Get ready to dive into the action-packed world of Rainbow Six Siege X, as its Closed Beta has just launched, introducing the exciting new 6v6 game mode, Dual Front. In this article, we'll delve into the details of the new Dual Front mode and what you can expect from the Closed Beta test.
Rainbow Six Siege X Showcase Revealed New Details for the Update
Closed Beta Begins March 13, 2025
Ubisoft has officially announced on their website that the Closed Beta for Rainbow Six Siege X (R6 Siege X) will kick off on March 13th at 12 PM PT / 3 PM ET / 8 PM CET, right after the R6 Siege X Showcase concludes, and will run until March 19th at the same times.
Gamers eager to get their hands on the R6 Siege X Closed Beta can do so by tuning 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 R6 Siege X Closed Beta. Ubisoft Support 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 isn't a brand-new game but a significant update designed to elevate Siege with enhanced graphics and technical improvements.
New 6v6 Game Mode Dual Front
Ubisoft has unveiled Dual Front, an innovative 6v6 game mode that promises "foundational upgrades to the core game," including visual enhancements, audio overhauls, rappel upgrades, and more. Alongside these improvements, the mode introduces revamped player protection systems and free access, allowing players to experience Rainbow Six Siege's unique tactical action without any cost.
The Dual Front mode will unfold on a new map called District, where two teams of six Operators will engage in simultaneous attacks and defenses on enemy sectors. This marks the first time R6 will feature both attacking and defending Operators concurrently, opening up new strategic possibilities.
While Dual Front takes the spotlight, the classic Siege mode remains intact and will be rebranded as "Core Siege" in the main menu. This mode will feature five modernized maps: Clubhouse, Chalet, Border, Bank, and Kafe, with doubled texture resolution, optional 4K textures on PC, and enhanced destructible materials. Only these five maps will be updated initially, with plans to modernize three more maps per season.
Free Access Starting Season 2 of Year 10
After a decade in the market, Rainbow Six Siege is set to become free-to-play starting Season 2 of Year 10, aligning with the strategies of its major competitors. Originally launched in 2015 amidst a landscape dominated by paid multiplayer games like Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 and Battlefield Hardline, Siege's shift to a live-service model reflects the evolving gaming industry.
Game Director Alexander Karpazis shared with PC Gamer at the R6 Siege X Showcase in Atlanta on March 13 that the goal is to introduce Siege to a broader audience. "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 multiplayer engagement, stating, "That reduces the barrier [to entry], because honestly Siege is at its best when you've got friends playing with you."
Free access will include game modes like Unranked, Quick Play, and the new Dual Front. However, Ranked mode and the Siege Cup will require a premium purchase, a decision rooted in maintaining the integrity of competitive play. Former game director Leroy Athanassoff noted in a 2020 interview with PC Gamer that this approach helps 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," he said. 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."
Siege 2 Was Never On The Table
Despite reaching its 10-year milestone, Karpazis confirmed that a sequel, Siege 2, was never considered. Unlike competitors such as Overwatch 2 and Counter-Strike 2, the team chose to focus on what they believed was best for Siege and its player base.
Karpazis shared, "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 further explained, "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 ongoing seasonal updates. The vision for Siege X, according to Karpazis, is to ensure the game remains relevant and engaging for the next decade. "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 stated.
Karpazis also acknowledged the critical role of the community, saying, "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 tuned to our Rainbow Six Siege article for the latest updates and information on the game!
