The new Rainbow Six Siege X mode is ideal for beginners like me.

Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege, released in 2015, has proven to be a live service game with considerable longevity. With its tenth anniversary on the horizon, the title is being revitalized under the name Rainbow Six Siege X. This update includes new content, improved graphics, and an unprecedented game mode called Dual Front, which revolutionizes the classic formula of the game. Those who, like me, have little experience with Rainbow Six Siege will be surprised at how accessible this new mode is. During a three-hour demonstration, despite my lack of experience, I was able to compete successfully against other players, thanks to the innovative mechanics of Dual Front.

In a recent interview, Joshua Mills, the game director, provided more details on what we can expect from Siege X, how Dual Front is designed to attract new players, and the reason why the team has chosen not to create a direct sequel.

Dual Front introduces a new 6v6 game mode, where two teams compete for control of various zones. Both squads attack and defend simultaneously, trying to capture the opponent’s zones while protecting their own. This approach moves away from the usual format of Siege matches, where players are divided into teams with well-defined roles: one attacks and the other defends. The playable characters, known as Operators, are categorized as attackers or defenders, which traditionally limits player options to their respective roles.

The main innovation of Dual Front is the ability to combine Operators of both types on a single team. This allows for entirely new team compositions. For example, an attacker like Deimos and a defender like Azami can now coexist in the same team. The unique abilities of each character, previously restricted to their role, can now be explored in novel ways. For instance, Deimos can use his ability to follow an enemy trying to escape while protecting his zone.

To facilitate player engagement, the team has decided to restrict the number of available characters, rotating their use so that players can focus on learning each one's capabilities. "A smaller roster allows players to focus better, making it easier to learn the abilities of different Operators without the pressure of dealing with the extensive full list of Siege," explains Mills.

Moreover, there are two other significant changes that make Dual Front the most accessible mode to date. While traditional Siege modes are 5v5, Dual Front is played in 6v6 teams and allows character respawning, something that was not present in other modes. A 6v6 format is less stressful, as the chance of recovery is greater when at a numerical disadvantage (5v6 instead of 4v5). Respawning also provides more opportunities to improve and reduces pressure on teammates.

Regarding the future of Siege, it’s noteworthy that the game has lasted for a decade, as its success in the live service model can be unpredictable. Siege X is not presented as a direct sequel but as a "transformation." Mills clarifies that, unlike other Ubisoft titles, Rainbow Six Siege is entirely PvP, which implies a different experience in its development.

The complexity of condensing ten years of evolution into a two-year cycle for a sequel could lead to the creation of an inferior title. Consequently, the team has decided to continue learning from its live development and find ways to sustain the game. After trying out the new mode, I also ventured into the traditional modes and understood why the creation of Dual Front was necessary. The possibility of respawning kept my interest, unlike the classic matches, confirming that this new approach is an excellent entry point for new players.