Rainbow Six Siege Operation Wind Basin: hands on the boss and the nomad

Ubisoft has just revealed Operation Wind Bastion, the next season of content directed to Tom Clancy's famous tactical shooter, Rainbow Six Siege. By closing its third year of support after the launch, the update hits the African heat in the heart of a dizzying Moroccan fortress.

Operation Wind Bastion retains the standard pattern of previous seasons, including two new operators, a multiplayer map and a variety of content. And although these additions do not reshape the way you play, it concludes a new year on a positive note. After two hours of work with the Wind Bastion operation before launch, here is what we learned.

Rainbow Six Siege Operation Wind Basin: all we know

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Kaid: King of the castle

Jalal "Kaid" El Fassi forms half of the playable duo of Operation Wind Bastion, presented as Resident Commander and Kasbah Mentor. This defensive operator offers an electrifying turn for backup purposes, characterized by its high voltage "Rtila Electroclaw". The disposable gadget locks on any surface via a spider-like design, dispersing a deadly charge on nearby reinforcements and gadgets deployed by the players.

The Rtila Electroclaw uses a form factor comparable to that of the Elz Grzmot mine, bonding to flat surfaces, electrifying adjacent conductive gadgets and viewing on a perimeter on the screen. This large area of ​​effect also allows you to chain multiple devices via a single Rtila, avoiding the need to make full contacts.

Because of its compact nature, the Rtila has a great verticality and is the first solution to electrify the hatches from below. This could further promote the creativity of advocates, allowing for new placement configurations and reducing predictability. By easing the obscuration of the source of electricity, Kaid could prove to be a challenge for hackers.

Two firearms accompany Kaid's debut, thus completing his ability to lock the goal. Its AUG A3 adds a 9mm twist to the existing assault rifle, reducing braking power and reducing the rate of fire. Conversely, the TCSG12 semi-automatic shotgun is deadly, with significant damage. And although only one secondary, the .44 Mag Semi-Auto is both hard-hitting and agile, and stands out with its clear scope.

The boss is neither innovative nor extravagant, but based on the early hours of Operation Wind Bastion, he could How the goal is approached. Its one-speed, three-armor configuration is an ideal lens anchor, contrasting with its friendly counterpart to the homeless, Bandit. Electroclaw may overshadow its Shock Wire, but increased agility could give the two operators distinct roles in the defensive formation.

Nomadic: Running like the wind

Sanaa "Nomad" El Maktoub presents himself as a student of Kaid, also promising, and his skills were built on training expeditions. As the game's first offensive trap operator, she is ready to sweep the competition with the help of the Airjab Launcher signature. This unit stores proximity shockwave charges, quickly knocking enemies to the ground during the detonation.

Mounted on the two Nomad rifles, the Airjab launcher is an alternative fire mode, similar to Buck's Skeleton Key rifle. These charges stick to almost any surface, prepared with a proximity sensor and a bright yellow light on standby. During the detonation, an acute shock wave propels enemies back, followed by a brief recovery animation. Although the Airjab does not cause any damage, it opens a vulnerability window for an easy kill.

Veterans can recognize this animation from Outbreak cooperative mode by Operon Chimera, apparently recycled for multiplayer debut. However, the ability feels cool in the hands of the players, while keeping the defenders on the nerves. And yes, just like Outbreak's Smasher, the charge will throw you into destructible surfaces, making them often comical encounters.

Nomad has the choice between two assault rifles, both equipped with the Airjab Launcher attachment. The AK-74M is a high-capacity rifle, while its ARX200 increases the damage at the price of a few bullets. There is no big difference here, although both are well suited to the clear sight lines of the kasbah. The .44 Mag Semi-Auto also returns with its great reach, proving equally useful in the event of an offense.

While Kaid is established on familiar foundations, Nomad proposes a new approach to the offensive role. It is clear that she will need time to use it effectively, although only a few hours show her potential.

Map of the fortress: Play from all angles

Operation Wind Bastion also brings a new multiplayer map, "Fortress", in line with the Moroccan theme of the season. Following an agreement with Commander Kaid, the Rainbow Six team will compete in a mud brick kasbah in the middle of the Atlas Mountains. Divided into two separate areas, there is a glitzy renovated suite for the resident commander and a deteriorating training area for elite soldiers.

Operation Wind Bastion presents the team's improved card design process, with the last seasons dedicated to entertaining and competitive gaming. Despite its narrow interior, the corridors and connecting rooms also offer long lines of sight, offering a welcome variety of encounters. And with access to the roof that rivals the existing map, Favela, multiple entry points guarantee an indispensable verticality.

As with most Rainbow Six Siege cards, you will need a dozen matches to explore these shades and form final impressions. However, before launch, Fortress should be a welcome extension of the list of cards.

As the last major upgrade to Rainbow Six Siege in 2018, the best time to start, starting at just $ 27 on Amazon. What do you think of the Wind Bastion operation? Let us know in the comments section below.

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