In a surprising crossover, Ubisoft and Konami have announced that Solid Snake, the iconic protagonist from the Metal Gear series, will join Rainbow Six Siege as a new Operator. This marks the first time a third-party character has been introduced into the tactical shooter, with Snake set to debut on March 3, 2026. His kit includes adapted elements like the Soliton Radar Mk. 3 for detecting enemies through walls, an OSP Pouch, and the Tacit .45 pistol, all designed to fit Siege's realistic tone.
The Cardboard Box Prototype That Never Was
However, not all of Snake's signature gear made the cut. Creative director Joshua Mills revealed in an interview that Ubisoft toyed with the idea of including his iconic cardboard box as a gadget. A prototype was developed, featuring active camo to blend into environments, but it was scrapped early in development. Mills explained that the concept didn't align with Siege's vibe, where players are far smarter than the GRU soldiers in Metal Gear Solid.
Why the Box Was Abandoned
The primary reason for discarding the cardboard box was gameplay-related. Mills noted that Rainbow Six Siege players are highly knowledgeable about every map detail. If they spotted a cardboard box out of place, they would immediately recognize it as suspicious, rendering the gadget ineffective. This insight led the team to focus on more practical adaptations, ensuring Snake's abilities meshed well with other Operators.
Despite Konami denying that the box was ever seriously considered, Mills confirmed the prototype's existence, highlighting it as part of the creative process to envision Snake in Siege's universe. The collaboration between Ubisoft and Konami began over two years ago, driven by a shared passion for the Metal Gear franchise. Mills praised Konami as an incredible partner, providing resources to capture the character's essence accurately.
Solid Snake's arrival in Rainbow Six Siege represents a significant milestone, blending stealth iconography with tactical shooter mechanics. While the cardboard box may remain a nostalgic memory, his inclusion promises to shake up the game's meta, offering intel-focused players new strategic options.
