Rainbow Six Tactics is set to introduce a novel approach to environmental destruction in turn-based tactical games, aiming to fundamentally alter established flanking dynamics. During a hands-off presentation at Gamescom, the game showcased significant environmental destruction, including breached walls and destroyed cover, which initially appeared similar to mechanics seen in titles like XCOM 2.
Creative director Elie Benhamou emphasized that destruction in Rainbow Six Tactics is not merely a visual enhancement but a core gameplay tool designed to provide creative solutions during engagements. "For us it was a key feature from the very beginning," Benhamou stated. "To make sure that this destruction was a creative tool to solve situations."
This destruction creates physical gaps that players can exploit to establish lines of sight, moving beyond the traditional need to flank an enemy behind cover. "Usually when you have an enemy who is behind cover, the solution is to flank," Benhamou explained. "You need to put yourself at risk." While flanking remains a viable tactic and an element enemies will employ, Rainbow Six Tactics offers alternative approaches through its destruction system.
Benhamou described scenarios where players face enemies entrenched in a room, setting up overwatch positions on entry points. In such situations, players can breach new firing angles through walls, thereby changing the perceived safety for both enemies and operators. "It changes the notion of safety for the enemies, but also for you," he noted. "In many situations you will find yourself positioning your operators in cover, using overwatch, feeling that you are safe and that your enemies will be forced to come to you, and maybe you didn't recon and they had a shotgunner, a rocketeer, or gadgets that will totally disrupt [your position]."
Every operator in Rainbow Six Tactics can interact with the environment destructibly, though the extent varies. Characters like Ash, equipped with an M120 Compact Rifle Entry Munition Launcher, and Sledge, wielding a large sledgehammer, can destroy significant portions of the environment. Stealthier operators like Nøkk, armed with a silenced shotgun and pistol, must get closer to the action and expend more ammunition to create breaches.
The game's destruction mechanics aim to provide a fresh challenge, particularly for players experienced with the genre. While many elements of Rainbow Six Tactics echo the familiar tactical shooter roots of its real-time counterpart, its innovative use of destruction seeks to offer a distinct and engaging experience. A release date for Rainbow Six Tactics has yet to be announced.