Rainbow Six Siege Shifting Tides ships a perfect conclusion to 2022

We may earn a committee for purchases using our links. Learn more.

Rolling in the deep

Rainbow Half dozen Siege Shifting Tides ships a perfect conclusion to 2022

Shifting Tides wraps Yr iv with a concluding stiff flavour, filling the gaps in the Rainbow Half dozen Siege roster.

Rainbow Six Siege Kali Sniper Source: Ubisoft

Tom Clancy'south Rainbow Six Siege has locked down its 4th and last update of 2022 – and looks to end on a high note. Operation Shifting Tides concludes an eventful year with an aquatic twist, backed by another duo of playable Operators, and refresh of an existing locale. Its scheduled additions couldn't come at a better fourth dimension, fulfilling highly-requested vacancies among the 50-stiff roster.

Shifting Tides introduces Kali and Wamai, which might not occupy new roles, but serve as crucial and creative alternatives that diversify gameplay. They rival two long-uncontested Operators from back at launch, with Ubisoft'south past learnings axiomatic downwards their core identities. And if they fulfill Ubisoft's intentions, both could realign Rainbow Six Siege's meta into top form.

Marking a divergence from global counterterrorism units (CTUs), Operation Shifting Tides enrolls private military aid. The Nighthaven Special Intervention Grouping takes the spotlight this flavour, its emblem prominent throughout teasers, welcoming elite Indian and Kenyan talent and new combat gizmos. Doubled upwards with a return to Hong Kong's abandoned Theme Park map, flaunting a brighter coat of pigment, it amends any long-standing grievances of recent years.

Eyes On Target

Rainbow Six Siege Box Art

Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege

Addictive, challenging shooter action

Ubisoft'southward hit shooter is hotter than ever, touting tense tactical gameplay, and regular costless updates. With millions of players in 2022, Rainbow Six isn't slowing down.

Kali: Precision, power, and an anti-gadget agenda

Rainbow Six Siege Kali Rainbow Six Siege Shifting Tides ends Year four with a bang... the .300 Winchester Mag chambered burglarize kind. Source: Ubisoft

From privileged Indian origins and at present Nighthaven lead, sharpshooter Kali joins Team Rainbow as its secondary sharpshooter on the roster. Controlling the perimeter via high-caliber firepower, she juggles sniping and anti-gadget utility as a two-armor, ii-speed Operator. Her support-focused loadout might not be an untapped role, but fills a void between Thatcher and Glaz, serving as their much-needed alternative.

The centerpiece of the loadout is the CSRX-300, the showtime bolt-action sniper rifle in Rainbow 6 Siege's arena. The hard-hitting cannon delivers a devastating blow of 97 damage per shot, paired up with a distinctive rumble bellowing downwards hallways. That power volition instantly put any defender into a downwards-simply-not-out (DBNO) state, also capable of tearing open up soft walls or penetrating multiple enemies. Ubisoft has as well implemented a unique reorientation mechanic for those downed by the CSRX-300, automatically facing the origin of the shot to relay Kali'south position to allies.

Just dissimilar Glaz's existing OTs-03 semi-automatic rifle, the CSRX-300's traits conjure a completely different fauna. Slow rate-of-burn down and five-round capacity encourage a distinct playstyle, proving highly effective with player precision. At that place'due south besides a variable scope too, between the default 5X to 12X, although highly-situational given Rainbow 6'south close-quarters gameplay.

Rainbow Six Siege Kali Kali delivers loftier-impact precision with the CSRX-300, fitted with a 5X telescopic and microscopic 12X toggle. Source: Ubisoft

Category	Spec
Ability	LV Explosive Lance
Primary	CSRX-300
Secondary	P226 MK 25 C75 Auto
Gadget	Claymore Alienation Charge
Armor	●●○
Speed	●●○
Price	25,000 Renown 600 R6 Credits

LV Explosive Lances are the CSRX-300'south hidden trick, a secondary underslung launcher providing anti-gadget utility. Firing confronting soft or hard surfaces volition destroy gadgets on either side, non besides dissimilar from Thatcher's EMP. The crucial differentiator is the destructive spin, eliminating devices like Maestro's Evil Optics, rather than disabling them temporarily.

While locked into the CSRX-300 as her sole primary, Kali is backed by the formerly SAS-exclusive P226 MK 25 semi-automatic pistol and C75 Auto from Dokkaebi. Information technology allows her to stand ground when upward close, while still leaving opportunity for Thatcher'due south rifles.

Kali debuts in two long-uncontested roles, especially valuable as Pick and Ban hits Ranked. The LV Explosive Lances avoids by missteps of Glaz, taking on several roles beyond her sniper rifle. Merely she releases as Ubisoft struggles to find a place for its existing marksman and tackles the contrast of snipers in closed locales. If Ubisoft was going to bring a new sniper to Rainbow Half dozen Siege, Kali is the correct manner, if she can brand her mark on the meta.

Wamai: Jager's contest means high risk, high reward

Rainbow Six Siege Wamai Wamai boasts an impressive arsenal, borrowing the MP5K and the previously attack-sectional AUG A2. Source: Ubisoft

Shifting Tides expands the defender lineup with Wamai, a Kenyan-born aquatic maven under Nighthaven. Ocean-raised nether a fisherman's family unit, the two-speed, two-armor Operator touts underwater dexterity, climbing naval ranks and into Team Rainbow. Kitted in diving apparel, this Operator utilizes the ability of magnets to shake up combat mechanics.

