Rainbow Six Siege is Ubisoft's tactical 5v5 first-person shooter, where one team attacks a fortified building while the other defends it. Released in December 2015, it has grown into one of the most-played competitive shooters in the world, known less for raw aim and more for planning, communication, and clever use of destructible environments. If you've heard friends talk about "R6" or "Siege" and wondered what the fuss is about, this guide breaks down exactly what the game is and how it plays.
Below we'll cover the core idea of the game, how a single round plays out, what makes its Operators and gadgets special, why destruction is so important, and how to start playing yourself. No prior experience needed.
What you should know first
At its heart, Siege is a round-based shooter with no respawns inside a round, so every decision matters. Matches are short, intense, and won by completing an objective or eliminating the enemy team. Here are the five sections we'll walk through:
- The basics — what kind of game Siege actually is.
- How a round works — the prep and action phases.
- Operators and gadgets — the characters you play.
- Destruction — the feature that defines the game.
- Getting started — platforms and your first steps.
1. A tactical 5v5 shooter by Ubisoft
Rainbow Six Siege (full name Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege) is a first-person tactical team shooter developed by Ubisoft Montreal. Two squads of five face off: one side attacks an objective inside a building, and the other defends it. Unlike fast, run-and-gun shooters, Siege rewards patience, map knowledge, and teamwork, which is why it sits firmly in the "tactical" shooter category. It launched in 2015 and is still updated with new content every season.
2. How a round works: attack vs defend
Each round begins with a prep phase. Defenders reinforce walls, set traps, and place gadgets to protect the objective, while attackers fly small drones around the building to scout enemy positions. When the action phase starts, attackers breach the building and push toward the objective. The objective changes by mode: defuse a bomb, secure a room, or rescue a hostage. A round is won by completing (or stopping) the objective, or by wiping out the opposing team.
3. Operators with unique gadgets
Instead of generic soldiers, you play as Operators, each a distinct character locked to either attack or defense. Every Operator has a signature gadget that no one else has, such as breaching charges, deployable shields, traps, recon tools, or healing devices. Because each gadget changes how you approach a fight, the team you build and how those gadgets combine often matters more than individual gunplay. Choosing the right Operator for the situation is a core part of the strategy.
4. Destruction is the core of the game
The feature that truly sets Siege apart is its destructible environment. Walls, floors, and ceilings can be blown open, shot through, or barricaded, which turns every map into a constantly changing puzzle. Attackers can breach a "soft" wall to open a new line of sight or drop in from above, while defenders reinforce key walls with metal plating to block those breaches. This back-and-forth between destruction and fortification creates almost endless tactical possibilities round after round.
5. How to start playing Rainbow Six Siege
Getting into Siege is straightforward. You'll need a free Ubisoft account, then you can buy an edition of the game or try a free trial when one is available. It's playable on PC (via Steam, the Epic Games Store, or Ubisoft Connect), PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox One and Series X|S, and Amazon Luna cloud streaming. Once installed, start with the tutorial and Training Grounds to learn the controls, then play casual Unranked matches to get comfortable with the maps before jumping into Ranked.
Beginner tips
- Use a microphone. Siege is a team game first; callouts about enemy positions win rounds.
- Drone before you push. Spend your prep phase scouting so you know where defenders are.
- Watch your sound. Footsteps, drilling, and reinforcing all give away positions, including yours.
- Learn a few Operators well rather than trying every character at once.
- Expect to lose early. Siege has a steep learning curve, and that's normal for everyone.
Frequently asked questions
Is Rainbow Six Siege free to play?
The base game is a paid purchase, sold in several editions. Ubisoft regularly runs free trial weekends and free-to-play periods, which are a great way to test the game before buying.
What does "R6" mean?
"R6" is the common nickname for Rainbow Six Siege. When players say R6 or simply "Siege," they almost always mean this game.
Is Rainbow Six Siege hard for beginners?
It has a reputation for a steep learning curve because of its gadgets, map knowledge, and destruction mechanics. The tutorial and casual modes ease you in, and most of the depth comes with experience.
How many players are in a match?
Standard matches are 5v5: five attackers against five defenders, each playing a unique Operator.
What platforms can I play it on?
Rainbow Six Siege is available on PC, PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox One and Series X|S, and via Amazon Luna cloud streaming.
Final thoughts
Rainbow Six Siege is a tactical 5v5 shooter that trades twitchy gunfights for planning, teamwork, and one of the best destruction systems in gaming. Attackers breach, defenders fortify, and the constantly shifting battlefield keeps every round fresh even after years of play. If that sounds appealing, grab a trial, run through the tutorial, and learn the maps at your own pace. For the latest editions and trials, check the official Rainbow Six Siege website.
