Ubisoft is taking a historic step for Rainbow Six Siege. After ten years of paid access, the tactical shooter is finally becoming conditionally free. However, the transition to free-to-play will be partial: the changes will take place along with the global Siege X update, which will redesign the maps, add a new mode, improve graphics, and optimize the game's access system. Free players will have access to casual modes and a limited list of operators, while ranked matches and tournaments will remain paid.

What will be free and what will remain paid?

With the release of Siege X in mid-2025, Ubisoft will introduce Free Access, a new tier of access that will allow players to download Rainbow Six Siege and play for free. But there are nuances:

• Only casual modes are available - free players will be able to play Unranked, Quick Play, and the new Dual Front mode, but Ranked and Siege Cup will remain exclusive to paid users.
• A limited list of operators - free players will receive 10 operators at the start, and during the game they will be able to unlock 16 more. In total, these are only 26 operators out of 74+ available in the game.
• This does not apply to skins and cosmetics - free players will also be able to buy or unlock cosmetic items.

Players who have already purchased the game will automatically upgrade to the paid tier and retain access to all modes and content.

Why did Ubisoft decide to switch to free-to-play now?

The move to a partially free-to-play model is part of the game's 10th anniversary update. For a decade, Rainbow Six Siege has remained paid despite the popularity of free-to-play shooters such as Call of Duty: Warzone, Apex Legends, and Overwatch 2. Ubisoft expects that the transition to Free Access will help attract new players while maintaining a balance in competitive modes.

Game director Alex Karpazis explained that the decision to keep Ranked and Siege Cup paid is related to the fight against cheaters and smurfs, which is a big problem in F2P games.

What does the future hold for Siege?

Siege X is the biggest redesign of the game in its history. The update will bring:

• Updated graphics, improved sound, and a new UI
• A simplified adaptation system for new players
• Three redesigned maps each season
• Ongoing updates for Dual Front mode

Ubisoft emphasizes that the Siege X update is just the beginning, and the company plans to support the game for at least 10 more years.

Community reaction

The news about the transition to a conditionally free model caused mixed reactions among players. Some are happy that Rainbow Six Siege will become more accessible, but there are concerns about the influx of toxic players. However, restricting access to ranked matches can help Ubisoft control the quality of the competitive scene.

The Siege X update and Free Access launch are expected in Year 10 Season 2, so the changes will not be delayed.