Ten years after its launch, Rainbow Six Siege has evolved to offer gameplay similar to Counter-Strike 2 (CS2). With the release of Siege X, it’s a great time to compare these two tactical games. CS2 is still a leading title on Steam, while Siege remains popular. Could Siege X elevate the game even further?
Let’s dive into the Siege X update and then compare its gameplay with CS2. Whether you're new to these games or considering a switch, this guide will help you make an informed decision.
To celebrate its 10th anniversary, Ubisoft launched Siege X, a major update that makes the game free to play. It introduces a new 6v6 mode called Dual Front, where attackers and defenders fight on a large map called District with changing objectives and control points, moving away from the usual format.
Dual Front includes respawns and seasonal objectives called Assignments, making the game faster and more strategic.
Siege X features destructible environments, improved movement options like wall-running and advanced rappelling, and better audio for tactical awareness. Five maps received visual updates, and three new maps are added each season. The popular unranked mode is back for casual play.
One of the biggest reasons players are comparing Siege X to CS2 because of the new Dual Front mode, which attracts fans of CS2 and VALORANT. This mode is easier for those who enjoy map-control shooters. However, the gameplay pace differs. Siege X offers more depth with vertical maps, destructible environments, and shifting objectives during matches.
CS2 features fast-paced 5v5 matches that rely on precise shooting and quick reflexes. In contrast, Siege X focuses on tactical planning with a 6v6 format that allows for more complex team coordination. While CS2 prioritizes gunplay, Siege X introduces more elements like gadgets, operator abilities, and map interactions.
CS2 has about 13 maps, while Siege X offers around 27. However, not all Siege maps are playable in every mode. Currently, Dual Front features just one map: District. The district may lack variety, but compensates with verticality, rotating objectives, and high replay value. So, while CS2 has more immediate options, Siege X may provide deeper gameplay through its evolving map design.
The weapons and gadgets in these games highlight their different styles. CS2 includes over 50 weapons like pistols, rifles, SMGs, shotguns, and knives, focusing on precise shooting. In contrast, Siege X offers nearly 100 guns and various gadgets like drones and breach charges. There are also 20 unique operator gadgets that greatly influence strategy.
CS2 rewards accuracy and quick reactions, while Siege X emphasizes planning and smart use of equipment. Your loadout and operator choice can decide the match before the first shot is even fired.
Siege X has 75 operators, each with special gadgets and roles. Picking the right mix of operators is key to winning. Learning these elements adds a deep layer of progression and customization for players.
CS2, on the other hand, uses "agents" that are purely cosmetic. They have no effect on gameplay. Your performance in CS2 depends entirely on skill, map knowledge, and teamwork, rather than abilities or gadgets.
Siege X and CS2 are both free to play, but they support different platforms. Siege X allows crossplay between PC and consoles (which you can turn off), while CS2 is only on Windows and Linux. CS2 is designed for mouse and keyboard users, making it great for competitive players.
For beginners, both games offer unranked modes to help you get comfortable. Siege X brings back its unranked mode, and CS2 has a casual 10v10 format. Each game presents unique challenges: CS2 focuses on aiming and shooting skills, while Siege X emphasizes strategy and understanding your operator's abilities.
In terms of accessibility, Siege X offers color customization and visual intensity controls. CS2 doesn't have an official list of accessibility features, but it does include useful options like toggling head bob, reducing camera shake, and muting pings or team voice chat.
Rainbow Six Siege X and CS2 are top tactical shooters in 2025, but they play very differently. If you enjoy quick, precise gunfights, CS2 is for you. If you like strategic planning and operator-based gameplay, Siege X is your game. The best part? You can try both for free, decide what suits you best or enjoy the strengths of each.
Rainbow Six Siege X focuses on tactical gameplay with 6v6 team coordination, operator gadgets, and destructible environments. CS2, in contrast, emphasizes fast-paced 5v5 gunplay with a focus on precision shooting and minimal character abilities.
Yes, Rainbow Six Siege X follows a free-to-access model similar to CS2. You can play core modes like Quick Match, Unranked, and Dual Front for free, while some operators and ranked features may require additional purchase.
Siege X officially offers more maps overall (27), but Dual Front currently has only one map. CS2 has 13 maps with consistent availability across modes. CS2 offers faster variety, while Siege X offers evolving gameplay depth.
Both games offer unranked and casual modes. CS2 is easier to pick up for players with FPS experience, while Siege X requires learning operator roles and gadgets, making it more strategic but with a steeper learning curve.
