Get ready to dive into the action-packed world of Rainbow Six Siege X as its Closed Beta launches, introducing the innovative 6v6 game mode, Dual Front. Here's everything you need to know about the new Dual Front mode and what to expect from the Closed Beta test.
Rainbow Six Siege X Showcase Unveils Exciting Updates
Closed Beta Kicks Off on March 13, 2025
Ubisoft has officially announced that the Closed Beta for Rainbow Six Siege X (R6 Siege X) will commence on March 13, 2025, at 12 PM PT / 3 PM ET / 8 PM CET, right after the R6 Siege X Showcase concludes. The beta period will run until March 19, 2025, at the same times.
To participate in the R6 Siege X Closed Beta, fans can watch the R6 Siege X Showcase on the official Rainbow 6 Twitch channel or through various Content Creators' Twitch streams to earn Closed Beta Twitch drops. The Closed Beta will be accessible on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
However, there have been reports of some players not receiving the anticipated 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 that elevates the existing Siege experience with enhanced graphics and technical improvements.
Introducing Dual Front: A Dynamic 6v6 Game Mode
Ubisoft has introduced Dual Front, an exciting new 6v6 game mode designed to "deliver foundational upgrades to the core game, including visual enhancements, an audio overhaul, rappel upgrades, and more." This mode will also feature revamped player protection systems and free access, allowing players to experience the unique tactical action of Rainbow Six Siege without any cost.
Dual Front will take place on a new map named District, where two teams of six Operators will engage in simultaneous attack and defense of enemy sectors. This innovative approach marks the first time in R6 history that both attacking and defending Operators will be active at the same time, fostering new opportunities for gadget synergy and tactical strategies.
While Dual Front brings fresh excitement, the classic Siege mode remains, now rebranded as "Core Siege." This mode will feature updated versions of five maps: Clubhouse, Chalet, Border, Bank, and Kafe. These maps will boast double texture resolution, optional 4K textures on PC, and improved destructible materials. Initially, only these five maps will receive updates, with plans to modernize three more maps each subsequent season.
Free Access Begins in Season 2 of Year 10
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 trends set by its major competitors. When Siege first launched in 2015, the gaming landscape was dominated by paid multiplayer titles like Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 and Battlefield Hardline, and live-service games were less common.
At the R6 Siege X Showcase event in Atlanta on March 13, Game Director Alexander Karpazis shared with PC Gamer that the team aims to welcome 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," he explained. Karpazis further added, "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, Ranked mode and the Siege Cup will require a paid premium access. This decision, as explained by former Game Director Leroy Athanassoff in a 2020 interview with PC Gamer, is 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 stated. Karpazis echoed this sentiment, noting, "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."
No Plans for Siege 2
Despite celebrating its 10-year anniversary, Ubisoft has no plans to develop a sequel, unlike some of its FPS competitors such as Overwatch 2 and Counter-Strike 2. Game Director Alexander Karpazis emphasized that "Siege 2 was never on the table." He elaborated, "A lot of live service games are starting to go through this process because a lot of them are hitting that 10-year mark. We just had to do what was right for Siege and what was right for players as well."
Siege X has been in development for approximately three years, running parallel to Siege's regular seasonal updates. Karpazis highlighted the 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 also 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 scheduled for release on June 10, 2025, and will be available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Stay updated with the latest news on the game by checking out our Rainbow Six Siege article below!