At BLIX, we don’t just follow the Rainbow Six Siege meta—we break it down, analyze it, and deliver insights you won’t find anywhere else. To believe us – go read “R6M New Features and Enhancements” and “R6 Ranks: How Ranking System Works In Rainbow Six Siege” articles. We are pro, you’ll see.
Want to dominate the attack side in Rainbow Six Siege in 2025? This up-to-date R6 Siege attacker tier list breaks down the top 10 most effective attackers, their role strengths, loadouts, and meta relevance after the latest updates. Whether you’re a fragger, support, or flex player, this guide helps you pick the right operator for each situation.
Contents
- 1 Highlights
- 2 Quick Attackers Comparison Table
- 3 List of the Best R6 Siege Attackers
- 4 Thatcher – The EMP Enforcer
- 5 Why He’s Strong
- 6 Thermite – The Wallbreaker
- 7 Why He’s Strong
- 8 Ace – The Versatile Breacher
- 9 Why He’s Strong
- 10 Ash – The Aggressive Entry Fragger
- 11 Why She’s Strong
- 12 Buck – The Vertical Punisher
- 13 Why He’s Strong
- 14 Sledge – The Hammer Operator
- 15 Why He’s Strong
- 16 Blackbeard – The Angle Holder
- 17 Why He’s Strong
- 18 Maverick – The Stealthy Saboteur
- 19 Why He’s Strong
- 20 Montagne
- 21 Why He’s Strong
- 22 Nomad – The Flank Watcher
- 23 Why She’s Strong
- 24 FAQ
Highlights
- Best R6 Siege Attackers in 2025 (Quick List)
- Tier List Criteria: What Makes an Attacker Meta?
- Operator Breakdown: Strengths, Weaknesses, Tips
- Frequently Asked Questions
Quick Attackers Comparison Table
Operator | Role | Utility Type | Best For | Risk Level |
---|---|---|---|---|
Thatcher | Support | EMP Grenades | Electronic destruction, hard breach | Low |
Thermite | Hard Breacher | Exothermic Charges | Breaking through fortified walls | Medium |
Ace | Hard Breacher | S.E.L.M.A. Ranged Breach | Remote wall breaching | Medium |
Ash | Entry Fragger | Breaching Rounds | Rapid path opening, gadget clearing | High |
Buck | Flex/Vertical | Skeleton Key (Shotgun) | Vertical control, flexibility | Medium |
Sledge | Soft Breacher | Breaching Hammer | Vertical play, soft-breach | Medium |
Blackbeard | Entry Fragger | H.U.L.L. Adaptable Shield | Going undercover | Low–Medium |
Maverick | Hard Breacher | Breaching Torch | Quiet breaching, bypassing electronics | High |
Montagne | Support / Frontline Shield | Le Roc Shield | Blocking defender movement, protecting teammates, drawing attention, and safe intel gathering | Low |
Nomad | Anti-Flanker | Airjab Launcher | Flank control, post-plant | Low |
List of the Best R6 Siege Attackers
www.youtube.com › watch
- Thatcher
- Thermite
- Ace
- Ash
- Buck
- Sledge
- Blackbeard
- Maverick
- Montagne
- Nomad
Thatcher – The EMP Enforcer
Why He’s Strong
His EMP grenades temporarily turn off almost all defense electronics. Thatcher is not about “kills” but “winning the round“. He’s not just an operator; he’s a guarantee that the attack won’t choke because of a single Bandit battery.
Thatcher has a great weapon (AR33 or L85A2), making him a useful supporter and a capable fighter in firefights.eapon choices—the ARX200 or G36C—and frag grenades, and you’ve got a top-tier fragger.
I’m new to siege any tips to being a thatcher main? – Reddit

