Who is the Best Defender to Buy in Rainbow Six Siege?
The quest for the “best” defender in Rainbow Six Siege is a journey down a rabbit hole of opinions, playstyles, and ever-shifting metas. However, if I had to definitively recommend a defender to purchase first, especially for newer players, I would point towards Kaid. Kaid’s ability to electrify reinforced walls and hatches from a distance, coupled with his strong loadout and moderate difficulty, makes him a fantastic and impactful addition to any defensive lineup. He brings utility denial and can severely hinder attacker strategies, offering a great blend of impact and learnability.
Delving Deeper: Why Kaid?
Kaid stands out for several key reasons:
- Versatile Utility: Kaid’s “Rtila” Electroclaws can electrify up to three metallic surfaces. This means reinforced walls, hatches, and even barbed wire become electrified, damaging and disabling attacker gadgets like breaching charges and Thermite’s Exothermic Charges. This is huge for denying crucial entry points.
- Remote Deployment: Unlike Bandit, who needs to be near the wall, Kaid can deploy his Electroclaws from a safe distance. This makes him less vulnerable to being caught off guard during the action phase and allows for more strategic placement.
- Strong Loadout: Kaid boasts a powerful loadout that includes the TCSG 12 slug shotgun, which acts as a DMR with high damage output, and the AUG A3 assault rifle, offering a more traditional and controllable option. His secondary, the .44 Mag Semi-Auto pistol, is also incredibly strong.
- Impactful Even in Death: A well-placed Electroclaw can continue to deny entry even if Kaid is taken out early in the round. His utility provides lasting value.
Considering Alternatives: Other Top-Tier Defenders
While Kaid is an excellent all-around choice, other defenders also deserve consideration, depending on your playstyle and team needs:
- Mira: A high-risk, high-reward operator. Mira’s Black Mirrors allow for powerful intel gathering and aggressive plays, but require map knowledge and precise placement to avoid being detrimental to your team. Her versatility can be game-changing.
- Jäger: Though his ADS (Active Defense System) has been tweaked over time, Jäger remains a reliable counter to attacker projectiles like grenades and flashbangs. A solid pick for any team composition.
- Aruni: Aruni’s Surya Gates are excellent for controlling entry points and slowing down attackers. When a gadget or an attacker passes through it the gate is destroyed, the laser regenerates but it is a great way to cause damage early.
- Azami: With her throwable Kiba Barriers, Azami can reshape the battlefield, creating new angles, blocking lines of sight, and providing crucial cover. She’s a versatile and impactful operator.
Making the Right Choice: A Defender for Every Playstyle
Ultimately, the “best” defender is subjective. Consider these factors when making your decision:
- Your Playstyle: Do you prefer to roam, anchor, or play a support role?
- Your Team’s Needs: What type of utility does your team lack?
- The Map: Some operators are more effective on certain maps than others.
- Your Budget: Consider the cost of unlocking the operator.
Experiment with different defenders to find the ones that best suit your personal preferences and contribute most to your team’s success. Learn from experienced players and watch professional gameplay to gain insights into advanced strategies and operator synergies. Remember, mastering a single operator can be more beneficial than owning every operator but lacking proficiency with any of them. You can learn more about the game and gaming culture at the Games Learning Society, which promotes understanding of the gaming landscape.
FAQs: Your Burning Defender Questions Answered
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding defenders in Rainbow Six Siege:
1. Who is the best defender for beginners?
Rook is often recommended for beginners. His armor plates provide a passive benefit to the team, requiring minimal game knowledge and strategic placement.
2. Who is the best roamer in Rainbow Six Siege?
Caveira is the quintessential roamer, with her Silent Step ability allowing her to move stealthily around the map and flank unsuspecting attackers. Her ability to interrogate downed enemies also provides valuable intel.
3. Which defender has the best guns?
This is subjective, but Jäger (416-C Carbine), Ela ( Scorpion EVO 3 A1 ), and Bandit (MP7) are often cited as having excellent weapons due to their high fire rates and manageable recoil.
4. Who is the best counter to hard breachers like Thermite and Hibana?
Kaid and Bandit are the primary counters to hard breachers. Their ability to electrify reinforced walls prevents the use of breaching charges.
5. Who is the best intel-gathering defender?
Valkyrie is a top-tier intel operator, as her Black Eye cameras can be placed in strategic locations around the map, providing valuable surveillance. Echo’s Yokai drones also provide excellent intel and can disorient attackers.
6. Who is the best defender against grenades?
Jäger’s ADS is the primary counter to grenades. It destroys incoming projectiles before they can detonate. Wamai’s MAG-NET System is also effective, as it pulls grenades towards it, potentially detonating them in a safe location.
7. Who is the most banned defender in Ranked?
Historically, Echo is often the most banned defender due to his ability to deny plants and provide intel from a safe location.
8. Who is the best trap operator on defense?
Lesion is a strong trap operator. His Gu mines inflict damage over time and provide intel when triggered.
9. Who is the best healer on defense?
Thunderbird is the primary healer on defense, with her Kona Stations providing healing to nearby defenders. Rook can also be considered a healer with his armour plates, which provide damage reduction.
10. Which defender can create new lines of sight?
Smoke with his shotgun can create lines of sight. As mentioned earlier, Azami can place down Kiba barriers to reshape the battlefield.
11. What is the best shotgun on defense?
The M590A1, used by Smoke, Mute, and Warden, is a versatile shotgun known for its consistent damage output and range. The SASG-12, used by Kapkan, is a good choice for quickly opening large areas, and can be combined with a reflex sight for precise shots.
12. Which defender can deny area effectively?
Smoke is an excellent area denial operator. His gas grenades can block off entry points and flush out attackers. Kapkan is another choice, as he is used to deny access to an objective.
13. Who is a strong defender that can slow down attackers?
Melusi is a very strong defender and can slow down the attackers by setting down Banshees that will make any attackers movement slow while they are within its range.
14. What is the best way to improve my defense in Rainbow Six Siege?
Focus on map knowledge, communication with your team, and understanding the strengths and weaknesses of different operators. Watch professional gameplay and learn from experienced players. The GamesLearningSociety.org can also provide valuable insights into the game’s strategies and learning aspects.
15. What should I prioritize when choosing a defender to unlock?
Consider your play style, your team’s needs, and the current meta. Research different operators and watch gameplay videos to see them in action. Choose an operator that you find fun and that you believe will contribute to your team’s success.