Rainbow Six Siege Y9S4 Patch Notes Revealed

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Rainbow Six Siege

Find out all the changes in Rainbow Six Siege Y9S4 as we explore the Patch Notes and the Addendum as revealed by the developer.

Rainbow Six Siege Y9S4 Patch Notes and Addendum.
Y9S4 Operation Collision Point brings in several changes to Rainbow Six Siege (Image via Ubisoft)

Rainbow Six Siege Y9S4 Operation Collision Point is a major update and brings several changes to a few operators. Among these, Blackbeard has received almost an entire rework, since his signature ability has changed entirely. Other than that, the Y9S4 Patch Notes Addendum also brings in several other bug fixes that existed in the game.

In this article, we will explore the Rainbow Six Siege Y9S4 Designer’s Notes and the Patch Notes Addendum as revealed by the developers.

Rainbow Six Siege Y9S4.0 Patch Notes Explored

Operator Balancing

Blackbeard

Blackbeard’s ability is designed to provide a defensive advantage while remaining lethal. Despite numerous adjustments to balance his ability, success has been limited. Currently, the Rifle Shield can withstand only 20 HP, making it unreliable for protection. This frustrates both Blackbeard and his opponents, as it can block a single headshot but leaves Blackbeard vulnerable.

To address this frustration, we decided to eliminate the Rifle Shield and introduce a completely new gadget. The Blackbeard Remaster aims to balance his defensive and offensive capabilities. Additionally, we want Blackbeard to contribute more than just killing potential to his team. Blackbeard’s new gadget is the H.U.L.L. Adaptable Shield. This shield functions like any other Ballistic Shield but with added features:

  • Rappel Shield: Blackbeard can change the shield’s shape to use it while rappelling.
  • Breaching Dash: Blackbeard can perform a short, powerful dash using the H.U.L.L. Adaptable Shield’s pneumatic system to breach Soft Walls, Barricades, Deployable Shields, Armor Panels, Talon Shields, and Kiba Barriers. After breaching, he will be concussed and slowed for a few seconds.
  • Big Guns: Blackbeard can use Primary Weapons (Mk-17 and SR-25) while wielding the Ballistic Shield. However, he cannot hip fire like other shield operators and will expose his upper body when aiming and reloading.

We’ve aligned this new gadget with some changes to the Operator Balance aiming to compensate for his new fast breaching capabilities. Blackbeard will now move slower, as a 1 Speed / 3 Armor Operator. He no longer has access to the D-50, and the Stun grenades have been removed.

We want Blackbeard to fulfill two main roles. As a Rappel Master, he should be able to sit comfortably on rappel behind his shield, watching the enemy and gathering intel. Additionally, he can now use the H.U.L.L. Adaptable Shield’s breaching capabilities to push forward, hunt roamers with the team, and secure a path for the rest of the team.

Base Stats
  • Armor: 3
  • Speed: 1
H.U.L.L. Adaptable Shield
  • Breaching Ability
    • Max. resources: 4 Charges.
    • 8 seconds Cooldown between use.
Loadout
  • H.U.L.L. Adaptable Shield
  • Primary weapons:
    • Mk-17
      • Damage increased to 44 (was 40)
      • Magazine Size increased to 25 (was 20)
      • Total ammunition increased to 226 (was 181)
    • SR-25
  • Gadgets: Frag Grenades, Claymores.

Montagne

The new fix we implemented for Ballistic Shield’s guard break (more details below) made Montagne too vulnerable with the current configuration. The accumulative guard break strength allowed a single defender to take him down too easily. To address this, we have reduced the opening caused by a single melee attack. However, it’s important to note that the overall opening a defender can create is now larger. Previously, with the third melee, the strength would be 40%, but with the new fix, it will be approximately 60%.

Montagne must be smart when facing multiple defenders because if they collaborate, he won’t be able to hold them anymore.

Le Roc Shield
  • Guard break animation strength when melee’d reduced to 20% (from 40%).

Sens

The new ability to turn the R.O.U. Projectors on and off will introduce a fresh layer of strategy when using Sens. This enhancement will make Sens’ gameplay more dynamic, granting greater control over the gadget to precisely manage lines of sight. Defenders will need to exercise more caution when moving around, as the wall can disappear at any moment. Additionally, the projector’s battery depletes only when the wall is active. Sens will have ample time to plan and deploy all the projectors without rushing, allowing for precise placement.