Strengths
- Disabling Electronics: EMP grenades turn off electronics and counter Bandit, Kaid, Mute, Maestro, Aruni, etc.
- Quick Preparation for Hard-Break: Helps operators like Ace, Thermite, and Hibana breach faster and more safely
- Safe Application: EMP acts through walls, making it safe to deploy through walls.
- Stable Weapon: AR33 / L85A2.
Weaknesses
- Risk to Allies: EMP can accidentally turn off allied gadgets (Fuze, Zero, Nomad, etc).
- Dependent on the Team: can be ineffective without a Breacher.
- Temporarily Disabling Gadgets: EMP grenades do not destroy, they only temporarily turn off gadgets.
Tips
Counteraction: When Kaid/Bandit tricking is active, coordinate to ensure the EMP goes off right as the charge is placed.
Front and Vertical Control: Full front and vertical control will provide a combination of Thatcher, Thermite, and Buck. It is ideal for maps with vertical layers, such as Oregon, Kafe, and Clubhouse.
Fast and Aggressive Entry: For aggressive play and fast entry, use Thatcher, Ace, and Ash. This combo ensures quick breaches and multiple entry routes.
Thermite – The Wallbreaker
Why He’s Strong
Thermite wins not by killing, but by controlling the map. He changes defender setups, opens key entry points, and gives your team a strategic advantage. You can’t get to the objective on a team without Thermite.

Strengths
- Effective on Key Maps: Works great on maps with critical fortified walls (Clubhouse, Bank, Oregon).
- Suitable for Beginners: It’s a good choice for beginners: his attachments are simple, and the 556xi assault rifle does a lot of damage with a high rate of fire.
- His exothermic charges can penetrate an entire fortified wall.
Weaknesses
- Setup Vulnerability: Vulnerable while charging — requires cover and territory control.
- Limited Flexibility: Less flexible than Ace or Maverick (his charge must be placed directly on the wall).
Tips
Perfect Combination: Use Thermite + Buck + Ash to capture key areas and sweeps.
Perfect Combination: Use Thatcher + Thermite + Iana for a team style with an emphasis on map control.
Need for Support: Use allies' smoke or shields for defense while charging.
Role in Vertical Attack: On vertical maps, play number two: Sledge/Buck sweep first, then break.
Ace – The Versatile Breacher
Why He’s Strong
Ace is the best of both worlds—he’s a hard breacher but doesn’t need to be up close like Thermite. His S.E.L.M.A. charges create large, ranged openings while keeping him safe.
Strengths
- Long-Range Hard Breach: Can open walls without exposing himself.
- Powerful Weapon: The AK-12 boasts high damage and low recoil.
- Versatility: Can play as entry or support.
Weaknesses
- Weak Against Trickery: Bandit or Kaid can easily deny his breach charges.
- No Direct Means of Penetration: Unlike Thermite’s breach, S.E.L.M.A.’s breach is too small for quick team entry, but too large for peeking.
- Less Aggressive than Fraggers: Despite the powerful AK-12, Ace is more of a support. He lacks the mobility and aggression of true fraggers.

Tips
Zone Sweep: Make sure there is no Mute, Aruni, Bandit, or Wamai nearby before using it. Ask an ally (Thatcher, Brava, IQ, Twitch) to clear the area.
The Perfect Combination: Ace works best in conjunction with Thatcher, Twitch, Iana, and Ash—he opens, they go in.
Open Angles and Windows for Pressure: S.E.L.M.A. can be used not only for primary entries, but also to create secondary angles of attack or penetrations to make it difficult to defend.
Ash – The Aggressive Entry Fragger

Why She’s Strong
Ash symbolizes aggression and pace in attack. She allows you to quickly seize space, disrupt defensive rhythm, and apply pressure from the very start of the round.

