What is Tricking in Rainbow Six Siege? A Comprehensive Guide

Tricking in Rainbow Six Siege refers to a set of advanced techniques employed primarily by Defenders to counter Attacker strategies, specifically concerning breaching reinforced walls or hatches. It involves manipulating defender gadgets in real-time to deny the attackers a successful breach. The most common types of tricking are Bandit tricking and Kaid tricking, which are named after the operators who most effectively perform them. The ultimate goal of tricking is to waste the attackers’ valuable breaching resources (like Thermite charges, Hibana pellets, or Maverick holes) or even eliminate them directly while they are vulnerable. It’s a high-risk, high-reward play that requires excellent timing, game sense, and communication.

Bandit Tricking Explained

Bandit tricking involves placing Bandit’s Shock Wire (also known as batteries) on a reinforced wall or hatch just as the Attacker is deploying their breaching charge or hard breaching gadget. A skilled Bandit player will listen for the audio cues of the Attacker placing their device and quickly deploy the Shock Wire, destroying the device before it can detonate and breach the reinforcement.

How it Works

The core of Bandit tricking lies in precise timing. The Bandit player must be positioned near the reinforced wall, often behind it, and listen intently for the specific sound of a breaching charge (Thermite or Ace) or Hibana’s X-KAIROS pellets being placed. Once the sound is heard, the Bandit quickly places the Shock Wire on the wall. The electricity from the Shock Wire will then destroy the breaching device, rendering it useless and preventing the breach.

Challenges and Counters

Bandit tricking isn’t foolproof. Attackers can employ several tactics to counter it. These include:

• Using EMP grenades (Thatcher): An EMP grenade will temporarily disable the Shock Wire, allowing the hard breacher to place their device safely.
• Using Impact EMPs (impact grenades): Impact EMPs have made it extremely difficult for Bandit to trick walls.
• Using explosives (Ash, Zofia): Attackers can use explosives to clear the area around the reinforced wall, forcing the Bandit to move and creating an opportunity to breach.
• Using distraction (Fuze): Fuze can deploy cluster charges on a nearby wall or ceiling to distract the Bandit and prevent them from tricking.
• Using intel gathering (Dokkaebi, Lion): Gathering intel on the Bandit’s location beforehand can allow the attackers to anticipate and counter their tricking attempts.
• Maverick tricking: Maverick can create small holes in the reinforced wall with his blowtorch, allowing attackers to shoot and eliminate the Bandit.

Kaid Tricking Explained

Kaid tricking is similar to Bandit tricking, but involves using Kaid’s Electroclaws to electrify reinforced walls or hatches. Unlike Bandit, Kaid’s Electroclaws have a wider area of effect and can be placed further away from the reinforcement, offering more flexibility and safer positioning. The trick lies in deploying the Electroclaw after Thatcher or Kali have used their gadgets, but before the hard breach device detonates.

How it Works

The Kaid player will often throw an Electroclaw at a strategic location – perhaps a corner of the wall or ceiling above the reinforcement. The key is to hold the Electroclaw in your hand and wait to place it until after you have visually or audibly confirmed that Thatcher or Kali are attempting to disable the electricity. Upon hearing Kali’s or Thatcher’s gadget being used, the Kaid player quickly places the Electroclaw to deny the hard breach. If successful, the reinforcement remains electrified, preventing the breach.

Challenges and Counters

Kaid tricking also has its challenges:

• Precise Timing: Kaid tricking requires exceptional timing, as the Electroclaw must be placed quickly enough to counter Thatcher or Kali but not so early that it gets destroyed before the breaching device is deployed.
• Kali’s Sniper: Kali can snipe the Electroclaw from a distance, rendering it useless.
• Thatcher’s EMP: Thatcher’s EMP grenades can disable Electroclaws through walls, making them vulnerable.
• Maverick’s Blowtorch: Maverick can burn through the wall and destroy the Electroclaw.
• Grenades: Regular frag grenades can be thrown to destroy Electroclaws placed within range.

General Tricking Strategies

Beyond Bandit and Kaid, several other operators and gadgets can be used to trick or deny enemy advancements:

• Mute Jammers: Mute jammers can be placed to block the signal of breaching charges, although they are easily countered.
• Lesion Gu Mines: Lesion can place Gu mines in strategic locations to slow down and disorient attackers.
• Impact Grenades: Defenders can use impact grenades to create rotation holes or deny enemy pushes.
• Smoke Grenades: Smoke grenades can be used to obscure vision and disrupt attacker strategies.

