Rainbow Six Siege Hands-On Preview: New Dual Front Mode Revitalizes the Decade-Old FPS

Back in my high school days, pulling all-nighters was practically a ritual for PC gaming enthusiasts like me. Once, I even stayed awake for five days straight just to conquer Baldur’s Gate II: Throne of Bhaal. But what truly captivated me about PC games was their ingenuity.

A game that really left its mark on me was Red Faction. It grabbed my attention because it had elements reminiscent of DOOM – a high-tech, first-person shooter set on Mars. But it added a mind-blowing twist: terrain deformation. Imagine being in the Martian mines, wielding explosive weapons to blast holes through walls or tunnel through rocks to bypass checkpoints. It was like carving your own path to achieve your objectives, and it was spectacular.

Sadly, not much has been done with that concept over the years. However, Rainbow Six Siege reminded me of it when it introduced the ability to scale buildings and blast through walls and ceilings. It was like a love letter to the Red Faction fan in me.

While Siege started with a more focused approach than the old Volition shooter, things are about to get a lot more interesting with the upcoming Siege X update. This update promises major improvements in gameplay, graphics, audio, and user interface, along with a thrilling new permanent multiplayer mode: Dual Front.

In Dual Front, a seasonal Operator pool will determine your playable characters, and teams will consist of six players instead of the usual number. Instead of spawning in a single designated area, you’ll choose from three large zones, each with its own objective. Your team of six must split its efforts, both defending and attacking different spots simultaneously.

Despite the broader scope, the core gameplay retains its greatness. Matches kick off with teams spawning at their squad HQ, with one of two locations triggering a countdown for a Defend mission. Opponents face the same challenge, needing to defend while also launching an assault on another spot. The strategy is yours to craft.

Adding to the excitement is a neutral zone between the mirrored team areas, where extra objectives appear. Completing these tasks, like rescuing a hostage, can tip the scales in your favor. Even if one location falls or your attack falters, victory is still within reach.

The expansion brought by Dual Front creates a dynamic flow between attacking and defending, offering more variety than standard Siege matches. The result is a chaotic thrill ride that kept me on the edge of my seat.

Operators available in the seasonal pool will rotate monthly, ensuring fresh dynamics. Both Attacker and Defender Operators are available for selection, and quick respawns let you adapt strategies mid-game, turning on-the-fly countering into a delightfully engaging experience.

During my preview, there were several heart-racing moments. At times, my team seemed on the verge of success, prompting me to dash across the map to assist teammates fighting off an enemy push. Sometimes, I arrived just in time to secure a win, while other times, I was caught in an ambush, highlighting the unpredictability in maps as vast as Dual Front’s.

Speaking of navigating these expansive areas, there are exciting new features to explore. You can now rappel around building corners and sprint while doing so, making it easier to explore entry points. Fire extinguishers create concussive blasts and visual blocks when destroyed, and gas pipes can be damaged to unleash fire. Metal detectors can also be tampered with, enhancing playability in Dual Front’s mirrored map spaces.

The introduction of Siege X also marks a pivot to a free-to-play model. Casual and competitive players, here’s the scoop: casual playlists, unranked quickplay, and Dual Front are free, granting access to up to 26 Operators and skins. More serious players looking for competitive modes like Siege Cup and Ranked will need to unlock them, which opens up access to all 50 Operators. Existing players will retain their collection and access to all modes, with a special badge reflecting their Siege journey and some bonus surprises for veteran players.

Additional updates in Siege X include revamped classics like Clubhouse, Chalet, Bank, Kafe, and Border. Visuals, audio, first-person shadows, improved menus, better onboarding, gun inspection features, and more add to an already enticing package. The dev team pledges to introduce a new Operator or refresh existing ones each season and much more.

Yet, amidst all these upgrades, Dual Front shines as a standout addition. It’s quickly becoming my top mode for Siege, and once Siege X debuts, it just might be the only mode I’ll indulge in as Siege celebrates a decade of incredible gaming fun.