Beyond Sam Fisher, the new season brings numerous updates and gameplay changes, including the Ping 2.0 system, advanced optical zoom scopes, new secondary equipment, tools, map bans, and a redesigned Chalet map. All these transformations make Shadow Legacy one of Siege's most significant seasons. The gameplay changes and updates are available to all Xbox players, with Sam Fisher instantly accessible to Year 5 Pass holders upon release. Other players can unlock the character one week later with Renown or R6.
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Sam will adopt a new alias, Zero, in Siege, bringing a set of fresh skills to the attacking team. His arsenal includes the Argus launcher, firing projectiles onto breakable and solid surfaces to set up two-way cameras on both sides. Zero and allies can only use one camera at a time, but they are a potent tool, used to gather intel on what the Defenders are up to. Each camera can also shoot a laser beam to destroy enemy gadgets or inflict minor damage. Zero also wields the signature SC-3000K sniper rifle or an MP7, and a secondary weapon, the 5.7 USG with an integrated suppressor.
Shadow Legacy also incorporates features, updates, and modifications to gameplay that impact the gaming experience.
- Ping 2.0 System - Each player on a team will be assigned a number at the start of the match, and their shared yellow Ping will now bear that number. Pinging is also contextual, meaning when you Ping equipment, targets, or other crucial objects, the Ping icon will represent it. You can also Ping from drones and cameras.
- Optic Zoom Scopes - Shadow Legacy introduces new scopes and magnification levels, including a change to the classic ACOG scope, now a 2.5x magnification scope. New versions of the Red-Dot and Holographic Sight scopes are also present in the game, but players can stick to the old versions if they prefer. Additionally, you can customize the color and opacity of the crosshair.
- Reinforcement Gear - Gone are the days when each Defender had only 2 Reinforcements (creating impenetrable walls against regular breach devices). Now, the defensive team will have a set of 10 Reinforcements deployable by any player, eliminating the need to stay still while a teammate holds the Reinforcement gear.
- New Secondary Equipment - With Defenders receiving a new Reinforcement buff, Attackers also need reinforcement. They now possess new secondary equipment capable of destroying Defender's reinforced walls. Thermite, Hibana, Maverick, and Ace are no longer the sole options for breaching reinforced surfaces.
- EMP Grenade Rework - Thatcher's EMP grenades used to always destroy Defender gadgets within their blast radius, but now EMPs will only disable the opponent's gadgets without destroying them.
- Map Ban - Ranked and Unranked matches now give each team the opportunity to ban one map.
- Chalet Map Redesign - Several changes have been implemented for the map. Most notably, it's larger. The top floor has been expanded to include a balcony overlooking the main bedroom in a new area called Solarium. The bathroom now connects to a new Piano room, where there used to be a staircase. The first floor and basement also undergo significant changes.
Additionally, the final Rainbow Six World Cup will take place in the summer of 2021, and currently, Operation Shadow Legacy has been launched, marking one of the most game-changing seasons in the history of Rainbow Six Siege. Start today to experience the new Ping system, reinforced equipment, new scopes, and much more.
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