Ubisoft has announced Rainbow Six Tactics, a single-player turn-based strategy game that will feature 15 Operators from the popular multiplayer shooter Rainbow Six Siege. The game marks the first dedicated single-player Rainbow Six title since 2008's Rainbow Six Vegas 2.
Game director Martial Potron discussed the inclusion of permadeath and an Ironman mode, features he described as "must-haves for tactical fans." In Rainbow Six Tactics, severely injured Operators may become permanently unavailable for the remainder of the campaign. Players can enable this mode at any difficulty setting, allowing for increased tension even on easier play-throughs. Potron emphasized that this mechanic significantly alters gameplay, as unique and progressed Operators cannot be replaced, forcing players to adapt their strategies and squad compositions.
Potron highlighted the importance of a genre shift succeeding on its own terms, citing Gears Tactics as an example of a successful pivot. He stated that Rainbow Six Tactics must first establish itself as a strong tactics game before being considered a successful Rainbow Six title. Franchises that venture into the tactics genre often succeed by blending strong existing IPs with excellent design, canonical storytelling, and high production values.
He further explained that a genre shift is most effective when it translates the franchise's core identity rather than merely reskinning an existing formula. Potron pointed to Gears Tactics' adaptation of executions and emergence holes to capture the pace and aggression of its parent series, noting that the turn-based game still felt distinctly like Gears. For Rainbow Six, adapting a shooter that emphasizes aiming and reaction into a turn-based format was a challenge. However, Potron believes the franchise's identity as a "Smart Shooter," where thoughtful planning is paramount, made the transition smoother. The development team aimed to express the tactical thinking inherent in Rainbow Six through the new genre, rather than imposing generic tactics mechanics.
Key elements from the Rainbow Six series have been integrated into Tactics. The planning phase from the original Rainbow Six inspired the game's Breach feature, allowing players to coordinate assaults on defended locations by selecting entry points, assigning Operators, and synchronizing explosives and grenades. This is described as a modern interpretation of an early game feature. Mission starts also incorporate chosen insertion points that influence the player's approach and associated risks. Narratively, the game rebuilds the Rainbow organization after its destruction in Siege's Year 10, reconnecting with the wider franchise lore, including characters like Paul Bishop from Rainbow Six Vegas 2.
Potron noted that destruction, a signature feature of Siege, translates well to the tactics genre by allowing players to create new paths and firing angles. However, this also means no position is entirely safe, as enemies can also destroy cover. The Breach planning feature, where players can make up to twelve decisions before executing a synchronized action involving up to four Operators, was central to the game's design. Balancing this depth with accessibility and presenting these synchronized actions in a clear, cinematic sequence required considerable iteration.
The most significant reinterpretation involved translating Siege's inherent uncertainty into a turn-based format. Potron explained that the game's "precise & dynamic fog-of-war system" recreates the tension of not knowing what lies beyond walls or barricades, making careful scouting and drone usage essential. The goal was to balance this tension with fairness, ensuring hidden threats remain dangerous without becoming frustrating.
Rainbow Six Tactics is slated for release next year on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.