At the Esports World Cup themed forum in France, Ubisoft announced the Season 3 update for Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege, "Operation Splintered Flame." This update includes major changes to Ranked 3.0, a new Defender operator, a new game mode, map modernization, and various operator balance adjustments.
One of the core changes in this update is the launch of Ranked 3.0. The new system increases the weight of placement matches and implements a soft rank reset at the start of each season. Points awarded for a single victory have been increased from 25 to 30, and matchmaking mechanisms for mixed parties in the Emerald rank will also be adjusted.
New Defender Operator Noor and 3v3 Arcade Mode
"Operation Splintered Flame" will introduce a new Defender operator, Noor. Her "Horus Spear Launcher" can attach to any surface, countering shield operators and preventing Attackers from planting defusers.
Noor's primary weapons are the Alda 5.56 or Commando-9 assault rifles. Her secondary weapons are the Tacops 1911 pistol or Bailiff 410 shotgun. For gadgets, she can choose between deploying a shield or barbed wire.
A new 3v3 Arcade mode will launch on September 8. This mode uses an attrition rule set, requiring players to carefully choose which operators to deploy in each round.
Balance Adjustments for Kali and Other Operators
Season 3 will introduce several adjustments to Kali. Her CSRX sniper rifle's scope magnification will be adjusted to 3.5x and 8x, the firing interval will be shortened, and she will be able to switch to her V10 SHOX skill while aiming down sights.
Other balance adjustments include optimizations to the MK14 EBR, AR-15 .50, and SMG-12 weapons. Lion, Echo, and Kapkan will receive minor buffs, while Mute and Tubarão gain new countermeasures against Dokkaebi.
Map modernization is also a key focus of "Operation Splintered Flame." The House map will be the first to undergo a remake, with plans to renovate and optimize Chalet, Alpha Stadium, and Bravo Stadium later in the season.
Legend Rank and Drone Racing Event
"Operation Splintered Flame" will add a Legend rank mid-season. Players must reach Champion rank to qualify for promotion. This rank will feature the R6 Shield Guard security platform, public leaderboards, and exclusive Legend rank charms.
This season will also introduce the "Wasteland Tour," a new drone racing event, scheduled to officially begin on September 23.