Why Do People Play R6 in 4:3? The Resurgence of a Classic Aspect Ratio
The question of why some players, particularly professionals, choose to play Rainbow Six Siege (R6) in a 4:3 aspect ratio when the vast majority of modern monitors are 16:9 is a common one. The short answer is that, despite its dated appearance, a 4:3 aspect ratio provides certain perceived and real advantages in competitive play, stemming from both historical familiarity and gameplay mechanics. It’s not merely a nostalgic throwback; it’s a strategic choice that can significantly impact a player’s performance.
At its core, the 4:3 aspect ratio makes objects and enemies appear slightly wider than they would in a standard 16:9 format. This seemingly subtle visual change translates to an easier target acquisition because, effectively, targets look bigger. This is a critical factor in a game as fast-paced and precision-focused as Rainbow Six Siege. Even a fraction of a second saved in target acquisition can be the difference between winning and losing a firefight.
The effect is particularly amplified when the 4:3 image is stretched to fit a 16:9 monitor. The stretching results in enemies appearing not only wider but, in some player’s perspective, seemingly easier to track. It alters the visual processing, and for many, it allows for quicker and more precise aiming. This visual trickery isn’t a myth; it’s a well-documented phenomenon that directly influences reaction times. This is further emphasized by the fact that, while 16:9 provides a wider field of view overall, the stretched 4:3 can compress the visual information in such a way that key elements stand out more prominently, particularly in close-quarters engagements.
Another strong influence is familiarity. Many seasoned players have spent countless hours playing first-person shooters (FPS) on older monitors with 4:3 aspect ratios. The comfort and muscle memory that comes with this experience make it difficult to switch. For these players, the familiar feel of 4:3 is not just about comfort; it’s also about performance. Muscle memory plays a crucial role in aiming, and any disruption to that familiarity can negatively impact their play. Therefore, these veteran players may find they are more consistent and have more confidence in their shots using 4:3.
Finally, the perceived advantage isn’t limited to visual impact. Though not universally agreed upon, some players argue that the compressed visual field and the way the game engine handles rendering within this ratio may result in more consistent frame rates and performance, especially on older hardware. While most modern systems can handle R6 comfortably, the desire for every last edge of performance still influences these settings. For players at the highest level, maximizing consistent and minimal input lag is critical. While the framerate benefits are marginal in most cases, any possible reduction in lag is worthwhile.
The Nitty-Gritty: Why 4:3 Matters in R6
The appeal of 4:3 in R6 isn’t simply about nostalgia or placebo effects; it’s backed by tangible advantages. The idea is about visual manipulation, comfort, and achieving a slight competitive edge through the manipulation of game settings.
Target Acquisition and Perceived Size
The most cited advantage of using a 4:3 aspect ratio is that the horizontal stretch makes enemies appear larger. The perceived enlargement reduces the aiming burden for many players, making it easier to land shots. This is particularly beneficial during chaotic close-quarters combat, where fine aim adjustments can be difficult. By making targets seemingly “fatter”, 4:3 allows for slightly less precision in aiming, which can be a significant benefit under pressure.
Visual Compression and Focus
While 16:9 offers a broader view of the game world, the compressed perspective of 4:3 can actually draw focus to the center of the screen, where most engagements take place. This is beneficial in minimizing the visual “noise” and clutter of the game environment and making enemy players stand out more clearly and quickly.
Historical Preference and Muscle Memory
A significant number of players in competitive R6 have extensive experience playing FPS games on older equipment using a 4:3 aspect ratio. This leads to established muscle memory and a sense of comfort and control with the narrower perspective. For these players, the switch to widescreen can be jarring and disruptive, hindering rather than helping performance.
Perceived Performance Gains
Though not always the case, it is believed that 4:3 may slightly increase frame rates. While most modern PCs can handle Rainbow Six Siege with ease, some older systems or those pushing high refresh rates can see an advantage. Any little improvement in performance can provide a competitive edge in the long run, especially in tight matches.
