Ubisoft has announced Rainbow Six Tactics, a turn-based tactical game that marks the franchise's first single-player outing in nearly 20 years. The title, revealed during Gamescom's Opening Night Live, adopts an XCOM-like isometric perspective where players command a squad of operators through various missions.
The gameplay trailer showcased a high-level intel map, suggesting a strategic threat management layer akin to Firaxis' XCOM series. Rainbow Six Tactics will feature 15 distinct classes, each equipped with unique gadgets and weapons. Demonstrations included a sniper executing a multi-target shot and a heavily armored unit acting as a potential tank, capable of absorbing incoming fire. Another operator was seen deploying a small robot for explosive delivery.
Set within the established Rainbow Six universe, the game is expected to incorporate espionage themes and political undertones. Rainbow Six Tactics is slated for release in 2027 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Windows PC.
For over a decade, Rainbow Six Siege has been the dominant title in the series, achieving live-service success with over 70 million players as a multiplayer first-person shooter focused on attacking or defending buildings. Historically, Rainbow Six games were single-player first-person shooters recognized for their tactical depth and as a more hardcore alternative to early Call of Duty titles. The last single-player entry, 2008's Rainbow Six Vegas 2, was lauded for its tense atmosphere and solid gunplay. While Rainbow Six Tactics represents a significant genre shift, it aligns with the series' long-standing strategic foundations.