New features within the update have already resulted in a rapid increase in player numbers. On Steam it was revealed that peak concurrent player count has risen to 176,856, which is an unprecedented number for the game and may indicate the overall fan approval of the update.

Considering that the game is only 2-years-old, the increasing player count is quite an achievement for Ubisoft. The Steam Charts data fully reveal the extent of the game’s exploding popularity, indicating that the player count is now triple of what it was six months ago. It was also revealed that these new numbers surpass the original game’s player peak in February by 50,000.

The growing popularity of the game may also be due to the introduction of new elements to the gameplay. Fans will experience new features which will provide them with extra content. This includes the introduction of two operators and a co-op zombie mode called Outbreak. Operation Chimera will also make weapon attachments free for everybody and will also add a map pick-and-ban system.

Many players may also be joining or returning to the game due to the new, free features. For example, those players who have purchased the Advanced, Gold, or Complete Editions will gain access to all of the original 20 operators.

Another main update to the game will include the overhaul of the Hereford Base. Ubisoft will be reworking the familiar, cube-like map to focus on destruction, so players can expect to encounter more concrete, wood, and brick structures on the map. As a result, players should have a better idea as to what is breakable on the map - a goal that is a part of Ubisofts’s dramatic ‘map buff’ plans.

This update also introduces the limited-time consumer bundles called Outbreak Packs, which are essentially Rainbow Six Siege’s versions of microtransactions. Ubisoft was quick to calm concerns that the game could become pay-to-win, but it is worth mentioning that the Packs are purchased with real money.

However, despite a few missteps, the increasing player count implies that the update is positive overall. The changes to the maps and game dynamics may provide a new feel for the old fans of Rainbow Six Siege.

The Chimera update was made available on March 6th.

Source: PCGAMER