Rainbow Six Siege X Update Explained: Dual Front, Visual Upgrades & More

Rainbow Six Siege X, the major update to Ubisoft’s long-running tactical shooter, is now live on PC and consoles. It’s a big shift for the game, bringing in new modes, visual upgrades, gameplay improvements, and more. Here's a breakdown of what’s new and what you should know before jumping back in.

Major Changes in Rainbow Six Siege X

Dual Front Game Mode

One of the headline additions is Dual Front, a permanent 6v6 game mode that mixes both Attackers and Defenders for the first time. It’s a territory-based objective mode where both sides fight for control points—one team pushes forward while the other defends their ground.

This mode will have respawns, offering a faster, more action-packed experience. It’s a refreshing change of pace that focuses on gunplay while still rewarding tactical decision-making.

Visual and Audio upgrades

Siege X brings the game’s first major visual overhaul, including enhanced lighting, improved shadows, and upgraded resolutions. But the real standout here is the audio redesign.

Sound has been reworked to provide more accurate directional cues. In the original game, audio could be unreliable. In Siege X, you can now clearly pinpoint whether a sound is coming from above, to your left, or behind you. It can be crucial intel that can turn the tide of a match and a long time coming as I always thought that the audio has always brought the game down.

Major changes to five maps

Five iconic 5v5 maps have been visually upgraded: Clubhouse, Chalet, Border, Bank, and Kafe. Expect modernized lighting and improved detail across the board.

These maps also now feature interactable objects. Players can shoot fire extinguishers to create smoke screens, trigger metal detectors, or ignite gas pipes that explode and create hazards. It’s a small but meaningful layer of interactivity that can open up new tactical possibilities. If the community enjoys these interactable objects, we might see more in future updates.

Bew Pick and Ban System

Competitive play is getting a shake-up with an updated Pick and Ban system. Each team now picks and bans one Operator per round, resulting in up to six Operators temporarily out of play until teams switch sides.

This new system encourages teams to adapt in real-time based on their opponent’s strategy without permanently banning any one Operator from an entire match. It’s a promising change that could lead to a more dynamic meta, especially as new Operators are introduced.

Communication Wheel for Non-Voice Coordination

A new communication wheel has been added, allowing players to relay quick commands and callouts without using voice chat. This is especially important for Southeast Asia, where language barriers between players can make communication difficult.

With the wheel, players can give clear, contextual commands, making teamwork easier even in silence.

Now Free to Play (With Some Limitations)

Rainbow Six Siege is now officially free to play, with a few caveats.

New players can access modes like Unranked, Quick Match, and Dual Front for free, along with a limited roster of Operators. Additional Operators can be unlocked through regular gameplay.

However, Ranked mode is locked behind a purchase of the Elite or Ultimate Edition of the game. For casual players or newcomers, though, this free version is a great way to try Siege without a commitment.

Operation Daybreak is live

With Siege X comes a new season: Operation Daybreak. While it doesn't introduce a new Operator, it does feature a rework of Clash, one of the most banned Defenders in casual play and in low elo ranked play.

Clash’s CCE Shield can now be deployed as a stationary shield that emits electricity, making it a perfect gadget for locking down a key location. Once deployed, Clash can move freely and support teammates instead of acting solely as a walking shield. The taser effect no longer causes damage but still slows down enemies, making it a strong tool for area denial.

Operation Daybreak also includes balance changes for Jackal, Sledge, Thunderbird, Jäger, and Blackbeard.