Did you know there are currently 74 playable operators (75 if you count Recruit) available in Rainbow Six Siege X? Back when I used to play daily on PS4, there were, like, twelve. It was manageable. Nowadays? Not so much. How is a new player supposed to sift through thIS broad assortment of characters, find one that suits their playstyle preferences, skill level, and weapon likes or dislikes? It’s a mess and a picture perfect example of bloat. But it’s not the end of the world, as we know which operators new players should thrive with in Rainbow Six Siege X.
Sledge: Attacker
Sledge is a classic operator from the early days. An Attacker, part of Redhammer, specializing in breaching and anti-gadget operations, allowing the British commando the ability to access hard-to-reach areas of a map without putting the entire time at risk. One of his best tools/abilities is the breaching hammer, which smashes through doors and non-reinforced walls, creating entry and fire points for the Attackers.
- Primary: L85A2 (Assault Rifle) or M590A1 (Shotgun)
- Secondary: P226 MK 25
- Gadget: Frag Grenade, Stun Grenade, or Impact EMP Grenade
- Ability: Breaching Hammer
Blackbeard: Attacker
Another Attacker from Redhammer, Blackbeard is an American Frontline Breacher with an Adaptable Shield and powerful primary weaponry that, when paired with an operator like Sledge, can quickly ambush and clear an enemy point of interest. He’s a bit tougher to play than Sledge, and slower to boot, but his high health and defensive capabilities make for slower paced gameplay; perfect for new players!
- Primary: MK17 CQB (Assault Rifle) or SR-25 (Marksman Rifle)
- Secondary: N/A
- Gadget: Claymore or Frag Grenade
- Ability: H.U.L.L. Adaptable Shield
Thunderbird: Defender
If you fancy yourself more of a support-type player, relying on gadgets and defensive weaponry instead of assault tactics and high-speed operations, then Defenders like Thunderbird, of Wolfguard, prove ideal for new players. She’s a healer, with her Kona Station capable of boosting overall HP or reviving downed players when placed on the ground. Pair that with her moderate speed and health and low difficulty rating to play, Thunderbird is a safe choice.
- Primary: SPAS-15 (Shotgun) or SPEAR .308 (Assault Rifle)
- Secondary: Bearing 9 (Machine Pistol), Q-929 (Handgun), or ITA12S (Shotgun)
- Gadget: Barbed Wire, Bulletproof Camera, or Deployable Shield
- Ability: Kona Station
Kapkan: Defender
Kapkan, an original operator, was designed as a Defender with anti-entry and trapper capabilities. He’s ideal for those who enjoy playing the turtle role: just sit back and wait for the best opportunities to take out the Attackers, or just let your explosive equipment do the work for you. His ability, the Entry Denial Device, is an explosive trap that attaches to doors and window frames and, once activated via movement, explodes outward, taking down enemy Attackers. He’s not overly challenging to play, boasts moderate health and speed, though his weapons leave much to be desired. I recommend paying his trap with the SASG-12 for close-quarters domination.
- Primary: 9X19VSN (Submachine Gun) or SASG-12 (Shotgun)
- Secondary: PMM (Handgun) or GSH-18 (Handgun)
- Gadget: Barbed Wire or Bulletproof Camera
- Ability: Entry Denial Device
Rainbow Six Siege X is available now, completely free-to-play, on PS5, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and Windows PCs.