Experience The Defiant, a New WWII Shooter from China

We have seen countless World War II games over the years, but most keep the focus on European or American fronts. The Defiant is changing that by telling a story from the Chinese perspective. Developer Hoothanes and publisher 4Divinity just revealed a new gameplay trailer and a public demo at ChinaJoy 2026 to show how they are bringing this crucial piece of history to life.

Built with Unreal Engine 5, the game looks to recreate the era with high detail. Fans of historical weaponry will appreciate the inclusion of authentic gear like the Hanyang Type 88, the Mauser C96, and the Bergmann MP18. Beyond the equipment, the developers are focusing on the emotional weight of the War of Resistance. The game explores the struggles of soldiers and civilians, aiming for an experience that feels raw rather than just another action shooter.

The gameplay footage shows a mix of stealth, sniping, and intense urban combat set across diverse environments like occupied villages and frozen forests. The atmosphere seems heavy, using visual and audio effects to place players right in the middle of a desperate struggle for survival. Instead of a typical run and gun style, the developers want players to feel the stress of life behind enemy lines.

If you are attending ChinaJoy 2026 in Shanghai, you can try the demo at booth N1 G201 through August 3. For everyone else, the game is coming to PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. You can add it to your wishlist on Steam right now while we wait for an official release date.