The developers have already noted that certain operators will definitely need to be adjusted with this change, specifically those who heavily rely on reconnaissance tools.
When does Y6S2 launch? So far, there is no specific date for the release of the new season. If Ubisoft follows the previous timelines, the season should start in mid-June. This also fits as the changes are already on the PTR and can be tested.
If you haven’t started playing Rainbow Six yet or want to invite friends, you can still do so easily after more than five years:
How difficult is it to start playing Rainbow Six Siege in 2021?
Rainbow Six Siege is currently testing some changes that are set to go live with the upcoming Season 2 of Year 6. At least three of these changes have great potential to significantly impact the rounds. Another one is still in planning and will not appear with Y6S2.
Ubisoft is planning many new features with the new Season 2 and beyond that could fundamentally change gameplay. In Year 5, there were already numerous changes that turned everything upside down with Season 3.
Now, the developers are following up with a new operator, new balancing, and features that will significantly change reconnaissance. Reconnaissance is one of the most important elements of the game and determines victory and defeat.
The head of Rainbow Six already warned in 2020 that you are not ready for Year 6 and that seems to be true. Here we present three changes in the upcoming season that are currently being tested and are sure to cause some adjustments.
More information about the contents of Season 2 in Year 6 can be found with our colleagues at GameStar (via GameStar.de).
The new operator Thunderbird heals enemies
Who is the new operator? Thunderbird is an American Native of the Nakoda tribe and a new defender in Rainbow Six. She is an operator with a speed rating of 3, categorizing her among roamers, even if her gadget solely serves support.
Her special ability is the Koda Stations. These are small devices filled with orbs that heal players by 30 points and can even overheal. Players knocked down but not yet killed can be revived with the orbs.
Thunderbird thus takes on a role almost identical to Doc in defense, except she does not need to take action herself and has more charges for healing.
How does Thunderbird change the game? Thunderbird’s healing station is a unique ability because it does not only heal allies. The device makes no distinction between friend and foe; anyone who approaches will be healed or even revived.
This can lead to situations where seemingly injured attackers heal themselves through a Kona Station and suddenly reappear fully equipped. Even opponents who were actually defeated can unexpectedly rise and still turn a round.
It is particularly dangerous when the last attacker is knocked down after placing the defuser but is not finished off. If he then gets back up while the defender destroys the device, he can easily win the round.
When Thunderbird is in play, all players must be noticeably more alert than before. You can learn more about the impact Thunderbird has on Rainbow Six with our colleagues at GameStar (via GameStar.de).
Glass can shatter and hinder visibility
What changes with glass? Any glass surface on the operators’ gadgets can be destroyed with a melee attack in the upcoming season. This means it does not break directly but becomes opaque.
Glass destroyed in this way obstructs visibility. Defenders can no longer use corresponding cameras to sight and mark enemies, and windows become opaque for both sides. The affected gadgets include:
- Mira’s two-way mirror
- Maestro’s Evil Eye
- the Bulletproof Camera
How does this change the game? For the majority of the game, the new effect will probably have little impact. However, it could change popular spots for cameras or windows.
Also, the distribution of operators on certain maps might change if the gadgets suddenly become less useful. This opens up possibilities to explore new synergies and strategies.
Especially in matches at higher levels and in the professional field, this new feature will likely lead to many new styles of play. Attackers must decide whether to destroy a Mira window or use it themselves. Defenders need to decide if and how much their gadgets are still useful when opponents can simply circumvent them.
Operator adjustments lead to new synergies
What adjustments are there? Several operators will receive adjustments to better align them and thus buff or nerf them accordingly. A complete list of changes can be found directly on Ubisoft (via Ubisoft.com).
However, one change is specifically noted: Smoke’s toxic gas is being altered. Previously, there was a bug that caused the toxic mixture to waft through walls and cut off areas that were not intended. Smoke’s gas now disperses more naturally.
This, however, allows him to cut off rooms and corridors much better and obstruct the line of sight for opponents. If a Warden is playing in the team, who can ignore smoke clouds with his glasses and simply look through, opponents can easily be eliminated without knowing what is actually happening.
What are the implications of the changes? The game’s meta will likely not change significantly. Many of the strong operators will remain strong, and the weaker ones will still need further adjustments.
However, synergies like the one between Warden and Smoke can completely throw opponents off in certain situations. If you can coordinate well with a teammate, this will definitely secure you one or two round victories.
Opponents will need to adjust to such tactics and adapt when they do not conform to the known “standard”. This is an advantage for you when you discover a strong synergy and can utilize it. The Rainbow expert and YouTuber BikiniBodhi shows some of the changes and their impact on the game in his video:
Another significant change in testing
What else is being tested? Another change is currently on the PTR, but it is not set to be released with the upcoming Season 2 of Year 6. It would have a huge impact on the game, which is why it will be tested longer.
Attackers and defenders can continue to control their own drones after their death on the PTR. They can not only rotate the camera but also move actively and locate enemies. The abilities of gadgets can also be used if applicable. Remaining drones appear at your spawn point after your death.
Drones of a dead operator will also be fitted with an antenna so defenders can see whether the drone belongs to a living or dead opponent. Bulletproof cameras will also gain the ability to fire small EMP charges and rotate the field of view.
What influence will this have? Players can thus help their team even after their death. If they die in a daring action (which the developers strongly advise against), they can still gather intel with their drone for their teammates.
Especially when playing in teams or using voice chat, you can explicitly help a teammate and clear the way for him. Use your drone to scout around corners and inform your teammate about what you see so that he is prepared to encounter any opponents.
The developers have already noted that certain operators will definitely need to be adjusted with this change, specifically those who heavily rely on reconnaissance tools.
When does Y6S2 launch? So far, there is no specific date for the release of the new season. If Ubisoft follows the previous timelines, the season should start in mid-June. This also fits as the changes are already on the PTR and can be tested.
If you haven’t started playing Rainbow Six yet or want to invite friends, you can still do so easily after more than five years:
How difficult is it to start playing Rainbow Six Siege in 2021?
