If you’re into FPS games, you definitely know Rainbow Six Siege. Since it burst onto the scene in 2015, Ubisoft Montreal’s latest instalment in Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six series has offered something totally unique for FPS fans. Blending intense close-quarters combat with strategic depth and exceptional destructible environments. As we’re quickly approaching the game’s 10 year anniversary, let’s take a look at how the game has evolved over the past decade, while remaining one of the top tactical FPS games on the market.

Foundations of Siege

Rainbow Six Siege was conceived as a departure from both its two series predecessors and other fast-paced run-and-gun shooters which dominated the market in the 2010s. Instead, it was going to slow things down and focus on making every moment really matter. This saw the dev team focusing on slow, methodical teamplay relying heavily on communication, innovative tactics and player skill.

The game’s core mechanic of breaching and clearing virtually single-handedly resurrected the genre of tactical shooter. But it was operators, in particular, which were a game-changer for the genre. Instead of focusing on fully custom player loadouts, Siege let players choose an operator, each possessing unique abilities and gadgets. Most importantly of all, operators were never meant to work alone. So players decisions about which operator to choose really depended on their team strategy and teammates strengths.

Together, Siege built itself up as the flagship of a new generation of tactical shooters. And FPS fans who wanted a challenge absolutely loved it.

A Playground for Destruction

On release, one of the standout features for Siege was its destructible environments. Throughout the 2010s this was a huge focus for the FPS genre, with franchises like Battlefield leading the charge. But Siege took everything to a new level. Its destructible environments included a new level of breachable walls and destructible floors—with players being able to do everything from creating a gaping hole with an explosive or making a pinpoint peep-hole with a few bullets. This variety of destruction has become a core part of Siege strategy.

Over the years, maps have continued to become more refined, with many new maps being introduced—each with their own distinctive layouts, challenges and opportunities for creative destruction.

The Evolution of Operators

I’ve already mentioned that a core part of Siege is its operators. Ubisoft Montreal knew this very well. So, since release the game has seen a steady stream of new operators being released with each seasonal update. These operators don’t just expand the roster with new aesthetics, but each has brought new gadgets, abilities and entire playstyles to the game. Speaking of all those operators and gadgets, you can unlock a lot if you simply buy rainbow six siege accounts: giving you all the equipment you’ll need to dominate online.

As the game has been around for almost ten years at this point, the roster of operators has grown from a modest few to a diverse selection, offering players with an incredibly granular selection of playstyles. This has continued to push new tactics into the game, changing the meta and increasing the enjoyment to be had.

Siege on Stage

Being a difficult game, Siege has huge spectator appeal. Meaning that many players will find much more enjoyment from watching an expert than they will from getting wrecked in lobbies (although, that can be fun too).

Thus, given its nature as a tactical FPS, Siege was destined to be a popular esports title. And it has gone on to become just that. What began as a community-driven movement slowly evolved into a thriving esports ecosystem which now hosts huge events and competitions, spearheaded by organisations like ESL and Ubisoft’s Pro Leagues.

Ongoing Support

Despite being a decade old, Ubisoft Montreal continue to support Siege with ongoing development, new releases and continued support. The game follows a seasonal model, where each season bring various new features from new operators to map reworks and balance changes. This not only keeps the game fresh for players, but it demonstrates that Ubisoft are dedicated to keeping the game, and its community, in a great place despite the game’s age.

Approaching a Decade of Excellence

If you were there on day one, you’re probably gobsmacked that Siege is quickly approaching the end of its first decade. But don’t fret. That doesn’t mean it’s approaching its end. The future of Siege still looks very promising. The dev team has recently hinted at plans for multiple years of additional content and support, ensuring that the game and its community will continue to evolve over the next few years (at least!).

Siege is a special game. It has carved out its own niche in the bustling world of the shooter, becoming the definitive competitive tactical FPS. Through its continuous updates, strong community, and esports appeal, it has continued to be one of the best and most exciting FPS games on the market today. And, from the looks of it, it’s not going anywhere any time soon!