"Where Jager cancels gameplay, Wamai distorts it," Ubisoft tells us, crediting the Operator's new Magazine-Internet system. Framed as the long-desired Jager alternative, Wamai utilizes new anti-projectile tricks to eliminate throwables, among other airborne gadgetry. The value of Jager saw his pick rate skyrocket throughout Yr 4, with Shifting Tides ready to equalize popularity with its new ballast office.

The throwable disc-like class factor is fundamental to the device, affixing to walls and floors, awaiting passing threats. Grenades and projectiles in its radius are halted in their path, pulled in, resetting their timer, and detonating at the device. That skews the travel path and cook time across gadgets, potentially backfiring on attackers via smart placement. It'southward a less binary alternative to Jager'due south ADS, trading high take chances for loftier reward.

Rainbow Six Siege Wamai The throwable Magazine-Net discs capture projectiles mid-flight – essentially a grenade Roomba for defence force. Source: Ubisoft

Category	Spec
Ability	Mag-NET Arrangement
Main	AUG A2 MP5K
Secondary	Keratos .357 P12
Gadget	Barbed Wire Deployable Shield
Armor	●●○
Speed	●●○
Price	25,000 Renown 600 R6 Credits

Although a Magazine-NET node will deny one projectile before self-destruction, Wamai features a regenerating inventory, akin to Lesion. That allows for ii discs during initial preparations, with more steadily fed into your easily as the circular progresses. The implementation too promotes a more involved role of redistributing nodes during rounds, rather than the place-and-get nature of the ADS.

While Kali draws attention through her CSRX-300, Wamai revives existing weapons from attack and defence force. The full-fledged AUG A2 set on rifle gets repurposed from IQ, delivering counterbalanced operation, although hampered by the screen-filling silhouette. Mute's MP5K submachine gun returns too, while the Ketatos .357 and P12 occupy secondary slots.

I only had opportunity to spend a handful of few rounds behind the eyes of Wamai, and it's clear where he may fit in college-tier play. The Magazine-Internet discs serve equally a double-edged sword, balancing a firm objective perimeter while skirting placement at the detriment of allies. But my experience currently sees Mag-NETs temporarily slowing the attacker push button, rather backfiring in whatever meaningful way. That time could be the deciding factor in a round, simply he still falls among the puddle of situational Operators received beyond Year 4.

Theme Park rework: Await, who turned the lights on?

Rainbow Six Siege Theme Park Rework Theme Park returns with a new skin, improving its palette and lighting in every way. Source: Ubisoft

In addition to Kali and Wamai, Functioning Shifting Tides revisits Theme Park, continuing Ubisoft'south round of map reworks across the existing catalog. The reimagination tackles central community complaints while spicing up the palette with increased brightness and vibrancy. The team likewise considers cultural traditions, swapping out Gargoyle and Haunting Dining rooms with Throne Room and Arsenal in the process. Track Platform finally gets the ax, while switching up other fundamental routes.

As proven by past Rainbow Six map drops, initial impressions after two hours rarely reflect the realities of the public launch. Information technology'southward hard to gauge competitive flow, simply the removal of Rail Platform and Arcade Archway eradicate two former chokepoints, with significant implications on the objective approach. The Technical Examination Server (TTS) debut will provide farther context, though Ubisoft's philosophies already show notable leaps over the vanilla 2022 design.

Rainbow Six Siege Theme Park Rework Source: Ubisoft

Shifting Tides sets canvas equally an already fitting conclusion to Rainbow Six Siege'southward quaternary annual rotation of updates. Kali and Wamai diversify teams through familiar abilities, supporting desirable roles in the meta, while Theme Park'southward rework revitalizes the locale. Supported by much-needed additions and amendments, Ubisoft appears to be examining the series wellbeing more and then than ever, which leaves the tactical shooter in a robust spot as Year five looms.

Operation Shifting Tides is set for a November 11 TTS debut on PC, followed by an expected early December launch on alive servers. In the meantime, Rainbow Six Siege is available starting at $26 on Amazon.

Ride The Moving ridge

Rainbow Six Siege Year 4 Cover

Tom Clancy's Rainbow Half dozen Siege Year iv Laissez passer

Go the jump on Shifting Tides

The Rainbow Six Siege Yr 4 Pass grants full access to 2022 content, with early access to Operators, exclusive in-game gear, and progression boosters.

Optics On Target

Rainbow Six Siege Box Art

Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege

Addictive, challenging shooter action

Ubisoft'due south hit shooter is hotter than always, touting tense tactical gameplay, and regular free updates. With millions of players in 2022, Rainbow Half-dozen isn't slowing down.

We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.

An internet connection will soon be required when setting up Windows 11 Pro

UH OH

An internet connection will shortly be required when setting upward Windows 11 Pro

Microsoft has appear that later this twelvemonth, users will be required to connect to the internet and sign-in with a Microsoft Account during the out of box setup experience on Windows 11 Pro. Microsoft has already been enforcing this requirement on Windows 11 Home since launch last October, and Windows 11 Pro is now expected to follow suit soon.