Using Rainbow Six Siege Drones for Tactical Advantage

Drones in Rainbow Six Siege are indispensable tools for attackers, providing crucial intelligence on the battlefield. Understanding how to effectively use these small, twin-wheeled robots can significantly impact the outcome of a match.

This article delves into the mechanics, strategic uses, and interactions of drones in Rainbow Six Siege.

Understanding Rainbow Six Siege Drones

Drones are essential gadgets for attackers in Rainbow Six Siege. Each attacker has two drones, with the first automatically deployed during the Preparation Phase. During this 45-second phase, attackers can scout for objectives, identify defenders, and find strategic locations to hide their drones for later use. This initial reconnaissance is vital for planning the attack and gaining an early advantage.

The second drone can be deployed manually during the action phase, providing continuous intel throughout the match. Drones are controlled via a dedicated control screen, allowing players to maneuver these small robots through various terrains and obstacles. They can enter buildings through doorways, vents, and even jump over obstacles, thanks to their spring mechanism. These capabilities make drones versatile tools for navigating and scouting complex environments.

However, drones are fragile and can be destroyed with a single hit by either attackers or defenders. This vulnerability necessitates careful handling and strategic deployment to maximize their utility. Drones can be redeployed if found by their owner, offering a second chance to gather intelligence if the first drone is destroyed.

Credit: Ubisoft

Gameplay Mechanics of Drones

Preparation Phase

During the Preparation Phase, drones are automatically deployed to help attackers gather intelligence. This phase is critical as it sets the stage for the attack. Attackers use their drones to locate the objective, identify defender positions, and plan their approach. Efficient use of drones during this phase can reveal defender setups, trap locations, and potential breaches.

The key is to find a strategic spot to leave the drone, ensuring it can be used later as a camera by either the player or their teammates. These spots should provide a good view of high-traffic areas or critical objectives. After the Preparation Phase, players must manually open the control screen again to take control of the drone if it hasn't been destroyed.

Active and Passive Control

When actively controlling a drone, the player's view is desaturated, and they have full control over its movements. In passive control mode, the drone’s view is monochrome and has limited rotation. This allows players to switch between their character and drone view seamlessly, providing continuous intelligence without compromising their position. Active control is essential during high-intensity situations where real-time data can turn the tide of battle.

The ability to switch between active and passive control lets attackers maintain situational awareness while using drones. This dual-mode functionality enhances the strategic depth of drone usage, making them indispensable tools for coordinated team play.

Strategic Uses of Drones

Drones are not just for scouting objectives; they are also used for real-time intelligence during engagements. Proper drone usage can provide a significant tactical advantage by revealing enemy positions and movements. Here are some strategic uses of drones:

Scanning Enemies

Drones can scan enemies, marking their positions for teammates. This is done by holding the scan button for about a second, which places a red ping at the enemy's feet. This ping is visible to all teammates through walls, providing invaluable real-time information. Effective scanning can help teammates avoid ambushes and coordinate attacks.

However, defenders will be alerted with a "SPOTTED BY SCAN" message when they are scanned, prompting them to change positions. This alert can be used strategically to force defenders to move, disrupting their plans and creating openings for attackers. Repeated scanning can create a psychological advantage, making defenders more cautious and reactive.

Manual Pinging

With the Ping 2.0 system introduced in Operation Shadow Legacy, drones can place yellow markers at specific locations or on gadgets. This is especially useful for marking defender gadgets and identifying enemy operators, providing clear communication to the team without alerting the enemy. Accurate pinging can streamline team communication and enhance tactical coordination.

Manual pinging also allows attackers to highlight important locations or threats without giving away their drone's presence. This stealthy approach can be crucial during critical moments of the match. By using the ping system effectively, attackers can maintain the element of surprise and execute more precise strategies.

Interactions with Operators and Gadgets

Drones interact with various defender gadgets and operators, each interaction affecting their effectiveness. Understanding these interactions is key to maximizing drone utility and avoiding potential threats. Here are some notable interactions:

Mute's Signal Disruptor

Mute's Signal Disruptor can disable drones that come too close, rendering them useless. However, this disruption can indirectly reveal defender positions to attackers if the disruptor is near an objective. By noting where their drones are disrupted, attackers can infer defender locations and adapt their strategy.

