Rainbow Six gets a new XCOM-style strategy game in 18 years

Rainbow Six Tactics: Turning Tactical Firepower into a Turn-Based Masterpiece

The world of tactical gaming is about to get a serious upgrade. Ubisoft is developing Rainbow Six Tactics, a highly anticipated single-player turn-based strategy game slated for release in 2027. This new title promises to take the celebrated tactical DNA of the Rainbow Six franchise and put it through a strategic, deep-dive lens, blending the high-stakes action of the team with meticulous, turn-based planning.

Developed by the team at Ubisoft Paris, the game aims to merge the legacy of Rainbow Six with the modern tactical depth seen in titles like Rainbow Six Siege. The concept places players in the role of the Rainbow Six organization, led by the iconic Vegas protagonist, Paul Bishop, tasked with countering a looming global threat. Players will manage a dynamic squad of 15 recruitable operators, drawing heavily from the world of Siege.

At its core, Rainbow Six Tactics mirrors the addictive structure of games like XCOM. This means the gameplay involves deploying units into turn-based combat, balancing critical resources, and strategically developing facilities between missions. It’s a blend of high-level strategic management and intense tactical execution, demanding foresight and calculated risk from the player.

The vision behind the game is to create an experience that speaks to both long-time Rainbow Six aficionados and the newer players captivated by the real-time destruction and tactical maneuvering of Siege. Game director Martial Potron emphasizes that the foundation of Rainbow Six is inherently tactical, and this new title is an opportunity to twist that DNA and offer players a fundamentally different way to engage with the franchise’s core themes.

What truly sets Rainbow Six Tactics apart are the advanced tactical features. Moving beyond standard XCOM mechanics, the game incorporates sophisticated reconnaissance and breaching tools that elevate the strategic layer. While aerial support provides an overview of the external environment, players must utilize reconnaissance drones—much like those from Siege—to scope out interiors, pinpoint unit locations, and assess enemy defenses before making their move.

Once a plan is formulated, players can queue up breaching commands. This allows for synchronized operations where fully-destructible environments mean that buildings can be neutralized with surgical precision, offering a visceral sense of tactical engagement. It’s not just about positioning; it’s about controlling the environment itself.

By integrating these elements, Ubisoft has created a strategic sandbox where the high-octane action of Rainbow Six meets the meticulous planning of a strategy game. While the exact release date remains set for 2027, the development promises a rich, deeply tactical experience that honors the legacy of the Rainbow Six while pushing the boundaries of what tactical shooters can achieve.