Pick & Ban in Rainbow Six Siege X: Is it the future of esports?

Ubisoft is making big changes to Rainbow Six Siege with a new update called Rainbow Six Siege X. One of the biggest changes is the Pick & Ban system. Siege has always focused on strategy, teamwork, and operator roles. This new system brings an esports element that could change how we view competition in first-person shooter games. 

Let’s take a look at how the Pick & Ban system works, how it’s changing the game, and why it might be important for the future of competitive shooters.

What is the Pick & Ban System in Siege X? 

The Pick & Ban system was introduced on June 10, 2025, with the Siege X update. It allows teams to ban operators more strategically in Rainbow Six Siege.

How it Works:

1. Pre-Round Voting: Before each round, both teams can vote to ban one operator from the other team.

2. Dynamic Ban Resets: Bans reset when teams switch sides (Attack/Defense). If an operator is banned while attacking, your team can still use them later when defending.

3. Mid-Match Adjustments: Teams can re-ban operators during the game based on how the rounds are going.

This change is a big improvement from the old system, where bans were fixed at the start. Now, teams have more control and flexibility, which makes the game more exciting.

How Pick & Ban Affects the Game

Rainbow Six Siege has many operators, each with special gadgets and skills. With the Pick & Ban system, teams must plan.

Tactical Changes:

• No More "One-Trick" Operators: Powerful operators like Zero, Finka, and Mira are often banned first because of their strong gadgets.
• Real-Time Strategy: If your opponents use roamers like Caveira or disruptors like Mute, you can ban them in the next round.
• More Use of Lesser-Known Operators: You might see more players choosing less popular characters like Alibi, Twitch, or Kapkan since they can now be picked more often.

It’s not just about who has the best guns; it’s also about who can stay in the game.

Who will be banned first in Siege X?  

Expect strong operators like Mira, shield users, and those that gather intel to be banned first. If an operator can’t be countered, teams might ban them early, even if they aren’t the most popular picks.

How will Pick & Ban change the game?  

• More choices: Players need to be skilled with more operators since favorites can be banned during matches.  
• Less reliance on specific operators: Teams will focus on general shooting skills and smart strategies instead of relying on special gadgets.  
• Map interaction matter: With destructible maps, choosing weapons and gadgets is more important than just picking character-specific tools.

How does Siege’s ban system compare in esports?  

Games like Apex Legends also have ban systems, but usually only remove the most picked character after full matches. Siege’s system is smarter: it allows voting mid-match and bans each round, making it more flexible. This could influence other first-person shooters to adopt similar systems.

Could this be the future of character-based esports?  

The Pick & Ban system gives players more control over the game. By reducing unfair advantages, the gameplay becomes more about skill and strategy. This player-driven balance could set new standards for future esports in FPS games.

Conclusion

The Pick & Ban system in Rainbow Six Siege X is more than just a feature; it changes how players compete. This system adds a new layer of strategy, which could change the future of FPS esports.

FAQS

What is the Pick & Ban system in Siege X?

The Pick & Ban system allows each team to ban one operator from the other team at the start of each round. The bans reset when teams switch between attack and defense.

How does Pick & Ban change the Meta?

It promotes a better understanding of different operators, reduces the focus on popular choices, and makes every match feel more strategic.

Which operators are most banned?

Teams usually ban strong operators like Mira, Finka, and Zero, or those that are tough to counter. The specific bans can change based on the map and playstyle.

Is Pick & Ban used in ranked and esports?

Yes. The Pick & Ban system is part of both Ranked play and esports, showing that it’s important for all levels of play.