Rainbow Six Siege X’s Closed Beta is here, introducing its exciting new 6v6 game mode, Dual Front. Dive in to learn more about Dual Front and the Closed Beta test.
Rainbow Six Siege X Showcase Unveils Update Details
Closed Beta: March 13th - 19th, 2025
Ubisoft officially announced the Rainbow Six Siege X (R6 Siege X) Closed Beta, running from March 13th, 12 PM PT / 3 PM ET / 8 PM CET (immediately following the R6 Siege X Showcase), to March 19th, 12 PM PT / 3 PM ET / 8 PM CET.
Secure your access by watching the R6 Siege X Showcase on the official Rainbow 6 Twitch channel or participating Twitch streams from select content creators to earn Closed Beta Twitch Drops. The beta, available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, will feature the new Dual Front game mode.
Currently, some players are experiencing issues receiving their Closed Beta access codes via email. Ubisoft Support acknowledged this on Twitter (X) on March 14th and is actively working to resolve the problem.
It's crucial to remember: R6 Siege X isn't a new game, but a massive update transforming Siege with significant graphical and technical improvements.
Dual Front: The New 6v6 Game Mode
Ubisoft's Dual Front delivers foundational upgrades to the core game—visual enhancements, an audio overhaul, rappel improvements, and more—alongside revamped player protection systems. Importantly, this update offers free access, allowing players to experience Rainbow Six Siege's tactical action at no cost.
This 6v6 mode unfolds on the new District map, where two teams of six Operators battle to control enemy sectors while defending their own. For the first time in R6, both attacking and defending Operators coexist simultaneously, creating exciting new tactical possibilities and gadget combinations.
The classic Siege experience remains! Now called "Core Siege" in the main menu, it features five modernized maps (Clubhouse, Chalet, Border, Bank, and Kafe) boasting double texture resolution, optional 4K textures on PC, and enhanced destructible environments. While only five maps are initially modernized, three more will be added per future season.
Free Access Arrives: Year 10, Season 2
After a decade, Rainbow Six Siege goes free-to-play, aligning with its competitors. In 2015, paid multiplayer games were the norm; the live-service model wasn't as prevalent.
Speaking at the R6 Siege X Showcase in Atlanta on March 13th, Siege Game Director Alexander Karpazis told PC Gamer the team aims to introduce Siege to a wider 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. That reduces the barrier to entry, because honestly Siege is at its best when you've got friends playing with you."
Free access includes Unranked, Quick Play, and Dual Front. However, Ranked mode and the Siege Cup remain exclusive to premium access holders. This decision, according to previous comments by game director Leroy Athanassoff (PC Gamer, 2020), aims to counter smurfing and cheating, maintaining a competitive balance for veteran players. Karpazis elaborated: "It is, in our opinion, the best of both worlds where you can bring in new players but also have this place where veterans feel super competitive and committed to the game."
No Siege 2 in the Plans
Karpazis confirmed that a Siege 2 sequel was never considered. Unlike competitors like Overwatch 2 and Counter-Strike 2, Siege X represents the team's commitment to evolving the original experience.
He 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... We just had to do what was right for Siege and what was right for players as well. When we go back in time three years ago, that was the main focus for us."
Developed concurrently with Siege's ongoing seasonal updates over the past three years, Siege X aims to ensure the game's continued success for another decade, honoring the community's crucial role in its journey. Karpazis emphasized: "You don't get to 10 years as a live service game without the community that built you up."
Rainbow Six Siege X launches June 10th, 2025, on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Stay updated with our dedicated Rainbow Six Siege articles!
