Dive into the exciting world of Rainbow Six Siege X with its Closed Beta, featuring the innovative 6v6 game mode, Dual Front. Get all the details about this new mode and the upcoming closed beta test.
Rainbow Six Siege X Showcase Unveiled New Update Details
Closed Beta Begins March 13, 2025
Ubisoft has announced 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, and will run until March 19th 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 beta will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, featuring the new Dual Front game mode.
There have been some hiccups with players 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.
It's worth noting that R6 Siege X is not a standalone new game but a significant update that will elevate Siege with extensive graphical and technical enhancements.
New 6v6 Game Mode: Dual Front
Ubisoft has introduced Dual Front, a dynamic 6v6 game mode that promises "foundational upgrades to the core game, including visual enhancements, an audio overhaul, rappel upgrades, and more." Alongside these improvements, Dual Front will also feature revamped 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 battle it out, simultaneously attacking enemy sectors while defending their own. This is the first time R6 will have both attacking and defending Operators on the field together, paving the way for innovative gadget combinations and strategic tactics.
While Dual Front brings fresh gameplay, the classic Siege mode remains intact and will now be known as "Core Siege" in the main menu. Core Siege includes modernized versions of five maps—Clubhouse, Chalet, Border, Bank, and Kafe—with double texture resolution, optional 4K textures on PC, and enhanced destructible materials. Initially, only these five maps will be updated, but future seasons will see three more maps revamped at a time.
Free Access Starting Season 2 of Year 10
After a decade since its launch, Rainbow Six Siege will become free-to-play starting Season 2 of Year 10. This move aligns with the trend set by major competitors, transitioning from a paid model to a free-to-play format, a shift influenced by the growing prevalence of live-service games.
At the R6 Siege X Showcase in Atlanta on March 13, Game Director Alexander Karpazis shared with PC Gamer that the goal is to introduce the game 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," he said. Karpazis emphasized that the social aspect of playing with friends enhances the Siege experience.
The free access will include Unranked, Quick Play, and the new Dual Front modes. However, to access the Ranked mode and Siege Cup, players will need to opt for the paid premium access. In a 2020 interview with PC Gamer, then-game director Leroy Athanassoff explained that the initial pay-to-play model was designed to deter smurfs and cheaters. "Having that barrier to Ranked or Siege Cup means you have to be committed to the game," Athanassoff noted, adding that this approach helps maintain a competitive environment for dedicated players.
No Plans for Siege 2
Despite reaching its 10-year milestone, the team behind Rainbow Six Siege has no plans for a sequel, unlike some of its FPS counterparts such as Overwatch 2 and Counter-Strike 2. Game Director Alexander Karpazis explained to PC Gamer, "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."
Karpazis emphasized that the focus has been on doing what's best for Siege and its players. "We just had to do what was right for Siege and what was right for players as well," he said. The development of Siege X, which has been ongoing for three years alongside regular seasonal updates, aims to ensure the game's longevity for another decade. "Siege X, for us, is a moment where we want to make big, meaningful changes to the game," Karpazis added, highlighting the commitment to the community that has supported the game over the years.
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 for more updates by checking out our Rainbow Six Siege article below!
