Rainbow Six Tactics Announced: A New Turn-Based Evolution for the Iconic Franchise
The Rainbow Six universe is expanding in a bold new direction. Revealed during the high-octane excitement of gamescom’s Opening Night Live, Rainbow Six Tactics is set to bring the series’ signature strategic depth to the turn-based genre. Coming to Xbox Series X|S and PC, this single-player experience invites players to step into the role of “Six,” the commander responsible for leading elite squads through high-stakes global operations.
From First-Person to Strategic Depth
For years, the Rainbow Six brand has been synonymous with the intensity of first-person shooters. However, Creative Director Elie Benhamou explains that shifting the franchise into a turn-based tactical format was a natural evolution.
“Rainbow Six games all share a common tactical core: intel, planning, high-stakes decision-making, and elite Operators with distinct roles,” Benhamou noted. “Transitioning from FPS to turn-based gameplay was smooth and natural for us, as we could keep all these elements while shifting the player’s perspective and the pace of action.”
The development team worked extensively to ensure that despite the shift in genre, the game maintains the “look and feel” of an authentic Rainbow Six experience. Whether players are managing their roster at headquarters or orchestrating a breach in the field, the emphasis remains on careful preparation and reactive problem-solving.
Commanding Your Squad
Players will have access to a roster of 15 iconic Operators—including fan favorites like Ash, Sledge, Nokk, and Montagne—each equipped with their signature gadgets and specialized skill trees. The campaign features a wide variety of missions across the globe, ranging from tense hostage rescues and bomb disposal to high-value target eliminations.
Success relies on more than just combat prowess; players must train their squad and review gathered intel between missions to ensure they are prepared for the evolving threats they face. By mastering squad synergies, players can navigate these dangerous environments in ways that feel both unique and rewarding.
Destructibility and the “Breach”
One of the most defining traits of the franchise, carried over from Rainbow Six Siege, is the focus on destructible environments. In Rainbow Six Tactics, this is a core gameplay mechanic. Players can create new sightlines, destroy enemy cover, and forge entirely new entry points to outsmart their opponents.
To bridge the gap between traditional turn-based strategy and the intensity of the Rainbow Six legacy, the developers introduced “The Breach.” This special feature allows for a synchronized assault, momentarily breaking the turn-based flow to let all active Operators move at once. It creates a cinematic, high-coordination moment that captures the chaos and precision of a real-world tactical raid.
With its promise of blending deep strategy with the storied history of the franchise, Rainbow Six Tactics is shaping up to be a must-play for fans of the genre. Those looking to stay ahead of the curve can head over to the Xbox Store now to wishlist the game and prepare for deployment.