To limit chaos and minimize potential mistakes, we have also reduced the number of projectors deployed per system. Additionally, we have shortened the distance at which the light wall starts to blind operators when they are too close. This adjustment makes it more comfortable for attackers to move around and less punishing for defenders who choose to take the risk of passing through.

We have enhanced the light walls to be resistant to Thermal View devices such as Glaz, Warden, Evil Eyes, and Bulletproof Cameras. This improvement will differentiate the R.O.U. Projectors from regular Smoke Grenades, making Sens the preferred choice for smoke-plants.

R.O.U. Projector System
  • New Switch Ability Mode to turn On and Off the projectors.
  • The projectors’ battery only depletes while the walls are On.
  • Reduced number of projectors to 7 (from 10).
  • Reduced distance in which the wall starts to block vision to 0.75 meters (from 1.15),
  • Thermal View gadgets cannot see through the Wall.

Thunderbird

The Kóna Station will now not only provide a flat heal but also grant a Health Regeneration buff to the target. This enhancement aims to make each station more valuable for sustaining teammates through the round. With this change, Thunderbird can distribute her resources more effectively, as a single station will be capable of bringing operators back to full health. However, this buff will disappear immediately upon taking damage or reaching full health, encouraging player to use it wisely and stay out of danger to maximize its benefits.

Additionally, the inclusion of the ITA12S will offer more flexibility to her loadout, allowing for the creation of new lines of sight for the stations to function without significantly compromising firepower.

Kona Station
  • Added new Health Regeneration buff.
  • Regeneration speed: 2hp per second.
  • Buff end conditions: Receive damage or reach 100% health.
Loadout
  • Secondary weapons: Added ITA12S

Ying

Ying has always been one of the more frustrating operators to face, so we have decided to make some adjustments to her Candela. We have removed the insta-trigger option to provide defenders with more opportunities to counteract it. This change allows defenders to make rapid tactical decisions, keeping the gameplay engaging and ensuring that both attackers and defenders have meaningful choices to make.

Defenders can now use the brief delay before the Candela detonates to move to safer positions and avoid the full impact. This should make the gameplay more dynamic, rewarding quick thinking and movement.

The additional delay also gives defenders a chance to potentially destroy the Candela. This interaction encourages defenders to stay alert and actively engage with Ying’s gadget, rather than passively waiting for the effect to go off.

Moreover, the need to time the Candela correctly will highlight player skill. An insta-trigger setting reduced the skill ceiling, making it easier but less rewarding. Additionally, the extra time and audio feedback will hep teammates coordinate better and avoid being caught off guard by an unexpected Candela.

Candela
  • Rolling distance:
    • 0 charges: 10 meters
    • 1 charge: 7.5 meters
    • 2 charges: 5 meters (from 2.6)
    • 3 charges: 2.5 meters (from 0)
  • Piercing time:
    • 0-1 charges: 3 seconds
    • 2 charges: 2 second
    • 3 charges: 1 seconds

Gadget Balancing

Stun Grenades

Reducing the number of Stun Grenades helps minimize the overwhelming effect where defenders are frequently bombarded with flashes, leading to a less enjoyable experience. Overuse of Stun Grenades can create a chaotic environment, overshadowing skill and strategy with volume of utility use. This can make the game feel less tactical and more about who can throw the most grenades rather than who can outsmart and outplay their opponents.

By limiting the availability of Stun Grenades, we aim to encourage more skill-based engagements and strategic play. This change enhances the effectiveness of projectile catchers like Jäger and Wamai. With fewer projectiles in play, they can use their gadgets more efficiently, allowing defenders to maintain control over important areas for longer periods and protect crucial utility without the fear of their gadgets being exhausted too quickly.

We believe that holding a strong position is generally more efficient than peeking outside of the building, and this change should allow defenders to do so more comfortably. Defenders should utilize their utility and the environment to their advantages, reducing the chances of being eliminated too early in the round. This approach also supports better team coordination, allowing defenders to cover each other’s angles, set up crossfires, and use their gadgets more effectively, which is crucial for maintaining control over key areas and objectives.

Base Stats
  • Max. number: Reduced to 2 gadgets per operator (from 3).
Operators Affected
  • Amaru
  • Buck
  • Dokkaebi
  • Finka
  • Flores
  • Hibana
  • Lion
  • Maverick
  • Nomad
  • Ram
  • Sledge
  • Striker
  • Thermite

Weapon Balancing

Ballistic Shields

The Suppressive Fire mechanism is intended to prevent and interrupt shield’s sprinting ability, assisting defenders in stopping aggressive players and giving them time to reposition or seek for help. However, we have observed that the system is not being used as frequently as we expected. This could be because defenders find it difficult to recognize when the effect is active, making it hard to judge if shooting at the shield is worthwhile.

