Back in my high school days, I had a bit of an obsession with PC games. I’d often find myself up at absurd hours, glued to my computer screen. There was even that one time I spent five straight days on a marathon to conquer Baldur’s Gate II: Throne of Bhaal. What really drew me to PC gaming, though, was the sheer creativity that developers could bring to the table.
One game that truly captured my imagination was Red Faction. It had elements reminiscent of DOOM—a first-person shooter with a setting on Mars—but it came with an intriguing twist: terrain deformation. Picture this: you’re in the Martian mines, launching explosives into walls and creating new pathways by tunneling through solid rock. It was all about crafting your own strategies and blazing your own trail to reach your objectives. Simply mind-blowing.
Over the years, not many games have explored this concept further. However, when Rainbow Six Siege hit the scene, it sparked that familiar excitement. The ability to scale buildings and obliterate walls or ceilings tapped into the same thrill I felt with Red Faction.
Originally, Siege had a pretty focused structure—not quite as exploratory. But that’s evolving with the forthcoming Siege X update, which promises significant gameplay, graphical, audio, and UI improvements. What’s more, a new, permanent multiplayer mode called Dual Front is on the horizon, and it looks promising.
In Dual Front, you’ll have a set roster of seasonal Operators to choose from, and team limits are increased to six players each. Instead of spawning in just one target area, there are three large zones to pick from, each with its own objective. Your six-member team needs to divide and conquer, defending and attacking these different areas at once.
Despite the expanded scope, the core gameplay we love remains untouched. Matches start with each team spawning at their HQ. One of two spots in your sector will initiate a Defend mission countdown. But here’s the catch: your opposing team faces the same challenge, so strategizing which location to prioritize—defense or offense—is key.
Adding an extra layer of strategy, there’s a neutral zone between mirrored areas. Completing bonus objectives here, like rescuing hostages, offers your team significant boosts—even turning the tide if your initial assaults falter.
The broadening of contested zones allows for dynamic playstyle shifts. Often, I found myself moving fluidly between offensive and defensive roles, making each match a unique experience unlike standard Siege encounters. The result? A whirlwind of chaos and fun.
Dual Front mode is shaping up to be a chaotic thrill ride that I thoroughly enjoyed. Monthly updates to the seasonal Operator pool mean both Attacker and Defender roles are available, encouraging players to adapt and counter enemy maneuvers. This adds a fresh layer of strategy to the gameplay.
Several times, I found myself dashing across the map to back up struggling teammates, feeling the adrenaline rush of arriving in time—or missing the mark and facing enemy reinforcements. With such expansive maps, anticipating enemy movements adds a delightful tension to every match.
New gameplay features make this enlarged battlefield even more engaging. Imagine rappelling along building corners or sprinting mid-rappel to gain a tactical edge. Destroying fire extinguishers now creates blinding blasts, and gas pipes can unleash fiery havoc. Metal detectors? They’re fair game too, offering tactical choices that make the newly expanded spaces much more interactive.
Siege X also shifts its monetization model to free-to-play. Casual modes, onboarding playlists, unranked quick play, and Dual Front are all accessible for free, featuring up to 26 Operators and skins. Competitive players can unlock full content access through a paywall, while current Siege players will retain their modes and net some exclusive perks.
Beyond Dual Front, Siege X packs in modernized maps—like Clubhouse and Chalet—enhanced visuals, and a slew of quality-of-life improvements for a richer experience. The development team is committed to introducing or revamping at least one Operator each season as well.
But it’s Dual Front that stands out as the crown jewel in Siege’s tenth anniversary celebration. It’s poised to become my go-to mode, packing enough excitement to keep me hooked long after Siege X launches.
