Ubisoft is transforming the demolition-driven action of Rainbow Six Siege into a turn-based tactical game with Rainbow Six Tactics. The title aims to translate the core elements of the popular hero shooter, including its distinct operators and destructible environments, into a strategic, turn-based experience reminiscent of games like XCOM: Chimera Squad. This marks a significant shift for the Rainbow Six series, offering its first single-player focused experience since Rainbow Six Vegas 2.
Players will step back into the role of Paul Bishop, the protagonist from Rainbow Six Vegas 1 and 2, who now commands the Rainbow intervention force. A global terrorist threat necessitates the deployment of Rainbow's elite agents. Rather than developing new recruits from scratch, Rainbow Six Tactics features a pre-set roster of 15 operators, each carrying their unique abilities directly from Rainbow Six Siege. This approach aligns with the game's tactical focus, allowing players to strategically combine the diverse skill sets of characters such as Nokk, Glaz, Montagne, Ash, Doc, Sledge, and Zofia. The inclusion of Sledge, for instance, highlights the game's commitment to incorporating destructible environments, enabling players to create new pathways through levels by breaching walls.
A reconnaissance phase, mirroring a mechanic from Rainbow Six Siege, precedes each mission. During this phase, players utilize drones to scout the map and identify enemy positions. While the levels are not procedurally generated, the shifting enemy spawn locations ensure that this reconnaissance remains a crucial step for planning. Following the drone phase is the breaching sequence. Players select specific breach points on the map, and their chosen squad executes a coordinated entry into enemy-controlled areas. Once inside, the game transitions into its core turn-based combat.
The game draws heavily from established turn-based tactical titles, incorporating mechanics seen in XCOM: Chimera Squad, Tactical Breach Wizards, and Door Kickers. However, the combination of these elements, particularly the integration of Siege's distinctive features, aims to offer a fresh experience. The destructible environments, a cornerstone of Siege, are expected to play a significant role, not only for tactical maneuvering but potentially for intel gathering, similar to how players can create small viewing holes in walls in the original shooter.
Rainbow Six Tactics is slated for release in 2027. This new direction suggests a potential for further single-player and tactical spin-offs within the Rainbow Six franchise.