To address this issue, we have reduced the number of bullets required to trigger the effect, ensuring that all the gameplay consequences of being suppressed are easier to apply. Additionally, we have adjusted the number of bullets needed to reach maximum intensity, making the effect last longer. Please note that high-caliber weapons will require fewer bullets.

Furthermore, we are also looking to refine the abilities, specifically the melee attack. In its current form, it encourages shielded players to play more aggressively than intended. The new animation and damage make it the most effective way to take down targets. However, the initial intention was for it to create an opening for a teammate or the player’s handgun -exposing himself- to secure the kill.

Therefore, we have decided to completely remove the damage from the melee attack. This change aims to eliminate the ability to be overly aggressive and increases the risk of being too close to a defender.

Additionally, we have resolved several issues impacting their power level. The guard break animation now functions as a stun, meaning the shielded operator is unable to do anything until the guard break animation ends. This makes the shielded operator vulnerable until the animation completes, and its duration and intensity can be increased by chaining multiple hits to the shield. Finally, we have also refined the melee range checks, so the battle will be fairer.

Melee
  • Damage reduced to 0hp (from 65).
Suppressive Fire
  • Reduced number of bullets required to trigger the effect to 5 (from 10).
  • Reduced number of bullets required to reach its maximum intensity to 20 (from 40).
Guard Break
  • Consecutive guard breaks can stack to increase the opening (instead of being ignored if the animation was already playing).
Operators Affected
  • Blackbeard
  • Blitz
  • Clash
  • Fuze
  • Montagne

Shotguns

We are reviewing the performance and balance of the shotgun ecosystem. Our goal is to enhance the viability and comfort of certain semiautomatic shotguns. For example, the M1014 is currently difficult to control after the first shots, and we aim to address this. Semiautomatic weapons will now be easier to use and more powerful.

In this revision, we will also improve pump shotguns and automatics by tightening their dispersion cones. We’ve set them at a midpoint between their current state and the improvement previously granted by old laser attachments.

Some shotguns are already performing well, like the Supernova or SPAS-15, so we have decided not to make significant changes to them. This set of changes should bring the underperforming shotguns closer to the ones players already favor.

Base Stats
  • ADS Dispersion Cone Reduction
    • ITA12L
    • M590A1
    • M870
    • SG-CQB
    • FO-12
    • SASG-12
  • Hip-Fire Dispersion Cone Reduction
    • ITA12L
    • M590A1
    • M870
    • SG-CQB
    • Supernova
Recoil – PC & Console
  • First Shot Reduced
    • M1014
    • SPAS12
    • Super 90
    • SASG-12
  • Increased Vertical Recoil after first shot
    • M1014
    • SPAS12
    • Super 90

Rainbow Six Siege Y9S4 Patch Notes Addendum Explored

Y9S4 Patch Size

Find the download sizes for each platform below.

  • Ubisoft Connect: 73.99 GB
  • Steam: 14.8 GB
  • Xbox One: 34.4 GB
  • Xbox Series X: 40.7 GB
  • PlayStation®4: 39.90 GB
  • PlayStation®5: 36.74 GB

Y9S4.0 Patch

  • Shotguns ecosystem tweaks for PC and Console:
  • ADS Dispersion Cone Reduction: ITA12L, M590A1, M870, SG-CQB, FO-12, SASG-12.
  • Hip-Fire Dispersion Cone Reduction: ITA12L, M590A1, M870, SG-CQB, Supernova.
  • First Shot Reduced: M1014, SPAS12, Super 90, SASG-12.
  • Increased Vertical Recoil after first shot: M1014, SPAS12, Super 90.

Window Blocker

  • To reduce toxicity and spawn peeking, players will no longer be allowed to navigate onto window ledges.
  • Vaulting and Hot-Breaching through windows will not be affected

Texture Reforge

  • A texture reforge has been done which means players will be expecting a larger than usual Patch Size (between 30 and 40GB update).