Strengths
- Fast and Deadly: One of the fastest operators with strong weapons (R4-C, G36C).
- Versatile Gadget — Breaching Rounds: Her underbarrel grenade launcher allows her to safely and quickly open soft walls, trapdoors, and destroy gadgets like Banshee, and Aruni Gate without losing momentum.
- Strong Early Pressure: Can launch an attack from an unexpected flank, quickly sweep the map, and make defenses panic.
Weaknesses
- Predictable Playstyle: Defenders expect Ash to rush, making her easier to counter.
- Mechanics Dependent: Requires good aim and fast reactions, leaves little room for error.
- Limited Explosives: Only two Breaching Rounds must be used wisely.
Tips
Use Unexpected Routes: Ash moves quickly through the map—use this to bypass enemies, not just attack head-on. On maps like Bank, Border, and Oregon, quick entrances through second floors or windows are effective.
Put Pressure on the Defense at the Beginning: Use the first 30-40 seconds of the round before the defense is in full position. A timely rush can break the defense's structure.
Gadget Removal: Target defender gadgets like shields and barricades to clear the way for your team.
Utility Baiting: Fire Breaching Rounds at common defender setups before peeking, as it may trigger Jäger’s ADS or Wamai’s discs, clearing the way for your team’s grenades and utility.
Buck – The Vertical Punisher
Why He’s Strong
Buck remains strong due to his instant adaptability to any situation. He can start a round as an entry-fragger, then switch to a vertical sweep, support the team with fire, and clear a point without switching gadgets.
Strengths
- Mobility and Pace: Unlike slower vertical operators (like Sledge with a heavy sledgehammer), Buck can move quickly, change floors, and destroy on the fly.
- Role Flexibility: Buck can play as a fragger, a support, or a flanker, depending on the situation and the map.
- High Damage Weapon (C8-SFW): He has an excellent assault rifle with high speed and damage, especially effective at close and medium range.
Weaknesses
- Less Effective on Open Maps: His shotgun is not as useful on maps without vertical pressure.
- Skeleton Key Makes a Lot of Noise: It is easy to hear when playing vertically, especially at the bottom.

Tips
Vertical Destruction: Use the Skeleton Key to control space from above and below, destroying floors and ceilings.
Open Lines of Fire: Create convenient angles for shooting, not just holes in the walls.
Team Play: Coordinate with your teammates, especially hard-breakers and scouts.
Effective Weapon: Use the C8-SFW rifle for aggressive runs and accurate duels.
Sledge – The Hammer Operator
Why He’s Strong
Sledge is a simple but very effective attacker that combines fast mobility, a powerful demolition gadget, and a reliable weapon. His hammer allows you to quickly punch through soft obstacles without risking wasting charges, and its high speed makes it great for aggressive play and flanking.

Strengths
- High Mobility: Moves quickly around the map, can quickly change position, and crush defenses.
- Strong Primary Weapon: His L85A2 rifle has stable recoil and high accuracy.
- Flexible Play: Can play both as a saboteur and an aggressive fragger.
Weaknesses
- Slower than Buck: The Skeleton Key Shotgun is faster and more accurate at destroying floors and ceilings.
- Less team support: Cannot neutralize gadgets or create passageways remotely.
Tips
Create Passageways Quickly and Safely: Use a Sledge hammer to open side walls and doors so you don't have to take the default routes to get in.
Don't Break Alone: Before destroying a wall or barricade, check the corner with a drone or team.
Play Through the Floor and Flanks: Break in from another level of the map and break the floor under enemies - it's safer and gives you a tactical advantage.
Blackbeard – The Angle Holder
Why He’s Strong
Blackbeard is strong in the passive game, where you must control corners, windows, and openings, especially when coming in from high ground or holding off rotating defenses. His shield gives him a small but important advantage in firefights.
Genuine thoughts, how do we feel about Blackbeard on a scale from 1-10? — Reddit

Strengths
- Shield on Weapon: Protects your head from first shots, giving you time to fire back.
- Ideal for Holding Corners: Can safely peek through windows, doorways, and engage in ranged duels.
- High Damage Weapon (Mk17 SCAR): Accurate and a powerful assault rifle allows you to punish a mistake quickly.
Weaknesses
- Shield Breaks Quickly: After 1–2 hits, the shield is destroyed.
- Slow Movement with Shield: Shield reduces aiming and movement speed.
- Weak Against Vertical Damage: His shield doesn’t protect him from damage coming from above or below.
Tips
Don't Rush in: Blackbeard is effective at slow, cautious play — don't rush in first.
Hold Windows and Openings: Use a shield to safely control long lines, especially from upper windows and balconies.
Hold Position for the Team: Take key corners to block defense moves and secure the flanks.
Maverick – The Stealthy Saboteur

Why He’s Strong
Maverick is a versatile attacker known for his ability to quietly and accurately cut through fortified walls and manholes with a gas torch (Breaching Torch).
Strengths
- Unstoppable Breacher: His torch works through any reinforcement or denial device.
- Silent Openings: He can create murder holes or small peeking spots without noise.
- Flexible Loadout: The M4 is a well-rounded rifle, while the AR-15.50 offers long-range precision.
Weaknesses
- Vulnerable While Breaching: He’s exposed when torching walls and hatches.
- Takes Time to Open: Unlike an Ace or Thermite torch, this torch requires time and concentration; you can’t open a wall instantly.
- Limited Fuel: He must use his torch carefully to avoid running out.

