Can You Buy Elite Skins with Renown in Rainbow Six Siege?
The short answer is no, you cannot buy Elite skins with Renown in Rainbow Six Siege. Elite skins are premium cosmetic bundles that can only be purchased with R6 Credits, the game’s premium currency. This has been the case since their introduction and remains the standard practice. While Renown allows you to unlock operators, weapon attachments, and other cosmetics, Elite skins are designed as a more exclusive and direct monetization option for Ubisoft.
Understanding Elite Skins
Elite skins are more than just simple reskins. They offer a complete visual overhaul for a specific operator, often incorporating elements from their backstory or representing a unique thematic concept. Each Elite skin bundle typically includes:
- Unique Uniform: A distinct outfit that dramatically changes the operator’s appearance.
- Headgear: A matching head covering that complements the uniform.
- Weapon Skin: A special skin for the operator’s primary weapon(s).
- Operator Card Background: A personalized background for the operator’s profile card displayed during loading screens and end-of-match highlights.
- Victory Animation: A unique pose or action performed by the operator when their team wins a round.
These comprehensive bundles are intended to be high-quality and visually striking, justifying their purchase with R6 Credits.
Why R6 Credits Only?
Ubisoft’s decision to make Elite skins exclusively purchasable with R6 Credits likely stems from several factors:
- Monetization Strategy: Elite skins represent a key avenue for direct revenue generation, supporting the ongoing development and maintenance of Rainbow Six Siege.
- Perceived Value: By limiting their availability to R6 Credits, Ubisoft aims to maintain the perceived exclusivity and value of Elite skins. This makes them more desirable for players willing to invest in premium cosmetics.
- Balancing In-Game Economy: Allowing Elite skins to be purchased with Renown could significantly impact the game’s economy, potentially devaluing Renown and disrupting the intended progression system.
Alternatives for Earning Cosmetics
While you can’t acquire Elite skins with Renown, there are numerous other cosmetic items you can obtain using the in-game currency. This includes:
- Weapon Skins: A vast array of weapon skins, from simple colors to elaborate designs, can be purchased with Renown.
- Charms: Small cosmetic items that dangle from your weapons, adding a personalized touch.
- Headgear and Uniforms: Many alternative headgear and uniform options are available for operators, allowing you to customize their appearance without purchasing Elite skins.
- Operator Unlocks: Saving Renown allows you to unlock new operators, expanding your tactical options and gameplay possibilities.
- Alpha Packs: These loot boxes, obtainable through gameplay or purchase with Renown, contain a random assortment of cosmetic items.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Will Elite Skins ever be available for Renown?
Ubisoft has consistently maintained that Elite skins are exclusively available for purchase with R6 Credits. While they occasionally introduce limited-time events or promotions, there has been no indication that they plan to change this policy regarding Elite skins and Renown.
2. How much do Elite Skins cost in R6 Credits?
Elite skins typically cost 1800 R6 Credits each. However, if you subscribe to Rainbow Six Siege’s VIP membership (Year Pass), you receive a 10% discount on all purchases made with R6 Credits, reducing the price of Elite skins to 1620 R6 Credits.
3. Can I get a discount on R6 Credits?
Yes, Ubisoft often offers discounts on R6 Credits, particularly during holidays or special in-game events. Keep an eye on the in-game store and official Rainbow Six Siege announcements for promotional offers.
4. Are all operators eligible for Elite Skins?
Not all operators have Elite skins. Ubisoft releases new Elite skins periodically, focusing on popular operators or those with interesting backstories that lend themselves to unique visual concepts.
5. How do I equip an Elite Skin?
Once you purchase an Elite skin, it becomes available in the operator’s customization menu. You can equip the uniform, headgear, weapon skin, and victory animation individually or apply the entire bundle at once.
6. Can I mix and match Elite Skin components with other cosmetic items?
Yes, you can mix and match individual components of an Elite skin (uniform, headgear, weapon skin) with other cosmetic items you own. This allows for even greater customization and unique operator looks.
7. Do Elite Skins provide any gameplay advantages?
No, Elite skins are purely cosmetic and do not provide any gameplay advantages. They do not affect an operator’s stats, abilities, or performance in any way.
8. Can I refund an Elite Skin after purchasing it?
Refunds for R6 Credit purchases are generally not offered, unless there are specific circumstances such as accidental purchases or technical issues. Contact Ubisoft Support for assistance in such cases.
9. Are there any alternative ways to get free R6 Credits?
Ubisoft occasionally offers small amounts of free R6 Credits through promotions or contests. However, these opportunities are rare and typically provide a limited number of credits.
10. Do Elite Skins ever go on sale?
While individual Elite skins rarely go on direct sale, Ubisoft may include them in larger promotional bundles or offer discounts on R6 Credits that can then be used to purchase Elite skins at a lower overall cost.
11. Are there any community-created Elite Skin concepts?
Yes, the Rainbow Six Siege community is highly creative and frequently designs and shares their own Elite skin concepts. While these concepts are not officially implemented in the game, they showcase the community’s passion and creativity.
12. Where can I see all the available Elite Skins?
You can view all the available Elite skins in the in-game store, under the “Bundles” section. Each operator’s Elite skin bundle will be listed with its corresponding price in R6 Credits. You can also see them on the Rainbow Six Siege official website.
13. How often are new Elite Skins released?
The frequency of new Elite skin releases varies, but Ubisoft typically releases a new Elite skin every few weeks or months. These releases are often timed to coincide with new season launches or special in-game events.
14. Will Elite Skins ever be removed from the game?
While it’s unlikely, Ubisoft reserves the right to remove any content from the game. However, it is highly improbable that they would remove Elite skins that players have already purchased.
15. What happens to my Elite Skin if the operator is reworked or changed?
Ubisoft strives to ensure that Elite skins remain compatible with any operator reworks or changes. If significant alterations are made to an operator, Ubisoft may update the Elite skin to reflect those changes, ensuring consistency and visual integrity. However, in rare instances, there might be slight clipping issues or minor adjustments required.