Bug Fixes

Gameplay

  • FIXED – Shield doesn’t lean with the Operator when holding a grenade when viewed as an Opponent.
  • FIXED – Blackbeard’s H.U.L.L. Adaptable Shield occasionally doesn’t block damage from throwable devices.
  • FIXED – Defender Bots leave the building when player picks Montagne.
  • FIXED – Barricades and objects behind them aren’t destroyed by Impact Grenades thrown underneath them in 2F White Stairs on the Kanal map.
  • FIXED – Defender Operator animation pauses briefly after being affected by Dokkaebi’s Logic Bomb.
  • FIXED – Goyo’s Volcán Canister floats in the air after destroying Azami’s Kiba Barrier if the canister is placed on the barrier.
  • FIXED – Operator change stance when existing Observation Tools.
  • FIXED – Sens’ R.O.U. Projector System VFX and SFX remains when destroyed while being held by Wamai’s MAG-NET System.
  • FIXED – Aiming down sights during free-look causes shaking animations.
  • FIXED – Hibana’s X-Kairos pellets stick to the metal frame of hatches and clip through.
  • FIXED – Dust VFX is missing in Third Person when using Sledge’s Breaching Hammer.
  • FIXED – Goyo loses points when detonating his Volcán Canister.
  • FIXED – Player can vault through a single barricade window by breaking part of the barricade and using melee on the frame twice in a row.
  • FIXED – Devices can’t be deployed on debris of a destroyed Deployable Shield.
  • FIXED – Players can clip through barricades by making a hole in the barricade and rappelling into the wall.

Level Design

  • FIXED – Luggage used as drone vent blockers are destructible and allow for line of sight when removed in 2F Master Bedroom on the Villa map.
  • FIXED – Attackers can shoot through drone vents due to clipping issues with fire extinguishers used as drone vent blockers in 1F Throne Room on the Theme Park map.
  • FIXED – Ying’s Candelas and Fuze’s Cluster Charges can be deployed through metal sheets in 2F Bedroom on the Oregon map.
  • FIXED – Skopós’s idle V10-Pantheon Shell spawns misaligned in 2F Cafeteria on the Yacht map
  • FIXED – Operators can navigate on top of the fence by vaulting on the white van at EXT Parking on the Clubhouse map.
  • FIXED – Thermite’s Exothermic Charge can’t destroy walls at EXT Gardens or EXT Front Balcony on the Emerald Plains map.
  • FIXED – Players can deploy drones to look through wall in 2F Yellow Stairs on the Consulate Map.
  • FIXED – Interaction lost for Valkyrie’s Black Eye when deployed on a printer that is destroyed on the Bank map.
  • FIXED – Skopós’s idle V10- Pantheon Shell spawns without a shield in 1F Meeting Hall on the Oregon map on Hostage game mode.
  • FIXED – Operators are able to navigate on top of a container by using Osa’s Talon-8 Shield at EXT Generator on the Nighthaven map.
  • FIXED -Rock texture isn’t applied properly in Escape Tunnel B on the Clubhouse map.
  • FIXED – Skopós’s idle V10-Pantheon Shell spawns without its shield in 2F Engine Control on the Yacht map.
  • FIXED – Skopós’s idle V10-Pantheon Shell spawns too close to the wall in 1F Lounge on the Emerald Plains map.
  • FIXED – Skopós’s idle V10-Pantheon Shell is misaligned and clipping with the shield and objective when spawning in B Garage on the Consulate map.
  • FIXED – Skopós’s idle V10-Pantheon Shell spawns without its shield in the 2F Kitchen on the Yacht map.
  •  FIXED – Skopós’s idle V10-Pantheon Shell spawns without its shield in the 4F Cockpit and 4F Maps Room on the Yacht map.

