Rainbow Six Siege has launched Ranked 2.0, a complete overhaul of its competitive mode designed to create fairer matches and better progression for players of all skill levels. Many players found the previous ranking system frustrating due to inconsistent placements, mismatched skill levels, and steep rank jumps. Ranked 2.0 fixes these issues with a fresh rank structure, hidden skill ratings, and new seasonal rewards.
This guide explains how Ranked 2.0 works, including the new ranks, matchmaking logic, skill calculations, cross-play features, and the cosmetic rewards you can earn. Whether you’re a veteran looking to understand the changes or a newer player ready to climb the ladder, you’ll find everything you need here.
1. How to Unlock Ranked Mode in Rainbow Six Siege
Minimum Level Required for Ranked
Before jumping into Ranked 2.0, you must reach at least Level 50 on your account. This ensures you’ve gained enough experience in basic mechanics before facing the competitive challenges of ranked play.
What Ranked 2.0 Unlocks
Ranked 2.0 is Rainbow Six Siege’s updated competitive mode, where you’ll start at Copper V and climb through the ranks based on match results and your hidden skill rating. Unlike the older system, there are no placement matches, and progression is designed to be smoother and fairer.
How Long it Takes to Reach Level 50
You can level up by playing Quick Matches or Unranked modes. Reaching Level 50 usually takes between two weeks and two months, depending on how often you play.
Ranked matches can be accessed upon reaching level 50 in your account.
2. All Rainbow Six Siege Ranked 2.0 Ranks & Levels Explained
Complete List of Ranked Tiers
Ranked 2.0 features eight total ranks, each divided into five sub-levels (except for Champion, which has one level):
- Copper (V, IV, III, II, I)
- Bronze (V, IV, III, II, I)
- Silver (V, IV, III, II, I)
- Gold (V, IV, III, II, I)
- Platinum (V, IV, III, II, I)
- Emerald (V, IV, III, II, I)
- Diamond (V, IV, III, II, I)
- Champion (one level)
Emerald Rank Explained
Emerald is new to Ranked 2.0. Previously, climbing from Platinum to Diamond felt like a steep jump. Emerald bridges this gap, giving high-skill players smoother progression.
Changes in Rank Subdivisions
Earlier, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond had only three sub-levels each. Now, they all have five subdivisions to match lower tiers.
How Rank Protection Works
Rank protection prevents you from deranking if you have at least one rank point before losing. However, losing at zero rank points drops you to the previous tier as usual.
Seasonal Rank Reset
All ranks reset at the end of each season, so players need to climb again if they want to maintain a high rank in the new season.
The rank protection will prevent you from deranking and losing several ranking points.
3. How to Rank Up Fast in Rainbow Six Siege Ranked 2.0
No More Placement Matches
Previously, new seasons required ten placement matches. Ranked 2.0 eliminates placement matches to avoid ranking players incorrectly due to streaky luck.
Starting from Copper V
Everyone begins a new season at Copper V. Winning matches grants rank points, pushing you into higher ranks. Early progression is fast because the system is evaluating your skill level.
Early Season Climbing Tips
Try to win as many matches as possible early in the season. Positive early momentum helps you climb quickly before the system stabilizes your rank.
Winning Streaks and Losing Streaks
If you lose too many matches in a row, you’ll start losing more points per defeat. Take breaks to avoid tilt and maintain focus.
4. Rainbow Six Siege Ranked 2.0 Matchmaking Explained
Old vs New Matchmaking
Previously, matchmaking was based entirely on visible ranks. Now, Ranked 2.0 matches players using hidden Skill Rating (MMR) rather than visible rank alone.
Why Rank is Now Hidden
Visible ranks are hidden from anyone outside your squad to emphasize that rank reflects seasonal progression, not necessarily pure skill.
Factors Affecting Matchmaking
Key factors determining matchmaking in Ranked 2.0 include:
- Your win/loss ratio
- Your Kill/Death (K/D) ratio
- Consistent performance across matches
Your rank and stats reset at the end of the season.
5. How Skill Works in Rainbow Six Siege Ranked 2.0
Understanding Hidden Skill Rating
Your hidden Skill Rating determines the level of opponents and teammates you face. Even if your visible rank is low, the game may place you with higher-ranked players if your skill rating suggests you belong there.
How Skill Rating Affects Ranks
The more matches you play, the more accurately the game gauges your skill. Early on, you might rank up quickly if you win consistently, but your progress will slow once the system stabilizes your true skill level.