The Psychological Advantage
Lastly, it is argued there can be a psychological benefit to using a non-standard setting. It can provide players with a feeling of control, uniqueness, and perhaps a mental edge when facing opponents. Even the perception of having an advantage may boost performance by increasing confidence.
FAQs About 4:3 in Rainbow Six Siege
Here are some frequently asked questions about playing R6 in a 4:3 aspect ratio:
Is 4:3 actually better for aiming in R6?
For some players, yes. The visual distortion created by the stretched 4:3 aspect ratio makes targets appear wider, making it easier to aim. However, this is subjective; some players may find it distracting or disorienting.
What is the most stretched aspect ratio in R6?
While the game supports various aspect ratios, the widest is often considered to be 21:9. However, players often achieve a ‘stretched’ effect by using a 4:3 resolution on a 16:9 monitor.
How do I set up 4:3 in Rainbow Six Siege?
To play in 4:3, you must change your display resolution in your system settings and then match it within the game’s video settings. You can use your GPU’s software to change resolution scaling.
Do R6 pros really use 4:3?
Yes, many professional R6 players utilize a 4:3 aspect ratio. This is largely due to a combination of familiarity and perceived advantages in aiming.
What resolution do pros use in R6?
Most professional players use 1080p resolution, though some use lower resolutions. They primarily use lower resolutions due to the reduced load on their systems, providing higher FPS.
Is 4:3 a fad or a legitimate choice?
4:3 is not a fad. It’s a legitimate choice for players seeking a perceived advantage through visual manipulation and historical comfort. While there is no guarantee it will result in improved performance for everyone, it remains a staple for a notable portion of the R6 community, especially those who have come from other older FPS titles.
What FOV should I use with 4:3?
It’s typically recommended that you keep your Field of View (FOV) at 80 or less when using a 4:3 aspect ratio. Many prefer closer to 70 to reduce visual distortion.
Can I use other aspect ratios in R6?
Yes, Rainbow Six Siege supports many aspect ratios, but 4:3 and 16:9 are among the most popular. Other popular aspect ratios are 16:10 and 5:4.
Is 16:9 worse than 4:3 for R6?
Not necessarily. 16:9 provides a broader field of view, which some players prefer, while 4:3 has that stretched/wider target advantage. It comes down to personal preference and playstyle.
Does 4:3 affect my FPS in R6?
While the effects are often small, using a lower resolution with the 4:3 aspect ratio can slightly increase frame rates, particularly on older systems.
What is the “best” aspect ratio for R6?
There is no single best aspect ratio. It depends on the player’s preferences, playstyle, and hardware. Many will argue it is 16:9, while others prefer 4:3, both are valid choices.
Does a stretched image really make a difference?
For some players, it does. The stretched image can make enemies appear larger, making them slightly easier to hit. This is an effect many find helpful, although the effectiveness is very subjective.
Is 4:3 still used outside of gaming?
While 16:9 is the standard for most modern displays, 4:3 is seeing a minor resurgence in some media production.
Will I become a better player by using 4:3?
Using 4:3 won’t automatically make you a better player. However, it can provide a perceived advantage and comfort which may boost your performance in certain scenarios and for certain players.
What should my ADS sensitivity be when using 4:3?
ADS (Aim Down Sights) sensitivity is subjective. A good starting point is the default 50. You should then tweak it based on what feels most comfortable and natural to your playstyle.
In conclusion, the enduring popularity of the 4:3 aspect ratio in Rainbow Six Siege, especially within the professional scene, isn’t a mere throwback to the past. It’s a carefully considered choice influenced by visual perception, historical comfort, and the pursuit of that competitive edge. While not universally beneficial, understanding the reasoning behind it can help both new and veteran players optimize their game settings to their preference. Ultimately, the best aspect ratio for R6 is the one that feels the most comfortable and effective for each individual player.