Rainbow Six Extraction: release date, special editions, pre-order guide

Alex Tsiaoussidis
Rainbow 6 Extraction Preorder

Rainbow Six Extraction’s release date has been delayed, but you can still pre-order it before it launches. Here’s everything you need to know, including the new release date and what editions are available.

Ubisoft jumped straight into Rainbow Six Extraction to begin their E3 2021 presentation, divulging all the details on the new tactical co-op experience, including how the game will work, which operators will be ported over, and more.

It’s set to shake things up and take the franchise to the next level. But while fans were looking forward to the initial release date, it has been delayed. Still, if you are looking to pre-order the game or wondering what editions are available, here’s everything you need to know.


Contents


Rainbow 6 Extraction key art showing a team entering a dark corridor
Ubisoft provided the first look at Rainbow 6 Extraction during their E3 2021 presentation.

Rainbow Six Extraction release date and Buddy Pass

Rainbow Six Extraction will now release on all platforms on January 20, 2022, arriving slightly later than the initial release date of September 16, 2021.

It will also feature on the Xbox Game Pass, and the all-new Ubisoft+ system for Xbox from day one.

The game will include two Buddy Pass tokens, which will allow players to play with friends for free for up to 14 days. This applies to PC (Ubisoft Connect and Epic Games Store), Xbox, PlayStation, and Google Stadia.

Rainbow Six Extraction gameplay details

Rainbow Six Extraction is a new co-op PvE game that will take players on an “unprecedented alien threat.” You will be able to unlock new abilities and access a unique arsenal as you progress throughout the game. The title will see players “try different combinations of operators” in each of the game’s 12 maps. The maps will feature “procedurally generated challenges” as players will face “a diverse set of enemies” and “increasing difficulty” as players complete more challenges.

Rainbow Six Extraction key art showing an Operator fighting a huge monster
Expect tense boss encounters in Rainbow Six Extraction.

At the end of their exploration, there will be an option to “extract your squad” from the “containment sub-zone.” However, if you choose to go further into the map, there is a chance to earn better rewards and face tougher enemies, at the cost of losing an operator or dying. Losing an operator launches a “Missing-In-Action” mission, to retrieve your fallen comrade.

For more, be sure to check out our hands-on preview.

Operators and Enemies

It wouldn’t be a new Rainbow Six game without operators. Extraction will introduce 18 operators, nine of which have been revealed, including:

  • Finka
  • Pulse
  • Doc
  • Sledge
  • Alibi
  • Vigil
  • Hibana
  • Ela
  • Lion

Being a PvE experience, it will also introduce new enemies, including The Spiker, The Rooter, The Tormentor, and more. Players will get access to to a variety of operators, purely for owning previous Rainbox Six titles, as per Ubisoft’s blog: “If you play both Rainbow Six Siege and Rainbow Six Extraction, its entire roster of 18 Operators will be unlocked for you in Rainbow Six Siege, along with a United Front cosmetic bundle for both games.”

Rainbow Six Extraction trailer

Check out the latest trailer below, showcasing the game’s lore.

What platforms will Rainbow Six Extraction be released on?

Rainbow Six Extraction will be released on most major consoles, PC, and some cloud-gaming services. You can find a full list below.

  • PC
  • Stadia
  • Xbox One
  • Xbox Series X|S
  • PlayStation 4
  • PlayStation 5

In the end, regardless of which platform and edition you choose, Rainbow Six Extraction is set to be a blast.

Where to preorder Rainbow Six Extraction

Like most recently-released Ubisoft titles, players can preorder the game from a select few marketplaces. The number one place, obviously, is the Ubisoft Store.

However, if you want to pick up a physical edition of the game, you’ll need to look towards traditional brick-and-mortar and online retailers, like Amazon or Gamestop.

Here’s where you can preorder Rainbow Six Extraction before its release at the best possible price.

Rainbow Six Extraction digital pre-orders & prices

US

UK

Rainbow Six Extraction physical pre-orders & prices

US

Rainbow Six Extraction editions

Like with most games these days, Rainbow Six Extraction comes with multiple editions. Some are exclusive to certain retailers, such as the GAME Exclusive Guardian Edition.

However, let’s take a look at the two main editions available worldwide: Standard Edition and Deluxe Edition.

Rainbow 6 Extraction key art showing a trio of Operators
The Standard Edition includes the base game only.

Standard Edition

The Rainbow Six Extraction Standard Edition includes the game on its own, regardless of whether you purchase a digital or physical version.

However, if you pre-order it, you’ll receive the Orbital Decay Bundle, which includes the following bits and pieces:

  • Exclusive Orion uniform and headgear for Finka and Lion
  • Vaporized weapon skin
  • Crashlander charm
Rainbow 6 Extraction key art showing an Operator with black goo attached to them
The Deluxe Edition comes with additional content.

Deluxe Edition

Naturally, the Deluxe Edition also includes the base game and the Orbital Decay Bundle if you pre-order it.

However, for an extra $20 on top of the Standard Edition, you’ll receive plenty of additional content, including:

  • The Noxious Touch Pack
    • Noxious Touch uniform and headgear for Alibi
    • Noxious Touch and Redeemer weapon skins
    • Jawbreaker and Guardian Angel Charm.
  • The Obscura Pack
    • Cephal Black and Cerulean weapon skins
    • Redacted and Anagram charms
  • The React Strike Pack
    • Frontline Cosmetic Pack
    • XP Boosters for postlaunch events
    • 10% discount on the in-game store
Rainbow 6 Extraction image showing two Operators checking for enemies
Rainbow Six Extraction should carry Siege’s solid shooting mechanics into a PvE setting

Fortunately, Ubisoft has kept it simple this time around with only two main editions available, making it easier for consumers to decide which one suits them best.

If you’re keen on the game itself without all the extras, the Standard Edition is the one for you. However, if you’re after a bit of extra flair and style, why not indulge in the Deluxe Edition?

Rainbow Six Extraction preorder bonuses for Siege

If you pre-order Rainbow Six Extraction, you won’t just get the new game. You’ll also receive a host of bonuses for Rainbow Six Siege, the tactical PvP FPS in the franchise.

By pre-ordering Extraction, you’ll receive the exclusive United Front Bundle, featuring skins for Smoke, Pulse, Ela, and Lion. You’ll also receive the 18 Extraction Operators in Siege permanently, saving you a ton of time grinding or money.

Rainbow Six Extraction post-launch content and DLC

In terms of post-launch content, Extraction will offer a weekly challenge mode called Maelstrom Protocol. Players work their way through a series of subzones that get trickier, all on an ever-shrinking timer. At the end of each subzone, players can push on, or choose to extract with their earned resources and currency.

Crisis Events are new limited-time events with themed content that will offer new Operators and enemies, while Assignments will tweak the existing gameplay. For example, Veteran Mode removes the HUD, adds limited ammo, and enables friendly fire.


So, there you have it – everything you need to know about Rainbow Six Extraction’s release date and more.

Make sure to check out all the latest information on upcoming games below:

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