Mute's Signal Disruptor will disable nearby drones. (Credit: Ubisoft)

Bandit and Kaid's Electrical Devices

Bandit's Shock Wire and Kaid's Electroclaws can destroy drones that come into contact with electrified barbed wire or reinforced walls. This makes drones vulnerable when scouting electrified areas. Attackers must be cautious when navigating these zones and look for alternative routes to avoid losing their drones.

Bandit's Shock Wire can destroy drones. (Credit: Ubisoft)

Vigil's Electronic Rendering Cloak

Vigil can become invisible to drones using his Electronic Rendering Cloak. Drones emit a white light and display white interference when near a cloaked Vigil, making it difficult to spot him. This ability allows Vigil to remain undetected while disrupting attacker plans. Attackers should be wary of areas where Vigil might be hiding and use other methods to flush him out.

Vigil's Electronic Rendering Cloak makes him invisible to drones. (Credit: Ubisoft)

Mozzie's Pest Launcher

Mozzie can hijack attacker drones using his Pest Launcher, turning them into defender-controlled drones. These hacked drones emit a blue light and can be used by defenders to gather intelligence on attackers. This ability can turn the tide of battle by providing defenders with valuable information. Attackers must be vigilant and destroy Mozzie's pests to prevent their drones from being compromised.

Mozzie's Pest Launcher can allow him to take over enemy drones. (Credit: Ubisoft)

Advanced Tactics with Drones

Using Drones After Elimination

Even after being eliminated, attackers can still control their drones. This allows eliminated players to provide continuous support to their team by scouting and marking enemy positions. Utilizing drones post-elimination can maintain team cohesion and provide critical information during clutch situations.

Deploying Drones Strategically

When deploying a drone manually, attackers can throw them to reach higher places or hard-to-access areas. This can provide unique vantage points and unexpected angles to gather intelligence. Strategic deployment can maximize the drone's effectiveness and provide a tactical edge in various scenarios.

Noise and Light Indicators

Drones emit a noticeable sound when moving and a bright yellow light when in use. Being aware of these indicators can help attackers use drones more stealthily, avoiding detection by defenders. Reducing noise and minimizing light exposure can enhance the drone's survivability and effectiveness.

Recon Drone in Rainbow Six Extraction

In Rainbow Six Extraction, a similar gadget called the Recon Drone is used. This drone functions like the Siege drone but is used to manually or automatically scan objectives, enemies, and supply cases. The XR Recon Drone, an upgraded version, can scan through surfaces within an 8-meter radius, providing even more advanced intelligence capabilities.

The Recon Drone offers continuous support during Extraction missions, allowing players to maintain situational awareness. The ability to automatically scan through surfaces makes the XR Recon Drone a powerful tool for gathering intelligence in complex environments. This feature can significantly enhance mission planning and execution.

The recon drone from Rainbow Six Extraction. (Credit: Ubisoft)

Trivia and Fun Facts

Drones in Rainbow Six Siege are equipped with mecanum wheels, allowing them to strafe in any direction. Initially, drones granted points for scanning enemies, but this was changed in Operation Para Bellum to prevent point farming. The drones are likely inspired by the ThrowBot 2 Robots from ReconRobotics.

During Operation Burnt Horizon, with the introduction of Mozzie, the color of the lights on the drone had meaning to avoid confusion and attackers destroying their own drones. Yellow means it is an attacker's drone, and blue means it is one of Mozzie's captured drones. These visual cues help players quickly identify drone ownership and avoid friendly fire.

Conclusion

Mastering the use of drones in Rainbow Six Siege can give attackers a significant advantage by providing real-time intelligence and strategic insights. Understanding their mechanics, interactions with defender gadgets, and strategic uses can elevate an attacker’s gameplay, making them a more formidable opponent.

Use drones effectively to outsmart defenders and secure victory in Rainbow Six Siege. Developing these skills can turn the tide of battle and lead your team to success.

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Featured image credit: Ubisoft

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