Operators

  • FIXED – Deimos’s arm animation is delayed when aiming down sight of the .44 Vendetta.
  • FIXED – Blackbeard’s H.U.L.L Adaptable Shield doesn’t lean with him after breaching a wall.
  • FIXED – Blackbeard’s MK17 reload cancel animation is not working properly.
  • FIXED – Blackbeard’s feet are twisted when breaching from rappel with H.U.L.L Adaptable Shield equipped.
  • FIXED – Hibana’s X-Kairos spins in her hand while she remains idle in the Operator section.
  • FIXED – Blackbeard’s H.U.L.L Adaptable Shield is present in his Guerilla Victory Celebration.
  • FIXED – Smoke VFX incorrectly displays when using Blackbeard’s H.U.L.L. Adaptable Shield breach.
  • FIXED – Frost VFX from Tubarão’s Zoto Canister applies to the scope twice when aiming the CSRX3000 inside the Zoto Canister area of effect.
  • FIXED – Skopós’s idle V10-Pantheon Shell spawns in T-Pose occasionally.
  • FIXED – Vertical Grip triggers standard magazine reload animation for Nomad’s Airjab Launcher.
  • FIXED – Unable to scan Operators for 3 to 4 seconds after Capitão’s Tactical Crossbow Smoke Dart dissipates.
  • FIXED – Nøkk’s HEL Presence Reduction VFX persist occasionally if she is eliminated while the effect is active.
  • FIXED – Operators can get stuck between a security cart and gun cabinet in the Aiming Lane on the Shooting Range map.
  • FIXED – Skopós’s V10-Pantheon Shell LED lights clip into the shoulder.
  • FIXED – Oryx can clip through walls to climb a hatch in another room.
  • FIXED – The LED indicators on Skopós’s active V10-Pantheon Shell aren’t affected by changes to team color settings.
  • FIXED – Text prompt is misaligned with the center of the screen when activating Deimos’ DeathMARK.
  • FIXED – Kapkan’s arm clips through barricades when deploying Entry Denial Device.
  • FIXED – Hibana’s X-Kairos pellets are red instead of white when equipped with the elite skin.
  • FIXED – Full reload animation plays instead of the gadget reload for Nomad’s Airjab on an ARX200 when the iron sight is equipped with any grip attached.
  • FIXED – Missing VFX for Sens’s R.O.U. Projector System if the projector is destroyed while deploying.
  • FIXED – Players can clip through the shield of Skopós’s idle V10- Pantheon Shell and take damage.

User Experience

  • FIXED – The status change notification is missing from the Reputation tile.
  • FIXED – Attackers enter into a T-pose when equipping Smoke Grenades.
  • FIXED – Skopós’s idle V10-Pantheon Shell blocks players from reinforcing walls from the same side.
  • FIXED – Skopós’s Idle V10-Pantheon Shell blocks players from barricading doorways from the same side.
  • FIXED – Ping input disappears from the HUD after exiting a damaged Bulletproof Camera.
  • FIXED – Mute’s Signal Disruptor reappears when viewed in Match Replay after being destroyed.
  • FIXED – Frost’s Welcome Mat body reappears when viewed in Match Replay after being destroyed.
  • FIXED – Thunderbird’s Kona Station reappears when viewed in Match Replay after being destroyed.
  • FIXED – The Hard Breach Charge reappears when viewed in Match Replay after being destroyed.
  • FIXED – Valkyrie’s Black Eye reappears when viewed in Match Replay after being destroyed.
  • FIXED – Claymore reappears when viewed in Match Replay after being destroyed.
  • FIXED – Thermite’s Exothermic Charge reappears when viewed in Match Replay after being destroyed.
  • FIXED – Smoke’s Remote Gas Grenade reappears when viewed in Match Replay after being destroyed.
  • FIXED – Several deployable devices reappear when viewed in Match Replay after being destroyed.
  • FIXED – Defenders see a drop in FPS when Attackers switch Operators.
  • FIXED – Retro Steel weapon skin appears on the equipped sight in the thumbnail for the .44 Mag Semi-Auto handgun.
  • FIXED – Blackbeard’s H.U.L.L. Adaptable Shield charm is positioned incorrectly in some situations.
  • FIXED – Operators leave a floating device on the map when viewed in Match Replay if they equip their device then swap back to their primary weapon.
  • FIXED – Operators have the outline of the opposing team in Spectator mode.
  • FIXED – Melee weapon clips into the Operator’s hand when viewed in Match Replay if they melee and then swap to their Unique Ability.
  • FIXED – Dropped defuser icon is missing in Spectator mode.
  • FIXED – Defuser icon in the overhead camera of Spectator mode is different than in the first-person point of view.
  • FIXED – Equipped weapon skin doesn’t update to default if the current equipped weapon skin is sold on the Marketplace.
  • FIXED – Dust particles floating in the air appear larger than intended.
  • FIXED – Reconnect button and banner appear while waiting for a match to begin in Siege Cup.

Audio

  • FIXED – Blackbeard’s sprint animation and corresponding SFX aren’t in sync when equipped with the MK17.
  • FIXED – Shooting SFX present when using Maverick’s Breaching Torch.
  • FIXED – Drone landing SFX triggers when previsualizing the jump trajectory.

Known Issues

PC players can tell who is a Console player in their lobby. This and other areas where they can be identified are being addressed in Y9S4.1 patch.

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