How Clash’s rework will transform defensive gameplay in Siege X

One of the most controversial figures in Rainbow Six Siege history, Clash is finally receiving a rework to balance her shield and abilities for the modern era of Siege X. Players are beginning to test out new strategies with the shielded defender, so it’s a great time to jump into the tactical battle as Clash.

Clash is finally a viable character for competitive play following the release of her rework in Operation Daybreak, so we have a guide on what to expect from Clash in Siege X, along with why the meta may shift towards shield characters in general.

Originally released as a playable operator in September 2018, Morowa “Clash” Evans is a defending operator who wields an electrified shield. She’s strong-willed, having led protests throughout her life, and she eventually joined the Metropolitan Police Service. Though Clash lacks speed, her CCE Shield provides ironclad defence and can even expand or collapse based on movement during a match.

For many years, Clash’s CCE Shield has been a point of controversy and debate in the R6 Siege community, but with a fresh rework for her skill kit, she’ll finally be viable again in Siege X.

Clash’s remaster has revamped the operator by providing the CCE Shield with new functions. Players can now place the shield on the ground and even activate its electricity attack remotely to slow down enemy combatants. This allows Clash to roam effectively without a bulky shield weighing her down. The CCE Shield’s shock attack no longer damages enemies but still provides a speed debuff.

The CCE Shield will also now collapse or expand depending on your movement, so Clash has more versatility and unpredictability than ever before. All of these updated mechanics help fans use Clash with their preferred play style, leading to innovative strategies and new operator combos.

If Clash is selectable in future esports tournaments, then she’ll switch up how many teams build their roster since she’s one of the only defenders in Siege X with a defensive shield ability. As a defender, Clash’s rework will make her a major player due to the unpredictability of her play style.

A core problem with Clash in the past is that players have found exploits revolving around her gadget, one of which allowed her to shoot while hiding behind the shield. Ubisoft strived to fix and balance her abilities over the years, but unfortunately, Clash has regularly been disabled from Siege’s roster. Clash was also the first defending operator to get a shield as a primary gadget, which contributes to her controversial status.

With a fresh coat of paint, the CCE Shield is back with a new way to use it, and hopefully, no new exploits will be discovered. Clash’s electrified shield is already a frustrating ability to fight against since she can slow you down while hiding behind a tough defence. However, add on the past exploits, and it’s easy to see why Clash has remained a controversial operator in Rainbow Six Siege for years.

The meta in Siege is a fragile thing, as new operators, maps, and weapons are regularly released to offer fans new ways to play. Remastering Clash will have multiple effects on competitive play in Siege X in the long term. We may see an increase in the use of other shield operators, like Blackbeard, Montagne, or Blitz.

Strategies based around Clash’s detachable shield might also allow for some unique combinations with defenders who wield trap gadgets. On the flip side, expect to see more attackers who can counter Clash’s CCE Shield, such as Nomad, an operator who knocks enemies back.

In the end, the detachable CCE Shield will transform defensive gameplay into something Siege has never seen, as a shield that can stun enemies remotely could be the centre of many strategies.

Quick attackers are best for countering Clash, along with those who wield stun or knockback abilities, like Nomad. So, some players will start shifting towards speedy characters to counter defensive shields now that Clash is viable again. 

Those seeking a defensive character may see Clash’s uptick in use and try out Blackbeard or Blitz, especially with the recent influx of new players in Siege X, so we could be heading into a defensive meta in Ubisoft’s tactical shooter.

For many years, Clash has had balancing issues due to the unique effects offered by the CCE Shield. With new ways to use Clash’s shield and her various balancing updates, it’s a better time than ever to try Clash in casual or competitive play.

Over the next few months, watch out for new strategies based around the CCE Shield. Clash’s rework is bringing the defender back to life in R6 Siege X, and the meta may shift towards shield operators in general if Clash gains popularity.