Ash: The Breaching Queen of Rainbow Six Siege – Abilities, Strategies, and FAQs

Eliza “Ash” Cohen, a cornerstone of the Rainbow Six Siege attacking lineup since its launch, boasts the M120 CREM Breaching Rounds as her unique ability. These rounds are remote-detonated projectiles capable of breaching soft walls, floors, ceilings, and destroying defender gadgets from a distance, providing invaluable entry points and disruption to the enemy’s defenses. Her high-speed, low-armor profile coupled with her breaching capability makes her a favored entry fragger, designed to swiftly enter the objective and eliminate key threats. Ash’s gadget allows for quick and efficient creation of lines of sight and entry points, making her a vital asset for any attacking team.

Understanding Ash’s Breaching Rounds

Ash’s M120 CREM (Combined Remote Explosive Munition) is a game-changer. Instead of physically breaching walls or relying on close-quarters explosives, she can launch these projectiles from a safe distance, detonating them remotely. Each round is designed to destroy non-reinforced surfaces and some gadgets within a small radius. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

• Ranged Breaching: This is Ash’s defining characteristic. She can breach walls, windows, and barricades from a distance, reducing her exposure to enemy fire.
• Gadget Destruction: The blast radius can destroy defender gadgets like barbed wire, Castle barricades, deployable shields, and even disrupt electronic devices like Jager’s ADS or Bandit’s batteries if placed close enough.
• Creating Vertical Play: Ash can open up floors and ceilings above or below the objective, creating new angles and flanking opportunities.
• Pressure and Distraction: The sound of Ash’s breaching rounds can distract defenders, allowing teammates to push in from other angles.
• Limited Rounds: Ash typically carries two breaching rounds, so it’s crucial to use them strategically.

Maximizing Ash’s Effectiveness

To truly master Ash, consider these tips:

• Intel is Key: Communicate with your team to identify key breach points and defender gadget placements. Use your drones to gather information before launching your breaching rounds.
• Coordinate with Teammates: Time your breaches to coincide with your team’s push, maximizing the element of surprise and overwhelming the defenders.
• Pre-fire Common Angles: After breaching, immediately pre-fire common angles where defenders might be waiting to pick you off.
• Utilize Vertical Play: Experiment with opening up floors and ceilings to create unexpected attack routes.
• Practice Aiming: Mastering the trajectory and range of Ash’s breaching rounds is essential for accurate and effective gadget usage.
• Consider Alternatives: Iana is a good alternative if you want intel-gathering capabilities along with fragging potential.

Ash: A Fragging Powerhouse

Ash isn’t just about breaching; she is a fragging operator. Her high-speed allows her to quickly close the distance and engage enemies, while her weapon choices are among the best on the attacking side. The R4-C and G36C both offer high rates of fire and manageable recoil, making them effective in close to medium-range engagements.

• Entry Fragging: Ash is ideal for leading the charge and taking out the initial defenders.
• Aggressive Playstyle: Her speed and weapon choices encourage an aggressive, fast-paced playstyle.
• Quick Peeks: Ash’s speed allows her to quickly peek corners, gather information, and engage enemies before they have time to react.
• Flanking: Her mobility makes her effective at flanking defenders and catching them off guard.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Wasting Breaching Rounds: Don’t waste your rounds on unnecessary breaches or obvious gadget placements. Use them strategically to create maximum impact.
• Relying Solely on Speed: While speed is an advantage, don’t become predictable. Vary your approach and use cover effectively.
• Ignoring Intel: Running in blindly without gathering information is a surefire way to get killed. Utilize your drones and communicate with your team.
• Neglecting Support Role: While Ash is primarily a fragger, don’t neglect your support role. Use your breaching rounds to help your teammates enter the objective.

Ash in the Current Meta

While some argue that Iana has challenged Ash’s position due to her intel-gathering capabilities and similar weapon options (the G36C), Ash remains a relevant and powerful operator. Her unique ability to breach from a distance and her high-speed profile make her a valuable asset in many situations. Furthermore, her pick rate consistently remains high, solidifying her place in the meta.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Ash

1. What is Ash’s primary role in Rainbow Six Siege?

Ash’s primary role is that of an entry fragger. She’s designed to quickly breach defenses, clear out defenders, and open up pathways for her team.

2. How many breaching rounds does Ash have?

Ash typically has two breaching rounds.

3. Can Ash breach reinforced walls?

No, Ash cannot breach reinforced walls. Her breaching rounds are designed for soft walls, floors, and ceilings.

4. What weapons does Ash use?

Ash’s primary weapon choices are the R4-C assault rifle and the G36C assault rifle. Her secondary weapon is the M45 MEUSOC pistol or the 5.7 USG pistol.

5. How does Ash compare to other breachers like Thermite or Hibana?

Thermite and Hibana are hard breachers, meaning they can breach reinforced walls. Ash is a soft breacher, focusing on creating entry points in non-reinforced surfaces and destroying gadgets.

6. Can Ash’s breaching rounds destroy defender gadgets?

Yes, Ash’s breaching rounds can destroy gadgets such as barbed wire, Castle barricades, deployable shields, and some electronic devices if placed close enough.

7. Is Ash a good operator for beginners?

While Ash’s high-speed playstyle can be challenging for new players, her straightforward breaching ability and powerful weapons make her relatively easy to pick up.

8. How does Ash’s speed affect her gameplay?

Ash is a 3-speed operator, meaning she can move quickly around the map. This allows her to quickly close the distance to enemies, flank defenders, and react quickly to changing situations.

9. What are some counters to Ash?

Operators like Jager (with his ADS destroying her breaching rounds) and Ela (with her concussion mines slowing her down) can be effective counters to Ash. Also, careful positioning and strong crossfires can limit her effectiveness.

10. How should I use Ash’s breaching rounds effectively?

Use them to open up new lines of sight, create entry points for your team, destroy defender gadgets, and create vertical play opportunities. Communicate with your team and gather intel before using your rounds.

11. What is the effective range of Ash’s breaching rounds?

The breaching rounds have a significant range, allowing Ash to breach from a relatively safe distance. However, be aware of the trajectory and potential for the round to be intercepted.

12. What is Ash’s real name and background?

Ash’s real name is Eliza Cohen. She’s an FBI agent originally from Jerusalem and serves as a prominent figure in Team Rainbow.

13. What is Ash’s height and age in Rainbow Six Siege lore?

Ash is 5’7″ tall and, according to lore from a few years back, was born on December 24, 1983.

14. Is Ash still a viable operator in the current meta?

Yes, Ash remains a viable operator due to her unique breaching ability, high speed, and powerful weapons. While other operators may offer similar capabilities, Ash’s combination of traits makes her a valuable asset to any team.

15. Where can I learn more about Rainbow Six Siege strategies and operator guides?

You can explore a wealth of resources online, including YouTube channels dedicated to Rainbow Six Siege, professional guides, and community forums. Exploring resources such as the Games Learning Society can provide valuable insight into game design and learning principles that can improve your understanding of gameplay strategies. Check out GamesLearningSociety.org for more information.

Mastering Ash requires practice, strategic thinking, and teamwork. By understanding her abilities, maximizing her strengths, and avoiding common mistakes, you can become a formidable force on the attacking side. Good luck, and happy breaching!