The upcoming co-op shooter Rainbow Six: Extraction has introduced the toughest mode planned so far. The Maelstrom Protocol is the game’s “endgame” and offers challenges that will test even the best players.
What kind of mode is this? The Maelstrom Protocol is a kind of extended standard mode. It still follows the principles of Extraction: You start a mission with a team, need to complete tasks, and extract safely.
Extraction relies on team play. In a group of three specialists with unique abilities, you infiltrate a zone and encounter aliens that want to take you down. The use of weapons and special gadgets, as well as communication with the team, are vital for survival.
By default, a mission consists of 3 stages with tasks that you need to complete. However, the endgame mode Maelstrom Protocol takes it further.
This is how the Maelstrom Protocol works: Instead of just providing 3 consecutive stages, a mission in Maelstrom has 9 of them. So you play basically 3 rounds in a row without a break. There are also additional difficulties:
- Different “mutations” in each stage make the game harder. For example, fog can obscure your vision, or toxic slime inflicts damage on you.
- Stations for replenishing ammunition and health points become fewer after every 3 completed stages. Additionally, the strength of the enemies increases.
- Instead of being able to choose from all operators, you only have 6 available.
The last point also disrupts your playstyle due to the limitation. Normally, you can select any operator for any mission in Extraction. If an operator goes down, you must “free” the character in a regular mode mission first.
In Maelstrom, you can only select from 6 right from the start, and if none of your favorite operators are included, you have to adapt to the playstyle of the character. Additionally, you must retrieve/free the operators after 6 failed attempts. The allowed operators in the Maelstrom mode rotate weekly.
The developers themselves say that you should only enter with fully leveled operators. Or if you are “very, very good”.
You can see the mode here in the embedded video:
Extremely difficult mode for great rewards
Why should you do this? Completing Maelstrom rewards you with a ton of experience points and even premium credits. Additionally, you can unlock unique cosmetics that can only be obtained there.
Furthermore, Maelstrom is a kind of prestige mode. With the cosmetic rewards, you can show how good you really are. A golden helmet, for example, signifies that you belong to the best of the best.
Unlike the standard mode, Maelstrom missions always run the same way. This allows you to analyze mistakes and get better, as long as you are patient enough. However, mutations, enemies, and mission setups change weekly.
When is Rainbow Six: Extraction coming out? On January 20, Rainbow Six: Extraction is set to release for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S. The shooter will also be included in the Xbox Game Pass from day one.
So far, the hype around the game is still moderate. There are neither overly high hopes nor criticism. Fans mainly hope that Extraction will simply be a good offshoot of the Outbreak event from Rainbow Six: Siege. The game at least has potential:
I say: The new Rainbow Six: Extraction needs 3 things from Siege to really be good
What do you think about Extraction and the endgame mode Maelstrom? Will you check out the game or will you stick with Siege? Let us know in the comments!
