Is Rainbow Six Siege Crossplay?

When it comes to online multiplayer games, crossplay has become an increasingly desirable feature. In simple terms, crossplay allows players from different platforms to connect and compete in the same game, breaking down barriers between PC, consoles, and cloud gaming systems. This ability to unite gamers, regardless of their hardware, is not just a convenience—it’s a game-changer.

Rainbow Six Siege, a tactical shooter that has maintained a strong player base since its release, has finally embraced this trend. With an ever-growing community, the demand for crossplay in Rainbow Six Siege was persistent and loud. Players wanted the freedom to join their friends, whether they were on a PlayStation, an Xbox, or a PC. Ubisoft, the game’s developer, answered these calls by introducing crossplay capabilities, albeit with some limitations.

In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about Rainbow Six Siege crossplay. From the platforms that support it to the potential drawbacks, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a newcomer looking to join friends on different consoles, understanding the crossplay features in Rainbow Six Siege is essential.

Is Rainbow Six Siege Crossplay?

Rainbow Six Siege has embraced crossplay, but it’s essential to understand how it works across different platforms. First and foremost, crossplay in Rainbow Six Siege is not universal. While you can play across several platforms, not all combinations are supported.

As of now, crossplay is available between PlayStation and Xbox consoles. This means if you’re on a PlayStation 4 or PlayStation 5, you can team up with friends on Xbox One or Xbox Series S/X. However, PC players are isolated and cannot join console players due to concerns about fairness—mainly the advantage that mouse and keyboard provide over controllers.

For those using cloud platforms like Google Stadia and Amazon Luna, crossplay is also possible within these systems, and they can interact with PC players. This separation ensures a balanced playing field, preventing situations where one input method has a clear advantage.

Crossplay setup is straightforward. Players need to link their Ubisoft account with their platform accounts. Once linked, they can add friends from other platforms via Ubisoft Connect and invite them to play together. Keep in mind, enabling crossplay might shorten matchmaking times, but it could also introduce new dynamics with players from different platforms.

How to Enable or Disable Crossplay

One of the key features of Rainbow Six Siege’s crossplay is the ability to toggle it on or off based on your preferences. Whether you prefer to play exclusively with people on your platform or want to experience a broader player base, the game gives you the flexibility to choose.

To enable or disable crossplay, follow these simple steps:

1. Open Rainbow Six Siege and navigate to the main menu.
2. Access the Options Menu: This is typically located at the top right of the screen, represented by a gear icon.
3. Go to the General Tab: In this tab, you’ll find the crossplay settings.
4. Toggle Crossplay: Here, you can enable or disable crossplay. If you turn it off, you’ll only be matched with players on the same platform as you.

FAQ

1. Can You Play Rainbow Six Siege with Friends on Different Platforms?

Ans: Yes, you can! Rainbow Six Siege supports crossplay between various platforms, but with some conditions. If you’re on a PlayStation or Xbox, you can team up with friends on the same or different consoles within these families. For example, a player on PS4 can easily join a game with a friend on Xbox One. However, PC players are excluded from this mix due to balancing issues. So, while PlayStation and Xbox players can unite, PC gamers remain in their own pool, unable to join console lobbies.

2. Does Crossplay Affect Gameplay?

Ans: Crossplay can influence gameplay, particularly in terms of input devices. A common concern is the difference in precision between mouse and keyboard users (typically PC players) and those using controllers (console players). This disparity can lead to an uneven playing field, which is why Ubisoft has kept PC players separate from console users.

3. What is Cross-Progression, and How Does It Work?

Ans: Cross-progression allows you to carry your in-game progress across different platforms. For instance, if you’ve been playing on an Xbox and switch to a PlayStation, you won’t lose your unlocked operators, skins, or other in-game items. All you need to do is ensure that your Ubisoft account is linked to the platforms you’re using.

4. Will There Be Expanded Crossplay Features in the Future?

Ans: The future of crossplay in Rainbow Six Siege looks promising. Ubisoft has hinted at potential expansions and improvements based on community feedback. While no official announcements have been made about new platforms or changes to the current system, ongoing updates and technological advancements suggest that the feature could become even more inclusive.

Wrapping Up

Rainbow Six Siege has taken significant steps to integrate crossplay, addressing a long-standing demand from its community. By allowing players on PlayStation, Xbox, PC, and certain cloud platforms to join forces—or compete—Ubisoft has broadened the scope of what this tactical shooter can offer. However, it’s essential to recognize the limitations that come with this feature, such as the separation between PC and console players, which is primarily in place to maintain competitive balance.

For players, understanding how to enable or disable crossplay, the implications of doing so, and the nuances of cross-progression are crucial for maximizing your gaming experience. Whether you’re looking to play with friends across different consoles or prefer to stick within your platform, Rainbow Six Siege’s crossplay options give you the flexibility to choose what works best for you.