TL;DR:

• Rainbow Six Siege X is the biggest update in the game’s history.
• Free-to-play, with a new 6v6 mode (Dual Front), remastered maps, better sound and smoother gameplay.
• Ranked mode is only available to premium users.
• The core tactical element remains, but it steps up the throttle towards a faster shooter style.

Siege X = Free-to-play + Dual Front + Futureproofing

Ubisoft is celebrating 10 years of Siege with a complete overhaul.

Siege X is not a sequel, but it’s not a simple update either.

What’s changing?

• Now free for everyone (PS4/5, Xbox One / Series X|S, PC).
• You can play Unranked, Quick Match and Dual Front without paying.
• If you want Ranked or the Siege Cup, you need Elite or Ultimate Edition.
• Elite Edition: Ranked + 16 extra operators
• Ultimate Edition: Ranked + 52 extra ops + cosmetics

Dual Front: 6v6 mayhem with respawn and shared ops

Dual Front is the new permanent mode in Siege X. What’s going on here?

• 6v6, on a huge map with three sectors.
• Players attack and defend simultaneously.
• You can play offensive and defensive operators on the same team.
• Respawns and operator switching, after death.
• In the center of the map there is a neutral zone with missions, such as hostage protection (see Dokkaebi).

It’s similar to Siege, but it plays faster, more freely, with a little chaos. It’s Siege with a little… Overwatch DNA (;).

District Map: Bigger, Better, More “Outside”

• The largest map in Siege, divided into sectors like a tabletop.
• With outdoor areas, sniping spots, and roof plays.
• Built for multitasking and teamplay situations.
• If you don’t have a team or don’t communicate, you’re lost. Literally.

Gameplay Changes: Yes, it’s smoother

• New audio system: You know who’s coming, where they’re coming from, and why.
• New rappel mechanics: You run up walls like Assassin’s Creed.
• Weapon inspect: Yes, you can finally admire your skin as an influencer (kekw).
• Destructibles: Fire extinguishers with smoke, burning gas pipes, and metal detectors that you can hack or break.

Tactical remains – but changes

Siege X doesn’t throw tactics out the window. It does change the flow:

• Communication wheel (like Apex) for those without a mic.
• Pick & Ban per round (not just at the beginning).
• Clash rework: Her shield becomes deployable, and she can shoot from behind her.
• Electricity no longer damages players. No more chip damage from electrified wire.

Onboarding for new players is finally good

• Tutorials for each Operator.
• Challenges to unlock ops & modes.
• And of course, you can play without giving it all away at once.

Siege X has indeed become friendlier.

Ranked for a few

Ranked mode and Siege Cup are only available to premium users.

This has brought reactions, but Ubisoft seems to be targeting more committed players for the competitive part.

Already playing? Keep everything.

• If you had Siege before X: All operators & progress carry over.
• You also get veteran rewards depending on when you started.

What’s the community saying?

• +140,000 concurrent players on Steam at launch.
• Huge spike in engagement and social.
• Most players say the game “finally feels modern,” without completely losing the tactical element.

And now?

Siege X is not just an update. It’s Siege 2025. If you left because you were tired of it, now is a good time to come back.

If you’re new, don’t be intimidated by the 70+ ops. The new system will help you out.

Just remember:

In Siege, everything is audible. Even if you play well, if you don’t slow down, someone will be waiting for you around the corner.