Since its original launch back in December 2015, Rainbow Six Siege has continued to pull in massive player numbers. While players appear to be drawn to the game's tense tactical gameplay, the other part to this equation are the consistent updates, both with fixes and new content to keep the experience feeling fresh. Every now and again, Siege also receives Limited Time Modes like Outbreak, which became a big hit with players when it arrived a couple years ago.
The mode changed the game's rules, pitting three players against waves of infected enemies with varying objectives. Outbreak was so popular that Ubisoft developed a spin off game now known as Rainbow Six Extraction, taking those elements and expanding upon them. Extraction brings 18 of Seige's operators along with 12 maps that feature continually evolving objectives the are more rewarding the further players get. The latest trailer also sheds light on the game's lore and story.
Narrated by Dr. Elena “Mira” Alvarez, the Director of the newly created REACT division of Rainbow, Rainbow Six Extraction appears to pick up after the events that took place in New Mexico during the Outbreak event. With the threat resurfacing, highlighted by the Statue of Liberty getting wiped out, REACT is a dedicated unit to research, develop, and take out the evolving Archaean threat. However, as the trailer continues, things seem to be evolving faster than REACT can keep up.
The trailer also shows off new gameplay, including describing the Sprawl, a strange substance that coats floors and walls allowing the enemies to move faster. These enemies include multiple variants and evolutions like the Lurker, which can cloak and take players by surprise. However, the biggest surprise was saved for the end, detailing what happens when a player's character is taken hostage by the enemies. While they can be saved, it appears that dark versions of these characters can make appearances as evidenced by an alien copy of Sledge using an electrified version of his hammer.
Fans got a bit of good news earlier this week, especially those who are active Game Pass subscribers. Rainbow Six Extraction is coming to both Xbox and PC Game Pass on day one, which certainly should entice those who may have been on the fence to check it out. With such a big focus on cooperative multiplayer, Ubisoft is likely hoping this will boost player numbers which then are retained as the company then rolls out its free post-launch content like Maelstrom Protocol, Crisis Events, and more.
Rainbow Six Extraction releases for Amazon Luna, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Stadia, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S on January 20th, 2022.