Rainbow Six Siege Outbreak Event Teased In New Video

The launch of the special new Outbreak co-op event in Rainbow Six Siege is drawing near, and Ubisoft is continuing to tease new details about what to expect. We’ve now gotten a new CG trailer that sets up some of the backstory of what’s going on in the new mode, which is dramatically unlike anything that’s been offered in Siege previously.

Dubbed Ash’s Briefing, the video provides a rundown on what’s happening with the quarantine zone located in the city of Truth or Consequences, New Mexico. As we learned recently, the threat involves “an infestation of unknown origin” centering around the Apex parasite, which was unleashed when a space capsule crashes. Apex begins infecting humans, and the zombie-like menace threatens to pour over into Mexico, which is located just south of Truth or Consequences. Select Rainbow Six Operators are brought in to contain the situation.

Additionally, Ubisoft has detailed what to expect from the different enemy types. There are a total of five key variations, including the basic grunts that you’ll presumably be fighting the most. Here’s how Ubisoft describes them:

  • Grunts
    • Grunts are common hostiles that become highly resistant when the parasite detects an enemy presence. To protect its host, the parasite armors its body and becomes more resistant to bullet wounds. Caution and stealth is recommended.
  • Breachers
    • Breachers are proximity bombs that crater anything in their path. They make for a very agile opponent, but they launch themselves into the fray and blow holes in indestructible walls. Make sure you are nowhere close to them.
  • Rooters
    • Rooters are a rarer type of hostile. They send out coral spikes from the ground to injure and immobilize their targets. Rooters are always on the move and will keep you on edge. Beware when dealing them the final blow; they become extremely lethal when on the brink of death.
  • Smashers
    • Smashers are not discreet. The parasite reinforces its body under a massively thick hide, making it practically impervious to bullet wounds. They will also tear down walls without suffering any injuries.
  • Apex
    • Apex is at the top of the hostile food chain. It sends waves of hostiles your way rather than attack you head-on. They can hurl blinding projectiles, which can only be countered by Finka and Doc. This opponent is a real test on your team’s communication skills.

Outbreak launches on March 6 and introduces a new three-player co-op mode. The action plays out on three exclusive maps that are described as larger and “more open” than those found in Siege’s PvP and Terrorist Hunt modes. You can expect the maps to also offer some sense of progression as you make your way through them, and you’ll still be able to take multiple paths and leverage the usual level destruction to do so.

As noted above, not every Operator in Siege can be played in Outbreak. Not everyone’s gadget lends itself to the style of gameplay here, so only a small group are supported. Aside from Ash, you’ll also be able to jump in with Smoke, Ying, Buck, Kapkan, Doc, Tachanka, and Glaz. Additionally, the two new Operators being introduced in Operation Chimera–the broader update for Siege that includes the Outbreak event–will be playable. If you don’t own any of these, or someone claims a character that you want to use, you can always use the generic Recruit character.

Outbreak will only be available for a limited time, running from March 6 – April 3 on PS4, Xbox One, and PC. During the event, special loot boxes containing new cosmetics will be available that you’ll primarily obtain by purchasing them with real-world money. More details on Outbreak and Chimera are set to be announced during the upcoming Rainbow Six Invitational, which begins on February 13.

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