So, you’ve decided to dive into Rainbow Six Siege, the tactical shooter that’s part chess match, part home renovation simulator (thanks to all those destructible walls). But here’s the catch: you didn’t grow up with first-person shooters (FPS). Maybe your gaming roots are in Pac-Man, Tetris, or Mario Kart, and the idea of holding a controller with more than two buttons feels like trying to pilot a spaceship. Don’t worry—this guide is here to help you navigate the wild, bullet-filled world of Siege with humor, nostalgia, and a few tips to keep you from getting fragged faster than you can say “Where’s the jump button?”
Welcome to the World of FPS: Where Everything Moves Faster Than Your Reflexes
If your last FPS experience was Duck Hunt on the NES, Siege might feel like stepping into a Michael Bay movie. Here’s what you need to know:
- There’s No Jump Button: That’s right. In Siege, you can’t bunny-hop your way to victory. This isn’t Quake or Halo—this is a tactical shooter where crouching, leaning, and occasionally proning are your best friends.
- Bullets Hurt: Unlike GoldenEye, where you could soak up bullets like a sponge, Siege is a “realistic” shooter. Translation: if you get shot, you’re probably going down. So, maybe don’t run into open areas yelling, “I’m invincible!”
Operators: The Heroes You Didn’t Know You Needed
In Siege, you play as Operators—specialized soldiers with unique gadgets and abilities. Think of them like the Avengers, but with more wall breaches and fewer capes. Here’s a beginner-friendly breakdown:
Attackers:
- Sledge: He’s got a big hammer, and he’s not afraid to use it. Perfect for players who miss the simplicity of Donkey Kong.
- Thatcher: He throws EMP grenades that disable gadgets. Basically, he’s the guy who unplugs the router during a heated online argument.
Defenders:
- Rook: He drops armor plates for his team. If you’ve ever been the person who brings snacks to a party, you’ll feel right at home.
- Kapkan: He sets traps on doors and windows. Think of him as the Home Alone kid, but with more explosives.
Pro Tip: Start with Rook or Sledge. Their gadgets are easy to use, and they’re great for learning the basics without feeling overwhelmed.
Maps: Where Everything Looks the Same Until You Die 47 Times
Siege maps are like IKEA stores: confusing, full of rooms, and easy to get lost in. Here’s how to survive:
- Learn the Layouts: Spend time in custom games or exploration modes to familiarize yourself with the maps. Yes, it’s boring, but it’s better than wandering around like a lost tourist.
- Use Your Drone/Camera: Drones (for Attackers) and cameras (for Defenders) are your best friends. They let you scout ahead and avoid walking into ambushes. Think of them as your gaming GPS.
Fun Fact: The first time you play Siege, every map will feel like a maze designed by someone who hates you. But don’t worry—you’ll eventually learn where the stairs are. Probably.
Communication: Talk to Your Team (Yes, Really)
In Siege, teamwork is everything. If you’re used to single-player games where the only person you talk to is your cat, this might feel weird. But trust me, communication is key.
- Callouts: If you see an enemy, say something. “Enemy in the kitchen” is infinitely more helpful than screaming, “HE’S OVER THERE!”
- Be Nice: The Siege community can be salty, but don’t let that discourage you. A little kindness goes a long way, especially when you’re the one accidentally team-killing because you thought your teammate was an enemy.
Pro Tip: If you’re shy, start with simple callouts like “Enemy spotted” or “I’m covering this area.” You’ll get the hang of it—and your team will thank you.
Gadgets and Destruction: The Fun Part
One of the coolest things about Siege is that almost everything can be destroyed. Walls, floors, barricades—if it’s in the game, you can probably blow it up.
- Breach Charges: These let you create new doorways (or escape routes) in walls. Just remember: blowing up a wall might also blow your cover.
- Reinforcements: As a Defender, you can reinforce walls to make them harder to destroy. Think of it as putting up a “Do Not Enter” sign for Attackers.
Fun Fact: The first time you blow a hole in a wall, you’ll feel like a DIY home improvement expert. Just don’t get too carried away—your team might need that wall later.
Death Happens: Embrace the Chaos
In Siege, you’re going to die. A lot. But that’s okay—dying is part of the learning process. Here’s how to handle it:
- Watch and Learn: After you die, you can spectate your teammates or watch cameras. Use this time to learn from their strategies and mistakes.
- Don’t Rage Quit: It’s tempting to throw your controller (or keyboard) after a frustrating death, but remember: even the pros started as beginners.
Pro Tip: If you’re feeling frustrated, take a break. Go play Tetris or Pac-Man for a bit, then come back to Siege with a fresh perspective.
Embrace the Nostalgia
If you’re an older gamer, Siege might feel like a far cry from the games you grew up with. But here’s the thing: it’s also a chance to relive the glory days of tactical shooters like Rainbow Six (1998) or SWAT.
- Tactical Roots: Siege’s emphasis on strategy and teamwork will feel familiar if you’ve played older tactical shooters.
- Modern Twists: At the same time, Siege introduces modern innovations like destructible environments and unique operator abilities, making it feel fresh and exciting.
Fun Fact: If you ever played GoldenEye on the N64, you’ll appreciate how far FPS games have come. Just don’t expect Oddjob to show up in Siege—he’s still banned for being too short.
Conclusion: Welcome to the Siege Family
Rainbow Six Siege might seem intimidating at first, but don’t let that stop you. With a little patience, practice, and humor, you’ll soon be outsmarting opponents, breaching walls, and yelling, “I’M THE BEST!” at your screen.
Remember, every pro player was once a beginner who didn’t know which way to hold the controller. So, grab your headset, pick an operator, and dive into the chaos. And if all else fails, just remember: it’s not about how fast you can pull the trigger—it’s about how well you can outthink your opponents.
Now, go forth and conquer. And if you see someone running into walls, don’t judge—they’re probably just learning the ropes. Welcome to the Siege family, rookie. We’re glad to have you.
Bonus Tip for Beginners:
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, start with the game’s tutorials and situations. They’re a great way to learn the basics without the pressure of live matches. And remember: even if you lose, you’re still winning by having fun. Now, go break some walls! You can also join our discord and get support!