

[Uncrowned Guard]

Introduction to the Update

Exciting times are upon us as the much-anticipated Y1S2.4 update for 'XDefiant' rolls out. This new update promises to enrich the player's experience significantly, with a host of adjustments and improvements focused on balance tweaks, bug fixes, and gameplay refinements.

Galvanizing Gameplay with Faction and Map Changes

A central component of the patch bumps up the action for the 'Highwaymen' and 'Phantoms' factions. The Highwaymen faction's M79 grenade launcher reloading bug stands corrected, which previously got triggered upon immediate faction switching after firing one round. For Phantoms, the update rectifies an unfair advantage, which previously allowed foes to kill them inside their Aegis ultra, in spite of clearly missing their shots.

Further, the patch brings modifications to 'Air & Space' and 'Arena' maps. The issues of visibility through smoke grenades in the Air & Space map and an unfair high-ground advantage in the Arena map have been successfully resolved, promising a smoother, more balanced battleground.

Adapting Game Modes and Weapons

In terms of game modes, improvements have been made to both 'Bomb!' and 'CTF'. Players spectating in Bomb! mode no longer face the void beyond the map when an ally switches factions. The CTF mode issue is fixed as well - it no longer allows players to capture the enemy flag by reaching the platform above their base.

On the weapons front, glitches like players being stuck with an invisible weapon when canceling smoke grenades or proximity mines deployment, and occasional weapon jitters while spectating, have been ironed out.

Upgraded Devices and Netcode Adjustments

Noteworthy adjustments have been made to smoke grenade radius and EMP. The former sees a minor but useful tweak, while the latter fixes an issue causing the entire match to crash for high-level players throwing an EMP grenade.

Netcode adjustments were a key component of the previous S2.3 update, refining the kill-trade window. The Y1S2.4 update continues to refine it, dividing it based on the weapons wielded, aiming to improve the kill trades’ natural flow and reduce kill trading overall.

Audio Enhancements and Miscellaneous Adjustments

The update also brings an array of audio improvements, ensuring a more immersive sonic experience. The explosion sound of a destroyed Spiderbot has been fixed, gunfire, and footstep sounds after dying have been enhanced, and footsteps now fade in and out naturally depending on the distance, making the game's soundscape more realistic.

Various miscellaneous adjustments include a change where players now have to unlock all 23 prerequisite weapons to access the new Pyroclastic skin, addressing an early access bug.

Rolling Into a More Balanced Gameplay

This bundle of updates in Y1S2.4 promises to significantly shape the player's experience by addressing pain points and improving aspects across the board from factions, maps, and weapons to audio, thereby fostering a more balanced and immersive gaming experience for the community.

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