The Rainbow Six franchise is branching into new strategic territory. Announced during gamescom Opening Night Live, Rainbow Six Tactics is an upcoming single-player, turn-based tactical game bound for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox on PC.
Shifting away from the franchise’s traditional first-person shooter framework, Tactics puts players in the shoes of “Six”—the high-ranking commander of the elite Rainbow unit. Players are tasked with managing HQ preparations, assembling four-Operator squads, and executing high-stakes missions across the globe.
According to Creative Director Elie Benhamou, bringing the franchise into the turn-based genre was a natural evolution rather than a drastic departure.
“Rainbow Six games all share a common tactical core: intel, planning, high-stakes decision-making, and elite Operators with distinct roles,” Benhamou said. “Transitioning from FPS to turn-based gameplay was smooth and natural for us, as we could keep all these elements while shifting the players’ perspective and pace of actions.”
Key Features & Mechanics
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Roster of Veterans: The game features 15 operators pulled directly from Rainbow Six Siege, including fan favorites Ash, Sledge, Nøkk, and Montagne. Each character retains their signature gadgets, abilities, and tailored skill trees.
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HQ Management: Between missions, commanders can train Operators, review gathered intel, and upgrade team capabilities to prepare for future operations.
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Destructible Environments: Signature to the series, players can blow through walls to create new sightlines, eliminate cover, and forge new entry points.
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“The Breach” Mechanic: A unique turn-based modifier that breaks standard initiative. When activated, the entire squad moves simultaneously in a coordinated, real-time assault to clear a room.
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Varied Global Campaign: Dozens of missions feature dynamic objectives, including hostage rescues, bomb disposals, and target eliminations.
By trading twitch reflex shooting for methodical, top-down strategy, Ubisoft aims to offer a fresh perspective on the franchise’s signature tension. Rainbow Six Tactics is currently available to wishlist on the Xbox Store, though a formal release date has yet to be announced.