Nearly a decade after its launch, Rainbow Six Siege (R6S) is getting its biggest upgrade yet. Ubisoft is shaking up the game with Siege X, a sweeping overhaul that promises to redefine the tactical shooter. But what exactly can players expect? And more importantly, how will it impact the future of R6S?
Here’s everything you need to know about Siege X, including the confirmed upgrades, leaked features, and a potential release window.
Disclaimer: This guide includes confirmed details from Ubisoft and unofficial leaks. Please take any information from unverified sources with a pinch of salt.
Rainbow Six Siege X
Rainbow Six Siege X Explained
Ubisoft unveiled Siege X on Feb. 16 at the 2025 Six Invitational, calling it “the biggest transformation in the game’s history” and “one that sets the stage for the years to come.” More than just a sequel or a routine update, Siege X is a complete overhaul of R6S (think Counter-Strike 2).
While details remain scarce, the developers have promised “major upgrades across the board,” including improvements to graphics, audio, and gameplay. Ubisoft will reveal more details at the Siege X Showcase in Atlanta, Ga., which streams live on Twitch at 10 AM PT | 1 PM ET on March 13.
Until then, here’s a glimpse of what you can expect.
Huge Graphical Improvements
Perhaps the most anticipated upgrade is the improved visual design. Siege X’s teaser trailer showcased sharper and improved textures and enhanced lighting effects for a more realistic appearance. Even shadows and operator models look better, suggesting Siege X will have superior rendering.
Ubisoft also announced it’s moving the game to DirectX 12, which could introduce more advanced features like ray-tracing into the game. This move suggests an upgrade to AnvilNext 2.0 or a switch to an entirely new game engine, aligning R6S more closely with rival hero shooters like VALORANT and Overwatch 2.
Better And Richer Audio
The game’s audio system is getting upgraded, too. The teaser revealed crisper directional audio cues. Footsteps echoed with more clarity, while gunfire and explosions carried richer and more layered depth. All signs point to better spatial audio in Siege X, which could allow R6S players to pinpoint enemy positions with greater precision.
Deeper Tactical Gameplay
During a speech at the 2025 Six Invitational, Ubisoft promised “new ways to play” and “deeper tactical gameplay.” Game director Joshua Mills emphasized that Siege X will expand the game’s core foundation, including tighter mechanics and a better “game feel”—and he wasn’t kidding.
The teaser showed characters running across walls while rappelling, which could be a game-changer for movement and positioning. Helicopter spawns were also teased, hinting at bold new entry points to disrupt traditional map control.
According to leaks, we may see reactive chain explosions and environmental interactions (e.g., shooting fire extinguishers and igniting gas pipes), suggesting Siege X will have creative utility that expands on the standard breaching options.
New Operators Join The Fray
Ubisoft is expected to add two new operators and update the existing ones, giving them each unique weapons. One leak in particular points to a Clash remaster, potentially shifting her to a new role or faction. She may also get a new primary weapon and a placeable shield (like Osa).
While it’s not directly tied to Siege X, a new operator named Hāpai “Rauora” Iwini (Codename: Curtain) from New Zealand’s SAS will be added in Year 10 Season 1. Rauora will join the attackers with a Deployable Omnilink Mesh (D.O.M.) Launcher, firing bulletproof smart barriers that block doors with a trigger that attackers can toggle to control sightlines.
Unfortunately, not much is known about the second new operator. However, it’s speculated to be Phobos (Deimos’ twin brother), a character introduced during the Assault on Hereford event. According to leaks, this operator (Codename: Heist) will be a defender and is expected to be released with the Year 10 Season 3 update.
Exclusive Premium Bundles
While there is chatter that Siege X will be made free-to-play, Ubisoft confirmed that it will continue using the live-service model by rolling out regular free gameplay updates. A leak revealed there will also be exclusive premium content that players can buy with real money, starting with the Siege X Pack, releasing on Mar. 13 for $40.
The Siege X Pack will include:
- Siege X badge
- 2670 R6 credits
- Animated weapon for Thermite and Osa’s 556xi assault rifle
- 12 Operators
- A Legendary bundle for Ash and a Siege X charm at launch
Pro Tip: If you logged into the game between 2015 and 2024, you’ll also get a free “Siege Veteran” emblem as a token of recognition for your loyalty.
More To Come
And we’re just scratching the surface! We expect to see more features revealed during the Siege X Showcase event. In particular, we could see details of a new 6×6 map, reworks of existing maps (including the possible return of night maps), a co-op game mode, and Paragon Elite skins.
Beyond that, Siege X is expected to introduce new Exotic weapons, unique gun inspection animations, UI changes, and an improved esports section with more detailed information about upcoming tournaments and matches.
The Future Of Rainbow Six Siege X
Siege X is expected to revive the R6S scene in a big way. The update marks the game’s 10th anniversary and is aimed to “reinforce [its] position at the top of tactical first-person shooters.” This sentiment, shared by Mills, comes following increased pressure from rival titles and an aging player base.
With this overhaul, Ubisoft can avoid dividing the community (we don’t need another Overwatch 2 on our hands). At the same time, Siege X stands to offer a refreshing experience for both veterans and newcomers alike.
Siege X’s arrival has been tempered by skepticism, though, with many players ready to extinguish the hype over concerns of overmonetization or unkept promises. After all, Ubisoft had a rough 2024 that included Star Wars Outlaws’ poor reception and the announcement of XDefiant’s closure.
When Will Rainbow Six Siege X Be Released?
As of March 3, Siege X does not have a confirmed release date, but all signs suggest a possible mid-2025 launch. Given that R6S follows a three-month seasonal cycle, Siege X is expected to debut alongside Year 10 Season 2 sometime in June.
This timing aligns with the launch of Year 10 Season 1 (Operation Prep Phase) on March 5, as indicated by the Operation Collision Point battle pass. And the best part? Siege X is expected to be a free update for existing owners, not a new standalone title.
Want a closer look? Watch Ubisoft’s official teaser for Siege X below:
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