To play multiplayer in Rainbow Six Siege, launch the game, finish the required Basics tutorial, then choose Quick Match or Unranked for standard team play. To play with friends, add or find them through Ubisoft Connect or your platform’s friends list and invite them to a squad. Cross-play is supported, but matchmaking settings determine which players can join. Ordinary multiplayer has a free-access route; Ranked requires an upgrade and additional progression.
Start a multiplayer match
- Launch Rainbow Six Siege on your platform and complete the Basics tutorial. Ubisoft says this is the only mandatory tutorial.
- From the game’s menus, select Quick Match or Unranked for a standard team playlist. Both are included in Ubisoft’s free-access lineup. For a different format, choose Dual Front, a separate permanent 6v6 mode.
- Queue alone or form a squad with friends before matchmaking.
Playlist names and availability can change by season, so use the current in-game menu if a mode is not shown.
Choose a mode
| Mode | What to expect | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Quick Match | A standard multiplayer playlist and a straightforward place to start. | Included in Ubisoft’s free-access lineup. |
| Unranked | Standard team play without entering Ranked. | Included in Ubisoft’s free-access lineup. |
| Dual Front | A distinct 6v6 format. | Ubisoft describes it as a permanent mode. |
| Ranked | Competitive play with additional eligibility and progression requirements. | Requires upgrading from free access; check the live in-game checklist. |
For a first match, Quick Match or Unranked lets you play standard multiplayer without pursuing Ranked access. Choose Dual Front if you specifically want its 6v6 format. There is no single best playlist for every newcomer; consider whether you want a standard team match, a different team format, or competitive progression.
Invite friends to your squad
- Add or find your friend through Ubisoft Connect or your linked platform friends list.
- Use the game’s squad invitation option or send an invitation through Ubisoft Connect. Ubisoft also documents first-party platform invites; available menu wording can vary by platform and update.
- If the friend does not appear, check that you have added the right Ubisoft Connect or linked platform account.
- Have the squad leader check matchmaking settings if a cross-platform player cannot join.
Set up cross-play
Siege supports cross-play, but the matchmaking pool affects who can play together. Ubisoft’s October 2026 update describes a Crossplay & Input Devices setting with PC & Console, Console Crossplay, and platform-specific PlayStation-only or Xbox-only pools. PC & Console allows a mixed PC-and-console squad; console-only pools keep matchmaking to consoles, while a platform-specific pool restricts play to that platform family.
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- Get the Elite Edition of Rainbow Six Siege X to get access to all game modes and instantly unlock 16 additional operators!
- High stakes 5v5 attack vs. Defense - Alternate between attack and defense, adapting your approach to operators and maps. Feel the thrill and intensity of the action as you leverage next-level destruction and gadgetry to outsmart your opponents in every round.
- Tools of destruction - Destruction is more than chaos: it is a key tool for your success. Use the environment to your advantage – turn walls into windows of opportunity.
- Dual front: dynamic tactical 6v6 warfare - Engage in intense 6v6 battles, where attackers and defenders fight side by side and push to capture enemy sectors while defending their own.
- From recruit to elite - A solid onboarding journey for new players, including a new clearance level path that helps you learn the basics progressively and build the skills and confidence you need before jumping into tactical action.
For a squad, the Squad Leader’s selected pool determines the group’s matchmaking pool and permitted input devices. If players cannot join or queue together, check that setting first. Ubisoft’s help page gives the earlier console route as Options → General → Crossplay Matchmaking; the current label and location may differ after updates.
Cross-progression is also supported through the same linked Ubisoft account across platforms, but Ubisoft cautions that not all content carries over.
Rank #2
- The Elite Edition includes: - Access to Quick Match, Unranked, and Dual Front game modes with a selection of operators - Access to competitive modes: Ranked playlists and Siege Cup* - Instant unlock of 16 additional operators
- Alternate between attack and defense, adapting your approach to operators and maps. Feel the thrill and intensity of the action as you leverage next-level destruction and gadgetry to outsmart your opponents in every round.
- Destruction is more than chaos: it is a key tool for your success. Use the environment to your advantage – turn walls into windows of opportunity.
- Engage in intense 6v6 battles, where attackers and defenders fight side by side and push to capture enemy sectors while defending their own.
- Access to Ranked and Siege Cup is unlocked at level 50. Dual Front mode is not supported on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One
What you need for Ranked
Ubisoft says players using free access must upgrade to play Ranked, and its help information lists further competitive-mode conditions, including account, clearance-level, operator-unlock, and platform-specific requirements. Those requirements can change, so check the Ranked access screen in your game before buying an edition or relying on a particular threshold.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Do you need a headset?
No. A headset with a microphone is optional, not a multiplayer prerequisite. Ubisoft documents voice communication between same-team players when enabled and text chat on consoles; you can play without buying a headset.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege Deluxe Edition is optimized for next gen (up to 4K and up to 120FPS).
- The Deluxe Edition includes: the full game (all maps and modes)
- All 8 Operators from year 1 (Frost, Buck, Valkyrie, Blackbeard, caveira, capitao, Hibana and Echo)
- All 8 Operators from year 2 (Jackal, Mira, lesion, ying, ela, zofia, dokkaebi and vigil)
- Dive into explosive 5v5 gameplay, High stakes competition, and thrilling PvP team battles..Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege features an ever-expanding experience with limitless opportunities to perfect your strategy and help lead your team to victory
Rank #4
![Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege X - Elite Edition [PlayStation 5]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/516gtNQSaXL._SL160_.jpg)
- Switch between attack and defense and adjust your approach to operator and maps. Feel the thrill and intensity of action as you outsmart your opponents in every turn with destruction and top-class equipment.
- Transform your surroundings into impregnable fortresses in defence. Use surveillance devices to track opponents and adapt to their tactics.
- Collect information on enemy positions and bomb location when attacking with your drones. Coordinate with your team to break through defenses and attack from unexpected angles.
- Destruction is more than just chaos: it is an important tool for your success. Use the environment to your advantage - turn walls into affordable occasions.
- The Rainbow Six Siege - Elite Edition includes access to all game modes, including "Rank" and Siege Cup, as well as the instant unlock 16 additional operators
Rank #3
- Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege Deluxe Edition is optimized for next gen (up to 4K and up to 120FPS).
- the Deluxe Edition includes: the full game (all maps and modes)
- all 8 Operators from year 1 (Frost, Buck, Valkyrie, Blackbeard, caveira, capitao, Hibana and Echo)
- all 8 Operators from year 2 (Jackal, Mira, lesion, ying, ela, zofia, dokkaebi and vigil)
- dive into explosive 5v5 gameplay, High stakes competition, and thrilling PvP team battles..Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege features an ever expanding experience with limitless opportunities to perfect your strategy and help lead your team to victory
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