The tactical shooter genre may soon see an interesting crossover as reports emerge about Ubisoft's plans to expand the Rainbow Six franchise in a surprising new direction. According to recent insider information, the company is developing a turn-based tactics game set in the Rainbow Six Siege universe, potentially bringing the tactical depth of the popular shooter to a completely different gameplay format.
The XCOM Connection
Sources close to the project claim that this new game will draw significant inspiration from the XCOM series, featuring a similar top-down perspective and turn-based combat system. One insider was quoted saying players should just watch some XCOM gameplay if you want to get an idea, suggesting it will be an updated version of that with cinematic cutscenes and so on. This approach would transform Rainbow Six Siege's real-time tactical gameplay into a more deliberate, strategy-focused experience while maintaining its core themes.
Game Style: Turn-based tactics similar to XCOM with Rainbow Six Siege operators and objectives
Familiar Elements in a New Format
Despite the genre shift, the game reportedly aims to preserve the essence of Rainbow Six Siege. Players will select operators with unique abilities and skillsets tailored to specific mission requirements—a direct parallel to how Siege functions. The gameplay loop is expected to include familiar objectives such as raiding buildings, rescuing hostages, and eliminating opponents, but executed through turn-based tactical decisions rather than first-person shooting.
Development Timeline and Platforms
According to the reports, this Rainbow Six strategy spinoff is likely one to two years away from release, with a potential launch window of 2026 or 2027. The game is reportedly being developed for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series consoles, and PC, with a possible Nintendo Switch 2 version also under consideration. This timeline suggests the project is well underway but still in active development.
Expected Release Window: 2026-2027
Ubisoft's Strategic Experience
While the reports don't specify which Ubisoft studio is handling the project, the company has demonstrated proficiency in the turn-based tactics genre through the critically acclaimed Mario + Rabbids series developed by Ubisoft Milan and Paris. These games were praised for their strategic depth and accessibility, suggesting Ubisoft has the expertise to successfully adapt Rainbow Six to this format. However, it's worth noting that Davide Soliani, who directed both Mario + Rabbids games, left Ubisoft last year to embark on a new adventure, so he won't be involved in this project.
Rainbow Six Siege's Continued Evolution
This rumored spinoff comes as Rainbow Six Siege continues to evolve after nearly a decade on the market. The game is slated for a significant overhaul called X, which will introduce improved graphics, new destructible elements, better audio propagation, smoother rappel controls, and enhanced anti-cheat measures. The fact that Siege was recently designated as one of Ubisoft's core franchises—alongside Assassin's Creed and Far Cry—in a new subsidiary backed by Tencent further emphasizes its importance to the publisher's portfolio.
Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series S|X, PC, possibly Nintendo Switch 2
Campaign Length and Content
Sources suggest the campaign will run approximately 25 to 30 hours, though this could change as development progresses. This substantial length indicates a fully-fledged single-player experience rather than a smaller side project, potentially offering fans a deeper exploration of the Rainbow Six universe and its characters than the primarily multiplayer-focused Siege.
Estimated Campaign Length: 25-30 hours
A Natural Fit
The combination of Rainbow Six Siege's tactical elements with XCOM's turn-based strategy format seems like a natural fit. Siege already features distinct operators with unique gadgets and abilities, destructible environments, and objective-based gameplay—all elements that could translate well to a turn-based framework. This approach would also allow players to experience the tactical depth of Rainbow Six at a more deliberate pace, potentially appealing to strategy fans who might find the fast-paced nature of the first-person shooter challenging.
As with all unannounced projects, details could change before official confirmation from Ubisoft. However, the concept of a Rainbow Six tactical strategy game represents an intriguing expansion of the franchise into new territory, potentially broadening its appeal while maintaining its core identity.