If you’re a tactical FPS fan looking to jump into one of the most competitive team shooters around, you’ve probably asked is rainbow six siege on steam at least once while browsing game libraries. Ubisoft’s hit 5v5 tactical shooter has been around for years, with availability across console and PC platforms, but PC players often prefer Steam for its unified library, built-in friend list integration, and easy social features. I’ve bounced between R6 Siege on both Ubisoft Connect and Steam over the past 7 years, so I’ll break down exactly what you need to know about its Steam availability, pricing, differences between versions, and how to get set up without the annoying technical headaches I ran into my first time.
Is Rainbow Six Siege on Steam? Full Availability Breakdown
Yes, Rainbow Six Siege has been officially available on Steam since late 2020, and it receives all the same updates, patches, and new content drops as the Ubisoft Connect version at the exact same time. You can purchase four different editions of the game on the platform, ranging from the budget-friendly Standard edition to the content-packed Ultimate edition, depending on how much extra content you want upfront. You will still need a linked Ubisoft Connect account to play R6 Siege purchased on Steam, as the game uses Ubisoft’s backend for progression, matchmaking, and in-game purchases. That doesn’t mean you have to install the Ubisoft Connect launcher separately if you don’t want to, as the Steam install will automatically handle the connection process when you first launch the game. If you already have an existing Ubisoft account with R6 Siege progression on it, all your unlocks, ranks, and skins will carry over to the Steam version as soon as you link your accounts. Free trial weekends for the game also run regularly on Steam, so you can test out the full game for a few days before spending any money if you’re on the fence about buying it.
Key Differences Between Steam and Ubisoft Connect Versions
A lot of players wonder if one version is better than the other, and the answer depends on what you prioritize for your gaming setup. I’ve used both versions extensively, and the core gameplay is exactly the same across both PC platforms—you’ll get the same maps, operators, and matchmaking pool regardless of where you buy it. The differences lie in quality of life features and exclusive perks.
How to Buy and Set Up Rainbow Six Siege on Steam
The purchase and setup process is pretty straightforward, but there are a few common mistakes new players make that can cause hours of frustration down the line. First, search for Rainbow Six Siege in the Steam store, and pick the edition that fits your budget and playstyle. The Standard edition is best for brand new players, as it comes with all base maps and 20 base operators to learn the game with. The Deluxe edition adds all year 1 and year 2 operators, which saves you dozens of hours of grinding for in-game renown to unlock them manually. Avoid buying the most expensive ultimate edition unless you’re 100% sure you’ll play the game long-term, as most of the extra content is cosmetic or older operators you can earn with in-game currency for free. Once you complete your purchase, download the game—it’s around 75GB as of the latest patch, so make sure you have enough free storage on your drive before starting the download. When you first launch the game after it finishes installing, it will prompt you to either create a new Ubisoft Connect account or log in to an existing one. You can only link one Ubisoft account to one Steam account for R6 Siege, so double check you’re using the right accounts before confirming the link. I made that mistake once when I tried to link my secondary Ubisoft account to my main Steam profile, and I had to contact support for 3 days to reverse it, so don’t skip that quick check. Once the link is confirmed, the game will automatically sync all your existing progression if you’ve played before, and you can jump right into matches.
Common Questions About R6 Siege on Steam Answered
I get a lot of the same questions from friends who are thinking of picking up the Steam version of the game, so I’ve rounded up the most frequent ones to save you time searching for answers. First, can I play with friends who own the game on Ubisoft Connect? Yes, the entire PC player pool is shared, so you can party up with anyone playing on PC no matter where they bought the game. Crossplay with console players is also enabled by default, but you can turn that off in settings if you only want to match with other mouse and keyboard players to avoid controller aim assist advantages. Next, do Steam sales apply to R6 Siege? Yes, you can often find the game for 50-75% off during major Steam sales like the Summer Sale or Winter Sale, which is the cheapest time to pick it up. If you wait for a sale, you can get the Deluxe edition for less than the cost of the Standard edition at full price, so it’s worth holding off if you’re not in a rush to play. Another common question is whether the Steam version has worse performance than the Ubisoft Connect version, and from my testing, there’s no noticeable difference in frame rate, input lag, or server stability across both versions. Any performance issues you run into will be related to your PC settings or internet connection, not the platform you bought the game on. The Steam version also supports Steam Workshop for custom community content like custom maps and game modes, which is a fun extra if you get bored of standard casual or ranked play.
At the end of the day, if you were asking is rainbow six siege on steam, the answer is a resounding yes, and it’s a great option for anyone who prefers to keep all their PC games in one library. The core experience is identical to the Ubisoft Connect version, with extra quality of life features that make it worth purchasing if you’re a regular Steam user. Just make sure you pick the right edition for your playstyle, link your accounts correctly, and don’t be afraid to wait for a sale to get the best possible price. Whether you’re climbing the ranked ladder or just messing around with friends in custom matches, the Steam version of R6 Siege will give you the same tight, tactical gameplay the franchise is known for.
