Rainbow Six Tactics (Preview)

Rainbow Six Siege has been a long-running hit for Ubisoft. Launched over ten years ago, this tactical multiplayer shooter is still hugely popular today, including in the world of esports. The franchise's roots go back even further, to the first instalment in 1998 or Vegas (2006). At gamescom, the French publisher has announced a new title in an entirely new genre. Set in the same universe, it retains the series' DNA and will appeal to both new and existing players, offering something fresh.

Ubisoft Paris came up with the idea of a turn-based tactical game based on the brand's core — and that is Rainbow Six Tactics. This is a single-player experience, with no in-game store or microtransactions. It is set in parallel with the ongoing storyline of Rainbow Six Siege. R6 Tactics focuses on planning, coordinated assaults and the ability to adapt to situations as missions unfold. The game builds on the core elements of the series.

Players deploy squads of four operators around the world to counter terrorist activities. Missions feature turn-based combat, where reconnaissance, positioning, lines of sight, cover and overwatch management are key to success (comparable to the modern XCOM games or even Star Wars Zero Company). The recon phase at the start of a mission is particularly important since a drone can be used to lift the fog of war and reveal enemy positions and traps. Once an overview has been established, the planning phase for the assault begins. Turn-based combat then unfolds, involving hostage rescues, bomb defusing, VIP captures and more across numerous hand-crafted maps spanning the globe. The positions of enemies, bombs and other elements are placed randomly.

The Breach function becomes a crucial tactical moment in the missions. This coordinated assault breaks away from turn-based gameplay, enabling all operators to act simultaneously as they launch a surprise attack on a new area, combining their abilities with the destructible environment.

Between missions, players return to HQ to engage with the strategic management layer. From their headquarters, players analyse intelligence, assign operators, allocate resources, expand their base of operations and, in the run-up to a mission, make decisions that influence the course of each mission before sending their squad out on the mission - all while rebuilding the new Rainbow unit in response to a new global threat. Speaking of operators. Fifteen of the most popular Rainbow Six Siege operators will feature in the game, each with their own designs, gadgets and abilities, which are perfect for creating tactical synergies.

Rainbow Six Tactics is planned for release in 2027 on PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Ubisoft+, GeForce Now and Blacknut.