SETTING
The game takes place in the San Francisco Bay Area after a massive world-wide terraforming event led to the alteration of the landscape, the fall of plants and animal species and the rise to new species. Several alien species came to Earth to set up a new home, which led to war, further devastating the planet. After the war, both Humans and the aliens, known as Votans, learned to live side by side. Players are enlisted as "Ark Hunters" by Karl Von Bach (CEO of Von Bach Industries) to travel to the Bay Area in search of advanced and expensive alien technology. Players also take part in side missions to earn some cash or challenges where they compete with other Ark Hunters.

CUSTOMIZATIONS
Unlike other MMO's Defiance does not have classes but rather players can choose from an "origin". Origins do not limit what abilities, weapons or outfits the players can choose from. Players also able to have a great deal of control over their physical appearance including hair, clothing and tattoos. Players can choose to be either a Human or an Irathient (a humanoid alien species). Players have access to a wide variety of weapons from hand guns to assault rifles and grenade launchers to shotguns. They are also able to modify weapons with new sights, grips and upgraded magazines.