How to add & invite friends on XDefiant

Sourav Banik
XDefiant key art

Are you wondering how to add and invite your friends to play XDefiant together? Here’s how to enjoy the new arena FPS with your pals.

XDefiant has now launched. The free-to-play shooter is making waves for Rainbow Six Siege and Call of Duty players, offering a new alternative for them to try. Whether you’re deciding which Faction to play as, or working out your ideal loadout, experiencing XDefiant with friends by your side will likely enhance your time in game – as long as they can keep up.

This is exactly how to add and invite friends to your lobby in the game.

How to add friends on XDefiant?

XDefiant character firing a rifle

XDefiant relies on Ubisoft Connect, the studio’s shared ecosystem that allows crossplay functions and rewards players for playing Ubisoft games.

Follow the below steps to add friends in-game:

  1. Load up XDefiant and click on Social.
  2. Select Ubisoft Connect.
  3. From there, you must enter the friend’s Ubisoft ID.
  4. Once the list opens, click on the Add button.
  5. Enter your friend’s username and click on Search.
  6. If you’re on a PC, you also get the option to import friends from Steam.

That’s it! You have now successfully added your friend to your list. Let’s now jump into the process of inviting them to your lobby.

How to invite friends to your lobby

Once you’re done adding your buddies on Ubisoft Connect, inviting them to play in XDefiant varies depending on what platform you’re playing on.

If you’re on a PC, follow the steps below:

  1. Fire up the game and wait for the main menu to appear.
  2. Once you’re in, look for the Social button on the upper right side of the screen, and click it.
  3. Select the Invite to Party
  4. Find the friend you want to invite, and hit the Invite to Party option.

Another alternative to this step is opening up the Ubisoft Connect overlay and looking for the Social button. From there, you can quickly invite friends.

If you’re on a console, here’s what you have to do:

  1. Fire up the game and wait for the main menu to appear.
  2. Once you’re in, look for the Social button on the upper right side of the screen, and click on it.
    • If your friend is playing on the same platform as you, you’ll see an option letting you invite them on the system’s network. For example, PS5 players will see PlayStation Network, letting them invite PS friends.
    • If they aren’t playing on the same platform, you’ll need to select Ubisoft Connect, enter their name, and send a friend request.
      • Once you’re friends in Ubisoft’s system, reopen Ubisoft Connect, and you can invite them from there.

Your lobby will now start seeing your friends join, and you can queue for matches together. You’ll be able to invite up to five friends to partake in the casual 6v6 playlist.

Friend Referral Programme

Ubisoft has also implemented a Friend Referral Programme that will reward you for inviting friends to play. Both Referrers (existing players) and Recruits (new players) will earn exclusive rewards for taking part and playing together.

Before you can become a Referrer in the programme, you’ll need to have reached Player Level 10 in the game. You can either invite friends through the programme’s website or send your unique invitation link to them directly.

Only people who have not played XDefiant, or have already been invited by another player can be recruited. The programme is available on all platforms and is expected to be available indefinitely.

Friend Referral Rewards

An image of XDefiant referral rewards.
You can earn rewards by inviting friends to play XDefiant.

You can earn the following rewards through the Friend Referral programme:

  • For your 1st Invitee: 1x 20-minute Weapon XP Booster
  • For your 2nd Invitee: 1x Battle Pass Tier
  • For your 3rd Invitee: 3x 40-minute BP XP Boosters
  • For your 4th Invitee: Street Art Player Card
  • For your 5th Invitee: MP5 – Eruption Common Weapon Skin
  • For your 6th Invitee: 5x 60-minute Weapon XP Boosters
  • For your 7th Invitee: AK47 – Shamrock Common Weapon Skin
  • For your 8th Invitee: Speech Bubble Emoji Pack
  • For your 9th Invitee: Denver – Game Over Rare Character Skin
  • For your 10th Invitee: M870 – Blaze Legendary Weapon Skin

Invitees who reach Level 10 in XDefiant will all earn x1 Battle Pass Booster.

For more XDefiant, make sure you stay up to date with the game’s server status and current Twitch drops. If you’re looking for loadout information we’ve got you covered with our M16A4, P90, and MP7 guides.