Ubisoft has officially unveiled the next major evolution of Rainbow Six Siege at the Siege X Showcase, setting the stage for a massive transformation of the tactical shooter. Launching on June 10, 2025, Siege X introduces Dual Front, an all-new 6v6 mode that changes the fundamental dynamics of the game, along with extensive visual and gameplay enhancements, upgraded player protection systems, and a major free-to-play shift that will open the game up to a broader audience.
Players eager to get an early taste of these changes can dive into a free closed beta for Dual Front, running now until March 19 on PC (via Ubisoft Connect), PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. Whether you’re a veteran Operator or a newcomer, here’s everything you need to know about Siege X and what it means for the future of Rainbow Six Siege.
Dual Front: Siege’s First 6v6 Mode Brings Fresh Tactical Combat
At the heart of Siege X is Dual Front, an entirely new way to experience Rainbow Six Siege. Taking place on District, a large-scale map designed specifically for the mode, Dual Front pits two teams of six Operators against each other in an attacker-defender hybrid battle.
Unlike Siege’s traditional 5v5 format, this mode introduces simultaneous objectives: each team must attack an enemy sector while defending their own. The goal is to plant a Sabotage Kit (similar to a defuser) in the opposing team’s objective room, securing the sector before moving toward the final target—the Base. Capture and sabotage the Base first, and victory is yours.
New Tactical Possibilities: Attackers and Defenders on the Same Team
One of the most significant changes in Dual Front is the blended team composition. For the first time, players can mix Attackers and Defenders on the same team, leading to new synergies and strategies. This opens up creative gadget combinations—imagine combining Thermite’s breaching power with Jäger’s projectile defense or pairing Mira’s Black Mirrors with Glaz’s long-range sightlines.
Respawning Changes the Meta
Unlike traditional Siege gameplay, Dual Front features respawning, making for a faster-paced experience while still rewarding tactical decision-making. Players can experiment with different approaches mid-match, adapt to enemy strategies, and regroup without waiting for the next round.
A Map Built for Strategy and Control
District is larger than standard Siege maps, incorporating multiple lanes, vertical play, and a contested neutral zone where additional objectives will randomly appear. These limited-time assignments grant rewards to the team that completes them, adding another layer of strategy to the fight.
The Dual Front beta is available now until March 19, and players do not need to own Rainbow Six Siege to participate. When Siege X officially launches, Dual Front will be permanently available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.
Core Game Improvements: A New Era for Siege
Beyond Dual Front, Siege X introduces major upgrades that will impact the entire game, including the classic 5v5 competitive mode. From graphical enhancements to gameplay refinements, Ubisoft is ensuring Siege remains at the cutting edge of tactical shooters.
Graphical & Environmental Upgrades
- Modernized Maps – Five of Siege’s most iconic maps—Clubhouse, Chalet, Border, Bank, and Kafe—have been completely overhauled with new lighting, realistic shadows, and double the texture resolution. Additional maps will be updated each season.
- New Destructible Elements – Interactive environmental hazards add fresh tactical considerations:
- Red gas pipes release fire jets when damaged, eventually exploding into area-denying flames.
- Fire extinguishers burst into lingering smoke, potentially concussing nearby Operators.
- Metal detectors can now be smashed or disabled with EMPs to avoid detection.
Gameplay Refinements
- Enhanced Rappelling System – New motion capture animations make rappelling smoother, including the ability to sprint horizontally and maneuver around corners.
- Audio Overhaul – A complete rework of sound propagation ensures more accurate positional audio, making it easier to pinpoint enemy movement.
- Non-Verbal Communication Wheel – New ping options allow for better tactical coordination without needing voice chat.
- Weapon Inspect Feature – Players can now examine their weapon skins and cosmetics in-game.
- Ranked Pick & Ban Overhaul – Teams will now pick and ban Operators simultaneously to speed up matches, with a new phase when sides switch for adaptive strategy adjustments.
- Improved Onboarding for New Players – A revamped tutorial system introduces guided skill training, easing newcomers into Siege’s high-stakes tactical gameplay.
Player Protection: Strengthening the Fight Against Cheating & Toxicity
Ubisoft has made significant strides in anti-cheat efforts over the past year, increasing their security team size, eliminating multiple cheat developers, and reducing cheat reports by 30%. With Siege X, these initiatives are being unified under a new system:
Introducing R6 ShieldGuard
R6 ShieldGuard consolidates all current and future anti-cheat solutions, including:
- Live security updates that roll out instantly without requiring downtime.
- Enhanced cheat detection to disrupt cheat development at its source.
- Mousetrap (Anti-Controller Spoofing) for continued enforcement against unfair aim assist abuse.
- The Reputation System, which will restrict access to certain playlists for toxic players.
Ubisoft’s goal is to make Rainbow Six Siege a fairer, more enjoyable experience, whether you’re playing competitively or just for fun.
Rainbow Six Siege Goes Free-to-Play
Perhaps the biggest shift in Siege X is that Rainbow Six Siege will be free to access starting in Season 2 of Year 10.
What’s Included for Free Players?
- 10 free Operators at launch, with the ability to unlock up to 26 through in-game progression.
- Access to Unranked, Quick Play, and Dual Front modes.
Upgrading to Premium Access
- Unlocks Ranked and Siege Cup (once reaching level 50).
- Provides instant access to additional Operators.
What Happens If You Already Own Siege?
Veteran players will retain all unlocked content (Operators, skins, inventory, etc.) and will receive exclusive rewards as a thank-you for their dedication over the past decade.
The Future of Siege Begins June 10
With Dual Front, a massive gameplay and visual overhaul, and the move to free-to-play, Rainbow Six Siege X is set to redefine Rainbow Six Siege for both returning players and newcomers.
The free beta for Dual Front is live now until March 19, so jump in and experience the next evolution of Siege before it officially launches on June 10, 2025.
Rainbow Six Siege is available on:
- PlayStation 5 & PlayStation 4
- Xbox Series X|S & Xbox One
- PC (Ubisoft Connect, Steam, Epic Games Store)
- Ubisoft+ Premium subscription
For more updates, stay tuned as Ubisoft prepares to roll out the next era of Siege!
