Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Extraction is almost here. Extraction is an online squad-based tactical shooter with a difference. What is that difference, I hear you ask? Aliens. You’ll team up with friends to eliminate parasitic extraterrestrials known as the Archæans. Here’s everything you need to know about the game ahead of launch…
Is Rainbow Six Extraction free-to-play?
Extraction isn’t a free-to-play game. But you can pre-order it now via the official website. It’s also worth pointing out that you will be able to upgrade the PS4 and Xbox One versions of the game to their current-gen versions (PS5 and Xbox Series X|S) at no extra cost. There are two versions of the game available to pre-order – they are:
Standard Edition
With the Standard Edition of Extraction, you’ll get the game, the Orbital Decay Bundle of cosmetics, and the Buddy Pass. But what is the Extraction Buddy Pass? Buddy Pass lets you invite two friends to play Rainbow Six Extraction with you for 14 days for free. They don’t have to be on the same platform or own the game. It’s a handy way for your pals to experience it for themselves before deciding to buy it.
Deluxe Edition
With the Deluxe Edition, you get everything you get with the Standard Edition plus The Noxious Touch Pack, The Obscura Pack, and The React Strike Pack. These packs include various in-game cosmetics. The React Strike Pack also provides XP boosters for post-launch events and a 10% discount in the in-game shop.
Gameplay and incursions
Rainbow Six Extraction is a PvE cooperative shooter (although you can play on your own, too), allowing for squads of up to three players to fight the Archæan foes. You’ll be deploying into 12 “ever-evolving” maps called Hot Zones. Hot Zones are split up into three Submaps. You’ll fight your way through Submaps and complete different objectives as you go. There are 13 tactical mission types which determine what your squad will be doing during incursions. You’ll have to tailor your tactics and play style depending on the mission types you’re given. These mission types range from gathering intel to eliminating powerful ‘Elite’ enemies and much more.
You’ll experience the same locations across the different maps numerous times. But objectives and enemy placements are procedurally generated, which means you’ll have to change your focus and approach each time you play. Separating each Submap are Airlocks. They provide an opportunity for your squad to regroup, resupply, and consider tactics before progressing further into the mission. As you can probably guess, pushing onwards will earn you greater rewards and experience bonuses. Alternatively, you can choose to exfiltrate. If at any point a member of your squad goes down, they’ll need to be rescued and exfiltrated. They’ll be captured by the Archæans and considered MIA if you fail to do this. If you want to play as that operator again, you’ll need to revisit the map and rescue them.
There are 13 different enemy archetypes you’ll come up against, from the standard, imaginatively-named GRUNT to the mighty APEX predator alien. You will have to employ different strategies to overcome each of their unique abilities. And you’ll have 25 gadgets and 65 weapons at your disposal in your fight against them.
Operators
There are 18 Operators to choose from. They each bring something unique to the squad and offer different abilities and proficiencies. The Rainbow Six Extraction Operators are:
- Alibi
- Capitão
- Doc
- Ela
- Finka
- Fuze
- Gridlock
- Hibana
- IQ
- Jäger
- Lion
- Nomad
- Pulse
- Rook
- Sledge
- Smoke
- Tachanka
- Vigil
Is Rainbow Six Extraction cross-play?
Extraction will include cross-play and cross-progression. That means you can pick it up and play with friends no matter their hardware of choice. And if you switch to a different platform, your progression will carry over. As for which platforms Extraction will be available on, here’s the full list:
- PlayStation 4
- PlayStation 5
- Xbox One
- Xbox Series X|S
- PC
- Google Stadia
- Amazon Luna
Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Extraction trailer
To get a feel for Extraction ahead of launch, we recommend taking a look at the Gameplay Deep Dive and Cinematic Reveal trailers.
Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Extraction release date
Extraction was first announced back at E3 2019. It was subsequently delayed numerous times due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and various other issues. It started life as Rainbow Six Quarantine, so in case you’re wondering what happened to that game – this is it. But when exactly is Tom Clancy‘s Rainbow Six Extraction coming out? Well, the date to mark on your calendar is 20th January 2022.
Are you excited for Extraction? Let us know in the comment section below and don’t forget to check out our other gaming articles…
