Rainbow Six Siege X is going free-to-play and brings big tech improvements in June

Ubisoft has announced Rainbow Six Siege X, a major update for the popular tactical shooter game that is designed to prepare it for the future. Rainbow Six Siege X is set to launch on June 10, 2025.

One of the biggest changes is that the game will now be free-to-play, offering access to most of the game content for free, including the new Dual Front mode. However, certain modes and operators will be locked behind a paid tier or require a prior purchase.

There have been significant technical improvements and updates to the core game, including a visual overhaul. Ubisoft has enhanced the detailing of materials in the game, such as brick walls and wooden planks, as well as improved lighting and reflections in maps like Clubhouse, Chalet, Bank, Russian Cafe, and Border. The goal is to make the lighting more realistic and emphasize the importance of light sources in gameplay. Additionally, three more maps will be updated each season, with a new map added every season starting from Year 11.

The updated maps will also feature new destructible elements that can be used strategically, such as fire extinguishers that create smoke screens and gas pipes that can set areas on fire. Metal detectors are now interactive and can be disabled temporarily or permanently.

Audio has been enhanced with improved sound propagation and reverb, making it easier to locate sounds in the game environment. Sound now travels through walls, providing more realistic audio cues for players.

Improvements have also been made to rappelling mechanics, allowing players to rappel around corners and sprint along walls for faster movement. These changes add a new level of strategy to gameplay.

Other updates include an improved esports section in the menu UI, a quicker Pick and Ban system, and a redesigned onboarding process for new players. The game will now offer free access to ranked play, esports, and the full character roster for those who have paid or already own the game. Tutorials and a Clearance Levels system aim to help new players get up to speed before diving into competitive play.

Rainbow Six Siege X is not a full sequel, but it represents a significant update for the game. The introduction of a new game mode, along with various improvements and the shift to a free-to-play model, is expected to attract a wider audience and reinvigorate the player base.