What you need to know
- Ubisoft has kicked off its Rainbow Six Siege Operation Shifting Tides Test Server on PC, providing an early hands-on with the upcoming seasonal update.
- An unlucky slip-up left traces of Year 5 Season 1 development, detailing seven planned weapons for the next Operators.
Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege soon secures Operation Shifting Tides, the fourth and final update of 2019, headlined by new Operators Kali and Wamai. But another day, another leak from Ubisoft, with what appears to be confirmation of Year 5 Season 1 weapon loadouts, almost three months ahead of the scheduled Six Invitational 2020 reveal.
Ubisoft recently kicked off the Rainbow Six Siege Test Server (TS) on PC, serving as a closed testing environment to nail down balancing and bugs before launch. It provides the first hands-on opportunity with the latest season, although framed as a work-in-progress build separated from the live client. That also brings some rough edges, exposing what appears to be the first Operators dropping with Year 5 Season 1 next year.
Digging up single-weapon cosmetic skins in the TS client displays the usual lineup of compatible Operators, now accompanied by "Y5S1 ATK" or "Y5S1 DEF" icons, labeled "NOT READY FOR TESTING." Searching the full Rainbow Six roster confirms seven planned firearms, seemingly detailing the full loadouts for next season.
It appears Year 5 Season 1 will continue to reuse existing weapons, assuming current plans translate to the final release. The attacker will receive the G36C and ARX200, former staples of Ash and Nomad, accompanied by the MK1 9mm pistol introduced alongside Canadian Operators. The unannounced defender will pack the option of an MP5 and SPAS-12, alongside the USP40 semi-automatic pistol and beastly Bailiff 410 revolver.
Previous reputable Rainbow Six Siege leaks detailed Operation Shifting Tides plans, accompanied by a tease of what lies with Year 5. Ubisoft will reportedly introduce an Operator capable of charging through soft walls in 2020, comparable to the infamous "Kool-Aid man" commercials of the late 20th century. Previous Ubisoft teasers allude to Greece as an upcoming Year 5 nation but remain unconfirmed until the full roadmap reveal.
In the meantime, check out our full roundup of Year 5 details for a more in-depth analysis of 2020 plans.
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Addictive, challenging shooter action
Ubisoft's hit shooter is hotter than ever, touting tense tactical gameplay, and regular free updates. With millions of players in 2019, Rainbow Six isn't slowing down.
