Dive into the thrilling world of Rainbow Six Siege X as it launches its Closed Beta, spotlighting the innovative 6v6 game mode, Dual Front. This article will guide you through the exciting new features of Dual Front and provide all the essential details about the Closed Beta test.
Ubisoft has officially announced that the Closed Beta for Rainbow Six Siege X (R6 Siege X) will commence on March 13th at 12 PM PT / 3 PM ET / 8 PM CET, immediately following the R6 Siege X Showcase. The beta will run until March 19th at the same times.
To participate in the R6 Siege X Closed Beta, fans can tune into the R6 Siege X Showcase on the official Rainbow 6 Twitch channel or through various Content Creators' Twitch livestreams to earn Closed Beta Twitch drops. The beta will be accessible on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
However, some players have reported not receiving the expected email containing the access code for the Closed Beta. Ubisoft Support has acknowledged this issue on Twitter (X) on March 14 and is actively working to resolve it and send out the emails promptly.
It's crucial to understand that R6 Siege X is not a new game but a significant update designed to elevate the Siege experience with enhanced graphics and technical improvements.
Ubisoft has introduced Dual Front, a dynamic new 6v6 game mode that promises to revolutionize the core gameplay of Rainbow Six Siege. According to the official website, Dual Front will bring "foundational upgrades to the core game, including visual enhancements, an audio overhaul, rappel upgrades, and more," alongside improved player protection systems and free access, allowing players to experience the tactical action of Rainbow Six Siege without any cost.
The action unfolds on a new map called District, where two teams of six Operators will engage in simultaneous attack and defense strategies, targeting enemy sectors while safeguarding their own. This marks a first for R6, introducing simultaneous attacking and defending Operators, which opens up new strategic possibilities and gadget combinations.
While Dual Front takes center stage, the classic Siege mode remains intact, now rebranded as "Core Siege" in the main menu. This mode features modernized updates for five iconic maps: Clubhouse, Chalet, Border, Bank, and Kafe. These maps will boast double texture resolution, optional 4K textures on PC, and enhanced destructible materials. Initially, only these five maps will receive updates, with plans to modernize three more maps per future season.
After a decade since its initial release, Rainbow Six Siege will transition to a free-to-play model starting in Season 2 of Year 10, aligning with the industry trend set by its competitors. When Siege launched in 2015, the gaming landscape was dominated by paid multiplayer titles like Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 and Battlefield Hardline, and the concept of live-service games was less prevalent.
At the R6 Siege X Showcase event in Atlanta on March 13, Siege Game Director Alexander Karpazis shared with PC Gamer the team's vision to introduce the game to new players. "We want people to invite their friends to try out Siege, and we want to give them the majority of the game so that they understand what makes this game so special," Karpazis explained. He emphasized the importance of community and friendship in enhancing the Siege experience, stating, "That reduces the barrier [to entry], because honestly Siege is at its best when you've got friends playing with you."
The free access will include game modes such as Unranked, Quick Play, and the new Dual Front. However, access to Ranked mode and the Siege Cup will require a paid premium subscription. This approach, as mentioned by former game director Leroy Athanassoff in a 2020 interview with PC Gamer, aims to deter smurfs and cheaters. "Having that barrier to Ranked or Siege Cup means you have to be committed to the game. It does mean we weed out smurfs, and it means we're prepared to continue supporting the most competitive aspect of the game," Athanassoff noted. Karpazis added, "It is, in our opinion, the best of both worlds where you can bring in new players but also have this place where veterans feel super competitive and committed to the game."
Despite reaching its 10-year milestone, Ubisoft has no plans to develop a sequel, Rainbow Six Siege 2. Unlike competitors such as Overwatch 2 and Counter-Strike 2, R6 Siege has chosen to focus on enhancing the existing game rather than creating a new one.
Karpazis explained, "Siege 2 was never on the table. A lot of live service games are starting to go through this process because a lot of them are hitting that 10-year mark." He emphasized the team's commitment to doing what's best for Siege and its players, stating, "We just had to do what was right for Siege and what was right for players as well. When we go back in time three years ago, that was the main focus for us."
Siege X has been in development for approximately three years, running parallel to Siege's regular seasonal updates. Karpazis highlighted the long-term vision for Siege X, saying, "Siege X, for us, is a moment where we want to make big, meaningful changes to the game. We want to show that, yes, we're here for another 10 years, and we want to respect the people who brought us here so far."
He acknowledged the vital role of the community, stating, "You don't get to 10 years as a live service game without the community that built you up."
Rainbow Six Siege X is slated for release on June 10, 2025, across PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Stay updated with the latest news on Rainbow Six Siege by checking out our dedicated article below!