Is Rainbow Six Siege Free on PC? Everything to Know
Rainbow Six Siege is one of the longest-running competitive games in the shooter genre, with its origins dating back to 2015. The tactical first-person shooter has maintained relevance across multiple platforms and console generations through numerous updates and seasonal content.
With the recent introduction of Rainbow Six Siege X, many players have begun questioning whether the game might finally transition to a free-to-play model.
In this article, we'll explore Rainbow Six Siege's current business model and answer the important question of whether this tactical shooter is free or if it requires a purchase to play.
Rainbow Six Siege Free-to-Play Transition
Rainbow Six Siege is finally transitioning to a free-to-play model after nearly a decade of requiring a purchase. This major shift comes with the introduction of Rainbow Six Siege X, which celebrates the game's 10th anniversary. Similar to CS:GO's transition years ago, Ubisoft has decided to make the core game accessible for free while keeping competitive modes behind a paywall.
Players who download Rainbow Six Siege X after the new major update will have access to:
Quick Match, Unranked, and the new 6v6 Dual Front mode
A selection of 26 operators, approximately one-third of the full roster
The competitive aspects of Rainbow Six Siege, including Ranked mode and the Siege Cup, will remain premium content that requires payment. This approach allows new players to try the game's core experience without financial commitment while preserving the integrity of competitive play.
When Will Rainbow Six Siege Become Free-to-Play?
The free-to-play transition for Rainbow Six Siege launches on June 10th, 2025, alongside the Siege X update. Anyone who purchased the game before Siege X keeps complete access to all content, including Ranked and Siege Cup competitions. Current players won't lose anything, with all operators, cosmetics, and progression transferring automatically.
Ubisoft's strategy to keep competitive modes as paid content tackles two persistent problems. First, it creates a financial barrier against throwaway smurf accounts that plague ranked play. Second, it forces new players to invest time in casual modes before jumping into competitive matches unprepared.
This balanced approach opens the door to new players while protecting the competitive ecosystem that keeps veteran players engaged.
FAQ
Will Rainbow Six Siege X Replace Rainbow Six Siege?
Rainbow Six Siege X isn't a separate game. It's a major free update to Rainbow Six Siege launching June 10, 2025. This update marks the game's 10th anniversary and represents Ubisoft's most significant overhaul of the tactical shooter since its release.
Which Platforms Will Get the Rainbow Six Siege X Update?
Rainbow Six Siege X launches as a free update for all current platforms. This includes PC through Steam, Epic Games Store, and Ubisoft Connect, plus both PlayStation generations (PS4/PS5) and Xbox consoles (One/Series X|S).
Will You Have to Pay for Ranked on Siege X?
Yes, Ranked mode and the Siege Cup remain premium content behind a paywall in Siege X. This strategic decision helps maintain competitive integrity by reducing cheaters and smurfs who would otherwise create free accounts repeatedly.
Final Words
Rainbow Six Siege's transition to a free-to-play model marks a significant evolution for the tactical shooter. With its June 10th launch, Siege X opens the door to new players while protecting the competitive integrity through strategic paywalls. Existing players maintain all their content and benefits, while newcomers get a substantial free experience with access to casual modes and a starter roster of operators.
“ GameBoost - Mustafa Atteya has been writing about gaming and esports since 2023, specializing in competitive game content and player improvement guides. At 24, he brings both hands-on gaming experience and professional SEO writing expertise to the GameBoost team.”
