XDefiant Season 1 is officially here, and Ubisoft has lifted a curtain on a wealth of content, including a shiny new faction called GSK. Here are all GSK abilities in XDefiant.

XDefiant may have made some noise as a “COD-killer,” but it has established its own playerbase thanks to distinct factions and Ubisoft game-inspired maps.

It currently has five factions and a sixth was announced for the game’s first-ever season on July 2. Now, Ubisoft has officially unveiled all GSK abilities in XDefiant, and they appear to be brimming with potent offensive and defensive capabilities.

How to unlock ACR in XDefiant

GSK is a group in Ubisoft’s Rainbow Six Siege, where they are known as GSG-9. In XDefiant, they are described as “Germany’s Border Protection Command,” specializing in crowd control and securing territory.

What are all the GSK abilities in XDefiant?

The new faction currently has three premier defense specialists: Kaptan, Krieigar, and Stark. Here are all GSK abilities in XDefiant.

Activated Ability 1 – ADS (Active Defense System)

As evident from the name, ADS is a small device that neutralizes incoming utility in a small Area of Effect. It’s a tossable tool that sticks to nearby surfaces and stays active for 25 seconds unless destroyed. For this reason, the developer recommends hiding this tiny gadget behind walls or even on the ceiling.

GSK abilities in XDefiant ADS
Credit: Ubisoft

Paired with healing aids like El Remedio, ADS can be extremely viable in fast-paced game modes. ADS can be reclaimed after a small cooldown.

Activated Ability 2 – Shockwire

Shockwire is a bundle of barbs that deals damage to enemies who step on it. It covers a small area and operates similarly to incendiary devices in other shooter games, obstructing pathways and objectives.

GSK players will get three charges of Shockwire that will recharge after a 25-second cooldown. Keep in mind that Shockwire can be taken out by a grenade or melee, so it’s not completely foolproof.

Passive Trait – Ballistic Helmet

This is by far the most potentially meta-shaking ability, as it dampens headshot damage. When equipped, the Ballistic Helmet protects players from instant headshot death by a sniper. This is indirectly a sniper nerf, at least for GSK players. 

GSK abilities in XDefiant -- helmet
Credit: Ubisoft

But again, it doesn’t provide full safety, and you will deal severe damage upon getting a headshot hit.

Ultra – Flash Shield

GSK abilities in XDefiant -- shield
Credit: Ubisoft

GSK Ultra, which is inspired by the Blitz shield in RS6, is a Riot shield that blocks incoming attacks and has a frontal flashing ability. Pairing Flash Shield with the 93R enhances its features, making it an extremely powerful Ultra.

However, activating your Ultra means sacrificing the full shield if you want to shoot. So, while it’s effective, it’s not overly dominant.