Tips
Use the Drone Before Cutting: Check for enemies, C4, or gadgets (e.g., Kapkan, Lesion) — Maverick is vulnerable while working the torch.
Control Sound and Angle: Cut from a safe angle, avoid open shots. Start with small holes to shoot through, and then pass through.
Remember Hatches: The torch allows you to open hatches even if they are reinforced or electrified by Kaid's gadgets, which is useful in the Clubhouse, Consulate, and Kanal.
Montagne
Why He’s Strong
Montagne is a master of control and psychological pressure. His presence in the midst of enemies changes the tempo of the round, forcing defenders to make mistakes, waste resources, and retreat.
Strengths
- Full Frontal Defense: His shield covers his entire body — he can walk into the enemy’s face without taking damage.
- Positional Pressure: Forces the enemy to retreat or open positions without firing.
- Works in Conjunction: He is a strong support for fraggers and hard breachers, covering their entry.
Weaknesses
- Slow and Loud: His footsteps can be heard from far away, and his movements are limited.
- Limited Offensive Capability: Can only deal damage at close range.
- Vulnerable to Explosives: Dies to C4, traps (Lesion, Kapkan), fire (Goyo).

Tips
Use Shield Push: apply a melee attack when an enemy is close, and you're covered.
Work in Post-Plant Situations: Montagne can extend his shield so much that shooting at him becomes nearly impossible.
Play in Pairs: distract enemies while your partner eliminates them.
Nomad – The Flank Watcher

Why She’s Strong
Nomad’s Airjab grenades prevent defenders from flanking and rushing. She’s an essential pick for controlling enemy movements.
Strengths
- Automatic Crowd Control: Her Airjabs knock back enemies and disrupt their positioning.
- Versatile Playstyle: Can frag out or play passively depending on the situation.
- Good Weapon Choices: The AK-74M and ARX200 offer reliable firepower.
Weaknesses
- Gadget Placement Matters: Poorly placed Airjabs can be wasted or destroyed.
- Limited in 1v1s: Airjabs don’t work well in direct fights since they take time to activate.
- No Hard Breach: She doesn’t bring any wall-breaching capabilities.

Tips
Flank Security: Place Airjabs on common rotation paths to prevent defenders from surprising your team.
Area Denial: Deploy devices near objective entrances to deter retakes during plant situations.
Aggressive Entry: Use offensive Airjabs to clear rooms, knock defenders back, and create engagement opportunities.
FAQ
How were these attackers chosen?
We selected these operators based on their current meta performance, versatility, and unique utility. Each pick offers decisive advantages in ranked and pro play, ensuring maximum impact on the attacking team.
Which attacker is best for solo queue?
Iana is considered the best choice for solo play. She combines excellent weapons, a hologram for safe exploration and high mobility. Iana does not depend on the team: she can find enemies, engage in firefights and get frags.
Ash, Buck, and Nomad are also good options for solo play – they allow you to play aggressively, infiltrate flank enemies and control enemy movements without the help of allies.
Who is the best attacker for beginners?
The best attacking operator for beginners is Sledge. He is easy to use, has a clear role and effective equipment. His breaching hammer allows him to quickly open soft walls, floors, and barricades without using complicated gadgets.
Sledge also has access to frag grenades and a reliable assault rifle (L85A2), making him great for learning core game mechanics like map knowledge, soft breaching, and gunplay.
Which attacker is strongest in pro play?
For 2025, the strongest offensive operators in the professional game include Iana, Thatcher, and Ace.
Iana combines excellent shooting with safe reconnaissance using holograms. Thatcher is indispensable for disabling enemy electronics with EMP grenades, supporting hard breachers. Ace is one of the best hard breachers, opening fortified walls quickly and safely. These operators are often picked due to their efficiency and versatility in team play.
Which attacker is best for clearing defender utility?
Thatcher is considered to be the best attacking operator for clearing defender utility.
He is armed with EMP grenades that deactivate or destroy electronic devices of the defenders – such as cameras, traps, mines, and gadgets from Bandit, Kaid, and Maestro, etc. This makes him a key ally for hard breachers (Thermite, Ace, Hibana).