Defiance

Colony Courtship marked a significant highlight during Year 7 of Defiance, launching on February 8, 2021, and introducing a host of new content and events. Players enjoyed the addition of new Jackpot weapons and the Passionate Pack, enhancing gameplay options and rewards.

• New Weapons: The Mutagenic Gestation Jackpot Weapons launched with the event, featuring weapons like Saprophyte and Hematophagous on February 8, 2021.
  • Additional new Jackpot weapons included those from the Malicious Mirage Supply Crates and Quasar Wave Supply Crates introduced earlier in the year.
• New Packs: The Abominable Warmaster Pack became available during the Solstice Strike event on December 14, 2020, offering unique weapons and a Patron Pass.
• Gameplay Changes: The Mutagenic Gestation Synergy Effects launched alongside the new weapons, allowing players to unlock bonuses like increased movement speed and damage boosts.
• Seasonal Events: The Solstice Celebration Event featured special Arkfalls and holiday-themed activities starting December 14, 2020. The Gamigo 20th Anniversary Celebration from October 1 to 29, 2020, included contests and giveaways.
• Quality of Life: A Voucher Code System was introduced on October 1, 2020, enabling players to display their full character names in rankings.

Defiance introduced the Precision Bore Weapon Types on May 19, 2020, adding new event weapons like the HP-A Wolfhound and Magnum that featured Precision Bore synergy. Other significant updates included the introduction of new synergy effects and weapons such as Essence Drain and Essence Weapons on February 10, 2020, enhancing gameplay with new mechanics and options.

• New Weapons: Multiple batches of new weapons and crates debuted, including:

  • Essence Weapons: INF-27 Immunizer, LM-43 Thunder, Surge Blaster, providing +10% armor plate damage.
  • Jackpot Weapons: Malicious Undertaking and Phantom Pride were available during the Colony Courtship event.
  • Supply Crates: The Precision Bore Supply Crate offered chances at new jackpot weapons and mods.

• New Synergies: The Precision Bore Synergy launched on May 19, providing reload speed bonuses, accuracy boosts, and lifesteal on critical hits. The Essence Drain synergy also enhanced power and survivability with new effects.

• Seasonal Events: Several notable events took place, including:

  • Solstice Strike 2019: Featured battles with the Abominable Warmaster and Volge Grinches.
  • 99 Problems Event: Returned from May 18 to June 15, 2020.
  • Colony Courtship Event: Celebrated Valentine's Day with themed activities until March 9.

• Gameplay Events: Unique events such as the Death and Taxes and Outbreak events introduced new challenges and enemies, enriching the game experience.

• Limited-Time Crates: Various crates like the Quasar Wave and Cleansing Napalm provided players with new jackpot weapons and mods during the window.

Defiance 2050 launched on July 10, 2018, marking a significant transition to a free-to-play cooperative sci-fi shooter on PS4, Xbox One, and PC. This update not only introduced a fresh game experience but also brought new classes, customization options, and gameplay systems to enhance player engagement.

• New Classes: The launch introduced multiple classes, including Assault, Assassin, Guardian, Combat Medic, and Demolitionist, each with unique benefits tailored for diverse playstyles.
  • Crusader Class: Released on July 26, this class came with new enemies, missions, and story content.
  • Engineer Class: Planned for winter 2018, it added further depth to character choices.
• Synergy Matrix: A new system launched on February 11, 2019, allowing players to enhance their abilities through Synergy Crystals.
• New Item Enhancements: Players gained the ability to upgrade, reroll, and unlock bonuses for weapons, with the addition of prototype weapons like the Venom Spitter.
• Graphical Updates: Released alongside Defiance 2050, these updates improved visual fidelity across all platforms, enhancing overall immersion.
• Colony Courtship Event: This seasonal event launched on February 11, 2019, featuring Hellbug invasions and new challenges for players.

Defiance 2050 was announced on February 27, 2018, marking a significant reimagining of the original game as a free-to-play online shooter set in a post-apocalyptic world. This announcement came alongside a major gameplay and system overhaul, which included updated mission structures, weapons systems, and character progression.

• New Classes: Four new base classes—Assassin, Guardian, Combat Medic, and Assault—were introduced in Defiance 2050, each featuring unique abilities and playstyles on June 1, 2018.
• Valor Program: A new Valor Program launched, allowing players to earn a new currency called Valor Commendations in the original Defiance, which could be used to unlock special cosmetics and character boosts in Defiance 2050.
• Gameplay Mechanics Overhaul: The game featured a reimagined experience with streamlined gameplay mechanics, including an updated free-to-play model that offered optional purchasable cosmetics and items not tied to power on February 27, 2018.
• Seasonal Events: The 99 Problems Event launched on May 21, 2018, allowing players to explore the New Frontier and face off against unique enemies for special rewards. Additionally, the Armistice Seasonal Event ran from March 19 to April 9, 2018, featuring various activities and challenges.
• Balance Changes: Significant changes were made to drop rates, including a double drop rate for Legendary and Supreme items from Ex Inanis boxes and expedition tables on February 15, 2018.

