Ubisoft is set to transform the beloved tactical shooter, Rainbow Six Siege, with its upcoming Siege X update, which promises not only an extensive visual and gameplay overhaul but also a new game mode that caters to both new and returning players.
The Siege X update will initiate a Closed Beta beginning on March 13th and continuing through March 19th, 2025. Players interested in experiencing the new features can join the Closed Beta, which will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Ubisoft Connect. To gain access, players are required to watch the R6 Siege X Showcase on March 13th, either via the official Rainbow 6 Twitch channel or through participating content creators’ livestreams, earning Closed Beta Twitch drops in the process.
Key aspects of this update include a permanent game mode named Dual Front, which allows 6v6 battles on the largest map in the Rainbow Six Siege history. Players will form squads through a roster of 35 operators, combining both attackers and defenders in ways that have not been explored before. This addition is expected to enhance the gameplay even more by creating unique tactical combinations.
Ubisoft has made it clear that the launch of Siege X is intended to attract many players, as it will be available for free starting on June 10th, 2025. This move is designed to lower barriers for entry and enable a wider audience to jump into the game. The development team is also working on features that facilitate accessibility, including a communication wheel for non-verbal callouts, which will make it easier for new players to navigate team strategies without being overwhelmed by verbal exchanges.
In addition to improving accessibility, Siege X will introduce enhanced shadow rendering, making it easier to spot enemies before they ambush. With the update, there will be advanced audio enhancements as well, ensuring that players can hear gunshots and footsteps more clearly—a fundamental aspect of gameplay in shooters.
Seemingly trivial, but highly awaited, the addition of a weapon inspection feature will finally arrive, allowing players to appreciate their weapon camos during gameplay. Ubisoft has also been listening to concerns over cheating, with plans for R6ShieldGuard, a new system that integrates multiple measures to combat cheating, such as Binary Hardening and Cheat Detection.
Although Siege X launches as a free-to-play title, some elements remain paid. Ranked mode continues to require payment, keeping it a premium experience. Players who owned Rainbow Six Siege will have full access, while newcomers may find some operators only available through purchase.
Another noteworthy upgrade coming with Siege X is the revamped rappel system, enabling players to sprint while rappelling, improving their maneuverability and reaction time. Combined with the newly improved maps featuring fire extinguishers for deploying smoke cover, players will be freed from the limitations of traditional smoke grenades.
Ubisoft's commitment to evolving Rainbow Six Siege indicates their dedication to creating a robust competitive environment, as they aim to ensure gameplay fairness through enhanced anti-cheat measures. Dual Front's operator pool will also remain flexible, giving players dynamic gameplay experiences as the operator roster may change up to twice a season, adding freshness to the competition.
As anticipation builds for Siege X, fans are encouraged to participate in the beta to fully experience the revolutionary changes set to redefine the Rainbow Six Siege landscape. With so much on the horizon, the tactical shooter is poised to engage both veteran players and newcomers alike in its next phase of evolution.
