Rainbow Six Siege X has launched its Closed Beta, introducing a new 6v6 game mode called Dual Front. Discover more about this innovative mode and the closed beta testing details.

Rainbow Six Siege X Showcase Unveils Key Update Details

Closed Beta Kicks Off on March 13, 2025

Ubisoft confirmed through its official website that the Rainbow Six Siege X (R6 Siege X) Closed Beta will run from March 13 at 12 PM PT / 3 PM ET / 8 PM CET, starting right after the R6 Siege X Showcase, until March 19 at 12 PM PT / 3 PM ET / 8 PM CET.

Players can gain access to the R6 Siege X Closed Beta by watching the R6 Siege X Showcase on the official Rainbow 6 Twitch channel or through various Content Creators' Twitch livestreams to earn Twitch drops. The beta will include the new Dual Front game mode and will be playable on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.

Currently, some players are experiencing delays in receiving the email containing the access code for the R6 Siege X Closed Beta. Ubisoft Support acknowledged this issue on Twitter (X) on March 14 and is working to resolve it quickly.

Note that R6 Siege X is not a standalone title but a major update designed to elevate the Siege experience with extensive graphical and technical improvements.

Introducing Dual Front: A Fresh 6v6 Experience

Dual Front is a dynamic 6v6 mode that, as described by Ubisoft, brings foundational upgrades to the core game—including visual enhancements, audio overhauls, rappel improvements, and more—alongside updated player protection systems. It also offers free access, allowing players to dive into Rainbow Six Siege's tactical action at no cost.

This mode is set on a new map named District, where two teams of six Operators must simultaneously attack enemy sectors and defend their own. This introduces a first for R6: both attacking and defending Operators in the same match, enabling inventive gadget combinations and strategic depth.

The classic Siege mode, now labeled "Core Siege," remains available in the main menu. It includes five modernized maps—Clubhouse, Chalet, Border, Bank, and Kafe—featuring double texture resolution, optional 4K textures on PC, and enhanced destructible environments. While only five maps are updated initially, three more will be added each season in the future.

Free Access Arrives in Year 10, Season 2

After a decade, Siege is transitioning to free-to-play, aligning with industry trends. At its 2015 launch, premium multiplayer games like Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 and Battlefield Hardline dominated, and live-service models were less common.

During the R6 Siege X Showcase in Atlanta on March 13, Game Director Alexander Karpazis told PC Gamer that the goal is to welcome new players. "We want people to invite friends to try Siege and offer them most of the game so they grasp what makes it unique," he said. "Lowering the entry barrier is crucial because Siege truly shines when played with friends."

Free access covers Unranked, Quick Play, and Dual Front modes. However, Ranked mode and the Siege Cup will require a premium pass. In a 2020 interview, former director Leroy Athanassoff emphasized that the initial pay-to-play model helped deter smurfs and cheaters.

He believes locking Ranked behind a paywall maintains balance. "Requiring commitment for Ranked or Siege Cup helps filter out smurfs and ensures we can support the competitive scene effectively," Athanassoff stated. Karpazis added, "This approach balances attracting new players with maintaining a competitive space for veterans."

Why Siege 2 Was Never Considered

Karpazis clarified that creating Siege 2 was never an option, even as the game reaches its 10-year milestone. Unlike FPS rivals such as Overwatch 2 and Counter-Strike 2, the team focused on evolving the existing game.

"Siege 2 was never on the table," he explained. "Many live-service games are facing similar decisions as they age. We prioritized what’s best for Siege and its players, a focus that began three years ago."

Siege X has been in development for about three years, parallel to regular seasonal updates. According to Karpazis, Siege X aims to sustain the player experience for the next decade. "This update represents our commitment to making significant, impactful changes. We’re here for another 10 years and want to honor the community that supported us."

He highlighted the community's role, noting, "A live-service game doesn’t last 10 years without the fans who built it."

Rainbow Six Siege X is scheduled to launch on June 10, 2025, for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. For the latest updates, explore our dedicated Rainbow Six Siege coverage below!