Breaking Barriers with Thermite in Rainbow Six Siege

Thermite is one of the most important hard breachers in Rainbow Six Siege. His ability to open reinforced walls makes him essential for many attacking strategies. This guide covers his background, loadout, gadget mechanics, strategies, and how to use him effectively. Learn about Thermite in Rainbow Six Siege including his biography, loadout, gadgets, strategies, synergies, and key gameplay tips.

Biography

Jordan Trace, codenamed Thermite, was born in Plano, Texas. Growing up in a community with a strong Chinese American presence, he became conversational in Mandarin. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps straight out of high school, following a family tradition as a fourth-generation Marine.

After tours in Iraq, Trace became an explosive ordnance disposal technician. Later, he attended Texas A&M and earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. His career continued in the FBI’s Hazardous Materials Response Unit, where he met Detective Apha "Aruni" Tawanroong during an operation in Bangkok.

A bomb accident left Aruni with severe injuries and Trace with burns, an event that shaped his career. Seeking new challenges, he joined FBI SWAT, then earned a place in Rainbow in 2015. He later collaborated with Hibana to develop her X-KAIROS gadget and eventually became leader of the Redhammer team, specializing in high-risk missions.

Psychological Profile

Thermite is disciplined and organized. He likes to plan and control situations. Socially, he is approachable and enjoys humor, but personal losses have weighed on him. His leadership is strong, though he can sometimes push ahead without team consensus. Colleagues like Hibana and Thatcher value his skills and personality.

Gameplay Description

Health and Speed

Thermite is a medium health Operator, offering balanced survivability.

Primary Weapons

• 556xi assault rifle

• M1014 shotgun

Secondary Weapons

• M45 MEUSOC handgun

• 5.7 USG handgun

Gadgets

• Stun grenades or smoke grenades in Siege

• Claymore in Mobile

Unique Ability

Thermite’s signature gadget is the Brimstone BC-3 Exothermic Charge. It can destroy reinforced walls and hatches within about three seconds after activation. The charge burns through the material before detonating with C4, creating a large opening for attackers.

Using the Brimstone BC-3 Exothermic Charge

The charge can be placed on any destructible surface, including reinforced walls. It has a deployment time of about three seconds and is remotely triggered. Defenders can counter it with gadgets like Mute’s Signal Disruptors, Bandit’s Shock Wires, or Kaid’s Electroclaws.

Once activated, sparks and a loud sound warn defenders of the breach. The blast radius is about four meters, which can also damage adjacent walls or hatches. At close range, the blast is lethal even to Thermite.

Strategies

Deployment Timing

The long placement time makes Thermite vulnerable. Use cover and clear defender gadgets before planting the charge.

Adjacent Breaching

Thermite can destroy a reinforced wall or hatch by detonating an exothermic charge on a connected surface that is not electrified or jammed.

Canceling Placement

Using the advanced gadget deployment setting lets you cancel placement mid-animation if danger arises.

Synergies

Thermite works best with operators who can clear defender gadgets:

• Thatcher – Disables jammers and electrified wires with EMP grenades.

• Twitch – Uses shock drones to destroy electronics.

• Zero – Deploys cameras with laser capability to remove gadgets.

• Brava – Can take control of certain defender gadgets.

• Kali – Breaks defender utility with her LV Lance.

• Flores – Sends explosive drones to clear gadget setups.

Device Background

The Brimstone BC-3 was developed by FBI SWAT engineers to breach reinforced barriers. It was first tested successfully during a hostage rescue in a fortified building. The design uses a two-stage process: thermal cutting followed by an explosive blast.

Device Evaluation

Hibana tested the BC-3, experimenting with its chemical burn stages for stronger performance. Data from these tests helped refine Thermite’s prototypes.

Trivia

• Thermite’s last name, Trace, is of Irish origin, meaning “warlike” or “fierce.”

• His charges burn at about 3,632°F.

• He collaborated with Hibana on her X-KAIROS gadget.

• In the Outbreak event, Thermite developed special charges to fight the Chimera Virus.

• He has appeared as a cosmetic option in The Division 2 and Ghost Recon Breakpoint.

Key Takeaway

Thermite in Rainbow Six Siege is a reliable and essential Operator for coordinated breaches. His gadget can change the course of a round, but success depends on teamwork, timing, and clearing defender counters. Mastering his role means combining technical skill with strategic cooperation.

Don't forget to check out Strafe Esports for all the latest news and our X account for the latest content and coverage.