For over 4 years now, the tactical shooter Rainbow Six: Siege has been around and despite its age, it is still a true gem. We explain to you what makes Ubisoft’s long-running title so strong and why you should check it out on PC, Xbox One, and PS4 right now.
What is Rainbow Six: Siege actually about? Rainbow Six: Siege takes place in an alternate reality where a special unit (Rainbow Six) ensures that terrorist attacks and other large-scale crimes are thwarted.
You play as one of the team’s members, called Operators, each with their own background and special abilities. The game has a deeper story and even explains each operator’s origin.
Rainbow Six: Siege places a certain value on realism. Headshots are usually fatal, players can withstand significantly less damage than in Destiny 2 or Call of Duty (softcore). Tactical gameplay such as utilizing the environment, position, one’s own abilities and equipment is more significant for victory – just like teamwork, which is emphasized greatly.
How good is Rainbow Six: Siege?
The ratings are as follows: Despite its age, Rainbow Six: Siege still boasts impressively good ratings. The deluxe edition, for example, in the PS Store has 4 out of 5 stars based on 549 ratings. Rainbow Six: Siege also performs well on other platforms:
- Steam users rate it as “very good” with 92% positive reviews (32,887 recent reviews)
- on our platform MeinMMO, the game has a rating of 9.8 out of 10 points. It also ranks among our best multiplayer shooters of 2020
- Metacritic rates the PC version at 79%
That this rating has been maintained is a remarkable achievement. Especially on Steam, where players often go harsh on titles, such strongly positive ratings for an extended period are a strong signal.
What players say: Just recently, Rainbow Six: Siege set a new player record on Steam. This shows that the game is well-received not just by a few enthusiasts, but by a broad audience.
Herr ZockBot (via Steam) says after over 350 hours of gameplay: “I think it is a very successful game. I’m not a classic shooter fan, but the tactical element is what makes Rainbow great and is brilliant. I can recommend this game to anyone who enjoys shooters or tactical games.”
The user ThaddaeusNase_ (via Steam) points out quite pointedly the criticisms he has found in his more than 950 hours of gameplay. While Rainbow Six is good, it is very annoying when one has to play in the rankings with newbies while the opposing team is composed of veterans.
What makes Rainbow Six: Siege so good?
So it plays: The tactical elements mentioned above are what primarily define the game and ensure the enjoyment. Each round can unfold differently as opponents break through different walls, defenders secure different areas, or one might not pay attention and get seen by a camera and subsequently taken out.
The tactical component adds a thrill to the game, as every shot can potentially be deadly. This forces one to proceed cautiously in each round and properly secure every area – while time is ticking away.
In addition, there is very good gunplay. Weapons can be customized with attachments and feel unique when fired. Each weapon has strengths and weaknesses, even though there are a few favorites.
Although he is more of an RPG type, Rainbow Six: Siege currently captivates him even more than Call of Duty: Modern Warfare.
What makes the game unique: Yet, gameplay is not even the defining characteristic of the game. What keeps players engaged are the constant updates the game receives. Every year, Rainbow Six: Siege gets four seasons with new content. Since its release, the game has already received:
- 10 new maps
- 32 new operators with unique skills
- 64 new weapons
- new features like “giving up,” “pick and ban,” and an observation mode
- multiple new gadgets, weapon attachments, and cosmetics
The success is also reflected in Ubisoft’s quarterly numbers, where Rainbow Six is highly praised. Therefore, it will likely continue to receive content for quite some time.
You should check out Rainbow Six if
- you like to approach shooters tactically and don’t just shoot mindlessly
- you have enjoyed previous Rainbow Six titles
- you are looking for a change from Counter-Strike or Call of Duty
- you like the hardcore mode in CoD and Battlefield
Rainbow Six is not worth it for you if
- you prefer firing many bullets instead of accurate shots in your shooters
- you are not a team player
- the idea of heroes, operators, or classes does not appeal to you
- you lose patience quickly
Free weekend for testing & New season
Here’s why it’s worth checking it out now: In Rainbow Six: Siege, you can try the game for free from Thursday, March 5, at 7:00 PM to Monday, March 9, at 7:00 PM on Steam, the Epic Store, the PS Store, and the Microsoft Store:
This means you can check out the game on PC, PS4, and Xbox One and have access to:
- all maps
- all game modes
- 20 operators from previous years
You can, of course, play with friends as well. Any progress you make will carry over if you decide to purchase Rainbow Six: Siege afterwards. Until March 16, all versions are even 70% off.
Here are the download links:
- Rainbow Six Siege on Steam
- Rainbow Six Siege on Epic Store
- Rainbow Six Siege on Microsoft Store
- Rainbow Six Siege on PlayStation Store
By the way, on PS4 you will need PS Plus due to age verification – at least in Germany. Also, you need to be logged into the PS Store – only then will you see the free demo tab under the price.
What’s coming soon: The free weekend is the perfect time to check out Rainbow Six: Siege as the new Season 2 of Year 5 with Operation: Void Edge will be released later in March.
This brings two new operators, a new playlist, several reworks, and an in-game event. If you use the time to join during the free weekend, you can prepare directly for the new content.
If you prefer to wait, you might also play for free in the distant future. Because Rainbow Six: Siege is supposed to become Free2Play – but that’s not happening yet:
