IQ's reconaissance game is about to be next-level in Siege after Crystal Guard

The Crystal Guard update for Rainbow Six Siege is almost here and we're here to talk about the changes being made to IQ going into Y6S3. They're not going to be the most expansive changes, but that doesn't mean they won't have a huge impact. The latest Pre-Season Designer's Notes shared by Ubisoft reveal all...

IQ Operator Changes - Patch Notes

The newest set of Pre-Season Designer's Notes - released ahead of Y6S3 later this month - highlight the changes being made to IQ and her unique Operator skill: the Electronics Detector.

Essentially, IQ can now make the most of the new "Ping 2.0" system while using it. The patch notes reflecting this might not be too expansive, but they mean that IQ can be much more effective in intel-gathering and IQ players won't have to use comms to add context to her previously generic pings. You'll be able to see exactly what she's seen and exactly where she's seen it. You can focus on your actions and let the pings do the talking, now.

• Electronics Detector
  • Can use Ping 2.0 through walls
  • Can ping operators with wearable electronic devices (Vigil, Counter-Defuser, etc.)

When does the Crystal Guard update come out?

Rainbow Six Siege's next season of content - that should introduce these new IQ Operator changes - is due to start as soon as the previous season of content ends. This means we should see Crystal Guard start on August 30th as soon as North Star is over.

UPDATE: The Test Server now reflects Crystal Guard content which would suggest the full release of Y6S3 is scheduled for September 7th, or later. We do not have confirmation of this yet.

Specifically speaking, we should see Operation Crystal Guard kick off at the following times on release day:

• Steam
  • Maintenance Time: 09:00 EST / 12:00 PST / 17:00 BST
  • Release Time: 10:00 EST / 13:00 PST / 18:00 BST
• Uplay
  • Maintenance Time: 09:00 EST / 12:00 PST / 17:00 BST
  • Release Time: 10:00 EST / 13:00 PST / 18:00 BST
• Xbox Consoles
  • Maintenance Time: 10:00 EST / 13:00 PST / 18:00 BST
  • Release Time: 11:00 EST / 14:00 PST / 19:00 BST
• PlayStation Consoles
  • Maintenance Time: 11:00 EST / 14:00 PST / 19:00 BST
  • Release Time: 12:00 EST / 15:00 PST / 20:00 BST

These times are subject to change, but this is when the last seasonal Siege title update was released and we don't think Ubisoft is going to change things up too much. Osa, Rainbow Six Siege's newest Operator, is coming in Crystal Guard alongside map changes to Bank, Coastline, and Clubhouse.

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