The transition to Siege X (Year 10) was marketed as a “transformative evolution,” but for many veteran players, the reality felt like a betrayal of the game’s tactical roots.
- The December 2025 Hack Crisis: Just as the 10th-anniversary celebrations began, Siege was hit by a massive security breach. Hackers flooded accounts with “billions” in R6 Credits and rare skins, forcing temporary server shutdowns. This shattered trust in Ubisoft’s infrastructure.
- The “Pricing” Controversy: Ubisoft’s 2025 financial reports revealed that Siege X underperformed initially due to “technical pricing issues.” Many players felt the monetization—specifically the introduction of more aggressive subscription tiers and the Marketplace—became the priority over game health.
- The Cheating Pandemic: Despite the launch of Mousetrap V2 and “Binary Hardening” updates, high-elo lobbies in late 2025 remained riddled with cheaters and hardware exploiters (XIM on console).
- A “Sweaty” Identity Crisis: The introduction of the 6v6 Dual Front mode was meant to be a breath of fresh air, but critics argue it diluted the unique 5v5 tactical identity that made Siege special, pushing it closer to a generic hero shooter.
The Pivot: What “Siege X” Actually Changed
Despite the doom-posting, Ubisoft didn’t just sit back. Siege X brought massive technical and gameplay shifts designed to keep the game alive for another decade:
| Feature | Impact |
| Free Access | The game effectively went Free-to-Play in June 2025, bringing in a massive wave of new players. |
| Dual Front (6v6) | A permanent mode with respawns and dynamic objectives on exclusive maps, catering to a more casual audience. |
| Map Modernization | Classics like Clubhouse, Chalet, and Bank received visual and lighting overhauls to 4K textures. |
| Operator Remasters | Instead of just adding new bloat, Ubi focused on remaking “broken” operators like Blackbeard, Clash, and Thatcher to fit the 2026 meta. |
The Future: Year 11 and Beyond
As we head deeper into 2026, the game is leaning into its “Long-Term Service” model. Ubisoft’s documentary, “How Rainbow Six Siege Defied An Industry,” highlights that they have no intention of making a “Siege 2.”
1. The 2026 Esports Overhaul
Ubisoft has committed to a “connected global journey” for the 2026 season. The calendar is now a year-long marathon:
- May Major: The first big international test of the 2026 meta.
- August EWC: Integration into the Esports World Cup with a direct invite to the Six Invitational 2027 for the winners.
- November Major: The final push for SI qualification points.
2. Community-Driven Development
The new Testing Grounds playlist is becoming the primary way Ubisoft balances the game. Instead of surprise nerfs, they are letting the community play-test major mechanical shifts (like the proposed Rappel 2.0 and EMP/Jammer reworks) for months before they go live.
3. More Remasters, Fewer “Gimmicks”
The roadmap for 2026 suggests a focus on “Core Siege Upgrades.” Expect more Operator Remasters and Modernized Maps (Skyscraper and Theme Park are next) rather than a flood of new gadgets that break the game’s balance.
Final Verdict: Is it Actually Falling?
While the player count saw a significant dip in late 2025 (dropping from peaks of 140,000 to around 55,000 on Steam), it remains one of the top 15 games on most platforms.
The “downfall” isn’t a death—it’s a metamorphosis. The Siege of 2015 is gone. In its place is a faster, more accessible, and visually modern “Siege X.” It’s no longer just a tactical shooter; it’s a platform. Whether you love the new direction or miss the old grit, the 2026 roadmap proves that Ubisoft is playing the long game.