Defiance Gold Edition launched on November 1, 2016, bundling all available DLC into one package with exclusive perks. This release included a significant overhaul of the DLC structure, removing individual DLC purchases in favor of the new Gold Edition, which also introduced new content and gameplay enhancements. Noteworthy additions included the new Outbreak Event and several new weapons and synergies.

• Major Content Drop: Defiance Gold Edition Released: Bundled all previous DLCs into one package with exclusive bonuses.
• New Content:
  • Outbreak Event: Launched on May 1, 2017, featuring new biohazard-themed enemies and arkfalls.
  • New Weapons: Introduced the Sol Destroyer and Apocalypse weapons, both added to the Jackpot pool on March 10, 2017.
  • New Synergies:
    • Cleansing Napalm: Gained effects such as ammo regen and increased damage on enemy armor break.
    • Ether Acceleration: Provided unique bonuses for weapon handling and damage.
• Gameplay Enhancements:
  • New Faction Leveling System: Expanded player progression to level 1500, enhancing gameplay depth.
  • Paradise Karma System: Introduced for Patrons, offering additional loot rolls and improved drop rates.
• Seasonal Events:
  • Armistice Festival: Celebrated the 4th anniversary with returning events and new rewards starting March 6, 2017.
  • Hulker Hell Event: Returned on November 14, 2016, featuring unique rewards for defeating Hulkers.

Returning players will find a wealth of new content, gameplay mechanics, and seasonal events that enrich the Defiance experience.

The Exchange launched on May 19, 2016, introducing a new item trading system that allowed players to buy and sell items through the EGO interface. This update, along with the EGO level cap increase to 6000, significantly enhanced player progression options. Additionally, the Shrill Invasion introduced a new enemy faction with unique abilities, adding fresh challenges to the gameplay.

• New Trading System: The Exchange enabled players to filter, sort, and search for items listed for sale by other ark hunters.
  • Introduced on May 19, 2016.
• EGO Level Cap Increase: Players can now reach a maximum EGO level of 6000, with additional rewards for maxing out XP.
  • Implemented on April 29, 2016.
• New Enemy Faction: The Shrill Invasion added various Shrill organisms, enhancing combat dynamics with their unique abilities.
  • Launched on March 4, 2016.
• New Mission Line: The Dark Metamorphosis mission line invited players to explore deeper narratives within the game.
  • Released on March 1, 2016.
• New Weapons and Gear: The Arctic Assassin Pack delivered winter-themed outfits, weapons, and vehicles, enhancing customization.
  • Released on January 27, 2016.

Balance changes included adjustments to PvP damage, reducing overall damage but increasing critical hit damage to emphasize skill-based gameplay. The introduction of the Solstice Strike and Celebration 2015 event brought new pursuits and loot during the holiday season from December 14 to January 4, further enriching the game’s content.

Defiance transitioned to a free-to-play model across multiple platforms, starting with its PC launch on June 4, 2014, followed by Steam on July 25 and PlayStation 3 on August 14. This major shift opened the game to a broader audience, coinciding with the Silicon Valley World Expansion, which introduced new missions, challenges, and dynamic events.

• New Content:

  • Silicon Valley World Expansion: Launched on August 7, 2014, this expansion added a new zone featuring missions and new dynamic events like Invasions.
  • Alcatraz Island Base: Introduced on April 16, 2015, this new staging point for Expeditions expanded gameplay options.
  • Cyber Rigs: Also launched on April 16, 2015, these new neural implants provided unique powers and customization options.

• Gameplay Features:

  • Expeditions Feature: Released on April 16, 2015, this feature allowed players to engage in progressive raids against massive threats.

• Balance Changes:

  • EGO Rating Cap Increases: The cap was raised to 5,900 on August 7, 2014, and then to 6,000 on April 16, 2015, allowing for further character progression.

• Seasonal Events:

  • Double Hunter Requisition Week: From May 27 to June 3, 2015, players enjoyed double grants of their weekly Hunter Requisitions.
  • Double XP and Bonus Faction Reputation: Offered from May 28 to June 1, 2015, this event provided players with double XP and a 50% bonus to faction reputation.

• New Bundles:

  • On May 23, 2015, several new Ark Hunter bundles were introduced, including the Evolved and Apex bundles, featuring new weapons and items for purchase.