Heads up, Siege fans! The Rainbow Six Siege X Testing Grounds is live, and it’s shaking things up with a brand new Armor and Speed system.
Think of the Testing Grounds as Ubisoft’s playground, where they try out wild new ideas. This time, they’ve completely reworked how Armor and Speed work. It’s a lot more flexible, but also a bit confusing at first. Let’s break down the changes and see how you can use them to your advantage.
As a long-time Rainbow Six Siege strategist, I’ve spent countless hours experimenting with operator loadouts. This new system feels like a breath of fresh air, but it’s got a learning curve. Let’s get started!
How Does the New Armor and Speed System Work in Rainbow Six Siege X?
The Armor and Speed system has always been a core part of Siege. But the version in Testing Grounds is a whole new game. Forget the old 1-3 armor rating system. Now, you have far more control over your operator’s build. Imagine being able to tweak your favorite operator to better suit your playstyle.
There are now five armor options:
- Light: 70 HP
- Tactical: 90 HP
- Medium: 110 HP
- Heavy: 130 HP
- Juggernaut: 150 HP
Sounds great, right? Well, here’s the catch: speed is tied to armor type.
- Light Armor: Offers Light, Tactical, and Medium speed options
- Tactical Armor: Offers Tactical, Medium, and Heavy speed options
- Heavy Armor: Offers Medium, Heavy, and Juggernaut speed options
This creates interesting choices. You can make a slower operator faster, but you’ll have to sacrifice health to do it. For example, let’s look at Montagne.
He can choose Medium, Heavy, or Juggernaut armor. While you can trade some health for a bit more speed, you can’t turn him into a speed demon. His core role as a tank remains. The same goes for speedy operators. You can bulk them up, but only so much. I once tried to make Ash a complete tank, but it didn’t quite work out!
So, you can fine-tune your operators, but within limits. Ubisoft sets the boundaries. Medium armor is the common ground, available to everyone. Still, remember that this is just a test. There’s no promise that the new Armor and Speed system will make its way into the main game modes of Rainbow Six Siege X.
The Testing Grounds are open until Jan. 15. Try out the system while you can!
How does armor affect speed in Rainbow Six Siege?
In the Testing Grounds, your choice of armor directly impacts your available speed options. Heavier armor limits you to slower speed tiers, while lighter armor allows for faster movement, creating a trade-off between protection and agility.
What happens if I choose light armor on a typically slow operator?
Choosing light armor will make that operator faster, but it will also significantly reduce their health. You’ll need to play more cautiously, as you’ll be much easier to take down.
Can I make a three-armor operator into a one-armor operator with this system?
No, the system doesn’t allow for such drastic transformations. While you can adjust their speed and health within certain parameters, you can’t completely change their core archetype. A three-armor operator will always have access to heavier armor options.
Is this new armor and speed system permanent?
Not necessarily. It’s currently being tested in the Testing Grounds. Ubisoft will analyze player feedback and data before deciding whether to implement it in the main game.
The Testing Grounds are a fascinating experiment in Rainbow Six Siege X. The new armor and speed system presents interesting choices and could add a new layer of strategy to the game. Will these changes make the final cut? What are your first impressions of the new system – do you think it will make it into the full game? Let’s hear your opinions below.