The Importance of Communication and Game Sense

Successful tricking relies heavily on communication and game sense. Defenders must communicate effectively to coordinate their strategies and provide intel on enemy movements. They must also have a deep understanding of the game’s mechanics and audio cues to anticipate enemy actions. Knowledge of common attack strategies, operator abilities, and map layouts is crucial for effective tricking.

Tricking in the Meta

Tricking is an integral part of the Rainbow Six Siege meta. It can be a decisive factor in securing a round win, especially at higher ranks where attackers are more likely to rely on hard breaching strategies. Mastering tricking requires dedication, practice, and a willingness to learn from mistakes. Players who can consistently execute tricking effectively will become valuable assets to their teams.

Remember to always keep learning and adapting. The game is constantly evolving, and new tricking strategies are being developed all the time. By staying up-to-date with the latest trends and techniques, you can maintain a competitive edge and continue to improve your gameplay. Learning about the meta and strategies can also be done through resources such as the Games Learning Society. More information can be found on their website at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Tricking in R6

1. What is the difference between Bandit tricking and Kaid tricking?

Bandit tricking involves placing Bandit’s Shock Wire directly on the reinforced wall right before the breaching device detonates. Kaid tricking involves placing Kaid’s Electroclaws in strategic locations near the wall and timing the deployment after Thatcher or Kali have attempted to disable the electricity, but before the breach occurs.

2. Is Bandit tricking still viable in the current meta?

Yes, but it’s harder due to Impact EMPs. Bandit tricking can still be effective, particularly against less experienced attackers or when the attackers are unable to effectively counter it. Skilled Bandit players can still outplay their opponents with precise timing and clever positioning.

3. What are the best maps for Bandit tricking?

Maps with easily defended objectives and predictable breach points, such as Clubhouse, Border, and Consulate, tend to be favorable for Bandit tricking.

4. What are the best maps for Kaid tricking?

Kaid’s flexibility makes him viable on many maps, but he excels on maps with vertical play opportunities and easily electrified surfaces, such as Oregon, Chalet, and Coastline.

5. How can I improve my timing for Bandit tricking?

Practice makes perfect. Focus on listening to audio cues and predicting the attacker’s actions. Watching professional players and analyzing their gameplay can also provide valuable insights.

6. What is the best way to counter a Bandit trick?

Using Thatcher’s EMP grenades, Kali’s sniper rifle, or explosives to clear the area around the reinforced wall are all effective counters to Bandit tricking. Gathering intel on the Bandit’s location beforehand can also help anticipate and counter their tricking attempts.

7. What is the best way to counter a Kaid trick?

Kali is best suited to counter Kaid, or Thatcher’s EMP grenades, Maverick’s blowtorch, or regular frag grenades can be used.

8. Can I use Mute to trick?

Mute jammers can be placed near reinforced walls to disrupt breaching charges, but they are easily countered and are not typically considered a true “tricking” method.

9. What is the role of communication in tricking?

Communication is essential for successful tricking. Defenders must communicate effectively to coordinate their strategies, provide intel on enemy movements, and warn each other of potential threats.

10. What skills are required to be a good tricker?

Good tricking requires excellent timing, game sense, map knowledge, communication skills, and the ability to remain calm under pressure.

11. How do I deal with Maverick when trying to trick?

Maverick is a significant threat to tricking. Coordinate with teammates to watch for Maverick holes and eliminate him before he can create an opening.

12. Is tricking always the best strategy?

No, tricking is not always the best strategy. It can be risky and may not be appropriate in all situations. Consider the context of the round, the enemy team’s composition, and your own team’s strengths and weaknesses before deciding to trick.

13. What does Grim do in R6?

Grim’s Kawan Hive Launcher fires canisters that release a swarm of nano-bots. Defenders entering the swarm are pinged and tracked in real-time.

14. Can Nøkk counter Melusi?

Yes, Nøkk, along with Iana, Sledge, Ash, and Zofia, can counter Melusi’s gadget using fragmentation grenades or explosive projectiles.

15. Is IQ a girl in R6?

Yes, IQ (Monika Weiss) is a female Attacking Operator in Rainbow Six Siege.