Get ready to dive into the action with Rainbow Six Siege X's Closed Beta, featuring the exciting new 6v6 game mode, Dual Front. Here's everything you need to know about this thrilling update and how to participate in 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 that the Closed Beta for Rainbow Six Siege X (R6 Siege X) will kick off on March 13, 2025, at 12 PM PT / 3 PM ET / 8 PM CET, right after the R6 Siege X Showcase concludes. The Beta will run until March 19, 2025, at the same times.

To join the action, fans can watch the R6 Siege X Showcase on the official Rainbow 6 Twitch channel or through various Content Creators' livestreams to earn Closed Beta Twitch drops. The Beta will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.

However, some players have reported not receiving the anticipated email containing the access code. Ubisoft Support has acknowledged this issue on Twitter (X) on March 14 and is actively working to resolve it and distribute the codes as soon as possible.

It's crucial to understand that R6 Siege X is not a new game but a major update designed to elevate the Siege experience with significant graphical and technical enhancements.

New 6v6 Game Mode Dual Front

Ubisoft introduces Dual Front, a dynamic new 6v6 game mode that promises to revolutionize the core gameplay of Rainbow Six Siege. According to the official website, Dual Front will bring "foundational upgrades to the core game, including visual enhancements, an audio overhaul, rappel upgrades, and more," along with revamped player protection systems and free access to the unique tactical action of Siege.

The mode will unfold on a new map called District, where two teams of six Operators will engage in simultaneous attack and defense operations, marking a first for R6. This setup opens up a plethora of new gadget combinations and strategic possibilities.

While Dual Front introduces fresh gameplay, the classic Siege mode will still be available, now called "Core Siege." This mode will feature five updated maps: Clubhouse, Chalet, Border, Bank, and Kafe, with enhancements like double texture resolution, optional 4K textures on PC, and improved destructible materials. More maps will be modernized in future seasons, with three added at a time.

Free Access Starting Season 2 of Year 10

In a significant shift, Rainbow Six Siege will become free-to-play starting Season 2 of Year 10, aligning with trends set by its major competitors. Initially released in 2015 amidst a landscape dominated by paid multiplayer titles like Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 and Battlefield Hardline, Siege is now embracing the live-service model.

During the R6 Siege X Showcase event in Atlanta on March 13, Game Director Alexander Karpazis shared with PC Gamer that the team aims to welcome new players. "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 playing with friends to truly enjoy Siege.

The free access will include game modes like Unranked, Quick Play, and the new Dual Front. However, Ranked mode and the Siege Cup will remain exclusive to players who purchase premium access. This approach, as former game director Leroy Athanassoff noted in a 2020 interview with PC Gamer, aims to deter smurfs and cheaters. "Having that barrier to Ranked or Siege Cup means you have to be committed to the game," Athanassoff stated, adding that it helps maintain a competitive environment for dedicated players.

Siege 2 Was Never On The Table

Despite reaching its 10-year milestone, Ubisoft never considered developing Siege 2. Unlike competitors such as Overwatch 2 and Counter-Strike 2, R6 Siege opted for a significant update rather than a sequel. Karpazis explained, "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 elaborated that the focus was on doing what was right for Siege and its players.

Siege X has been in development for three years, running parallel to Siege's ongoing seasonal updates. Karpazis highlighted that Siege X 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. 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 said. He also acknowledged the vital role of the community in the game's success, stating, "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 for more updates by checking out our Rainbow Six Siege articles.