Ubisoft is rumored to be working on a turn-based tactical Rainbow Six game inspired by XCOM. With cinematic cutscenes, top-down strategy, and familiar operators, the title could mark a bold new direction for the franchise.
Ubisoft is reportedly developing a new turn-based tactics game set in the Rainbow Six universe, marking a significant departure from the franchise’s traditional first-person shooter roots. The project, still under wraps and likely one to two years away from release, is said to be heavily inspired by the XCOM series, featuring top-down, grid-based gameplay, strategic squad management, and cinematic storytelling.
First reported by Insider Gaming’s Tom Henderson, the game will have players control a team of Rainbow Six operators, each equipped with unique abilities tailored to specific mission objectives. Much like Rainbow Six Siege, operator selection will be key, with the gameplay loop revolving around assembling the right team to carry out high-stakes tasks such as hostage rescues or tactical raids.
The new title will reportedly be released for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, with the potential for a Nintendo Switch 2 version depending on development progress. The game is targeting a 25 to 30-hour campaign, though sources note this could vary depending on player skill and final content scope. The project is expected to lean heavily into cinematic cutscenes, adding a narrative layer that sets it apart from other tactical games in the genre.
Visually, the game is described as having a top-down perspective similar to XCOM or even Diablo IV. The design intends to retain the essence of Rainbow Six’s strategic combat while adapting it into a slower, more thoughtful turn-based system. Sources have stated that fans looking to understand the feel of the upcoming title should simply “watch some XCOM gameplay,” as the new game is described as a modernized, narrative-driven version of that formula.
Development is rumored to be handled by Ubisoft’s new France-based subsidiary, partly owned by Tencent, which invested €1.16 billion for a 25% minority stake. While the studio’s structure and plans remain somewhat unclear, it’s expected to manage Ubisoft’s largest franchises, including Rainbow Six.
This shift to turn-based strategy seems to be Ubisoft’s effort to diversify the Rainbow Six portfolio, especially following the underwhelming performance of Rainbow Six Extraction. Meanwhile, the franchise’s flagship title, Rainbow Six Siege, continues to thrive, with over 50 million players and a major overhaul titled Siege X set to launch in June 2025. This free update will introduce massive gameplay updates, a new 6v6 “Dual Front” mode, enhanced anti-cheat systems, and transition the game to a free-to-play model.
While this rumored turn-based game is yet to be officially confirmed, it suggests a promising new chapter for the Rainbow Six franchise—one that expands its tactical universe into new territory while remaining true to its strategic core. Whether it brings in crossover elements from other Tom Clancy IPs like Splinter Cell or The Division remains to be seen, but fans of both strategy and the franchise have reason to be excited.