Why You Might Get Stuck in Your Rank
Players often feel “stuck” because their skill matches their current rank. To climb, you’ll need to improve individual performance and win more consistently than your current peers.
A good aim and positioning is key to win more matches.
6. How to Play Rainbow Six Siege Ranked 2.0 With Friends
Playing Ranked With Different Ranks
Previously, players had to be close in rank to queue together. Now, Ranked 2.0 allows friends to play ranked matches regardless of rank difference. However, high-skill teammates can result in tougher opponents.
How Cross-Play Works
Cross-play in Rainbow Six Siege allows console players to play with each other across platforms (e.g. PS5 vs. Xbox). PC players can only cross-play with Luna. There’s no cross-play between console and PC to keep competitive balance intact.
On consoles, you can invite friends from other consoles via the Ubisoft Connect feature in the main menu.
Cross-Progression Explained
Cross-progression lets you keep your Current Rank, Rank History, and Skill MMR across platforms if you use the same Ubisoft account. This also applies to other progress like Battle Pass tiers and unlocks.
Select the Ubisoft Connect feature inside this menu to invite your friends of other consoles.
7. All Ranked Rewards in Rainbow Six Siege Ranked 2.0
Cosmetic Rewards Overview
Ranked 2.0 ties rewards purely to seasonal progression. Higher ranks earn unique cosmetic items to show off your accomplishments next season.
Rank Rewards Table
Below are the possible rewards players can earn in a season:
| Rank | V | IV | III | II | I |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Copper | Copper Charm | Alpha Pack | Copper Card Background | Alpha Pack | Alpha Pack |
| Bronze | Bronze Charm | Alpha Pack | Bronze Card Background | Alpha Pack | Alpha Pack |
| Silver | Silver Charm | Alpha Pack | Silver Card Background | Alpha Pack | Alpha Pack |
| Gold | Gold Charm | Alpha Pack | Gold Card Background | Alpha Pack | Alpha Pack |
| Platinum | Platinum Charm | Alpha Pack | Platinum Card Background | Alpha Pack | Alpha Pack |
| Emerald | Emerald Charm | Alpha Pack | Emerald Card Background | Alpha Pack | Alpha Pack |
| Diamond | Diamond Charm | Alpha Pack | Diamond Card Background | Alpha Pack | Alpha Pack |
| Champion | Champion Charm, Champion Card Background, and one Alpha Pack | ||||
How Alpha Packs Work
Alpha Packs contain random cosmetic items. Charms attach to weapons, while Card Backgrounds appear during operator selection.
All ranks and a visual example of how the rewards look like.
8. Best Tips and Strategies for Rainbow Six Siege Ranked 2.0
Communication is Key
Avoid solo queues when possible. Play with friends who communicate clearly and share callouts to improve teamwork.
Recommended Attack Operators
Choose operators that help your team gather intel or breach objectives:
- Jackal, Finka, Iana, Zero, Thatcher
- Breachers: Thermite, Ace, Hibana, Maverick
Recommended Defense Operators
Defensive operators help slow down attackers or deny intel:
- Mute, Kapkan, Echo, Castle, Kaid
- Intel gatherers: Pulse, Valkyrie, Mozzie
- Support options: Rook, Doc, Thunderbird
When to Play an Assassin Role
Only play roaming assassins if your team composition needs it. Good choices include:
- Kali, Amaru, Caveira, Vigil
Focus on Objectives, Not Kills
Remember that the goal is to secure or defend objectives. Kills help, but the primary focus should be completing your team’s objective.
Take Breaks on Losing Streaks
Don’t keep queuing if you’re frustrated. Take breaks to reset mentally and return focused.
9. About the Current Rainbow Six Siege Season
Seasonal Updates
Rainbow Six Siege operates on a seasonal model, with new content and updates released several times each year. Each season typically introduces new operators, balance changes, map reworks, and unique cosmetic rewards tied to the Battle Pass.
Where to Learn About New Seasons
Staying up-to-date with the latest season helps you adapt to new meta shifts, operator changes, and gameplay improvements. Be sure to check the in-game menu or the official Rainbow Six Siege website for current seasonal details.
Platform Availability
Rainbow Six Siege is available on PC (Steam and Epic Games), Amazon Luna, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S. The game is also free for PlayStation Plus Extra/Premium and Xbox Game Pass subscribers.
