Operator Profile: Blackbeard in Rainbow Six Siege

Blackbeard, whose real name is Craig Jenson, is an offensive operator in the video game Rainbow Six Siege. He was originally introduced as part of the Operation Dust Line expansion and has undergone an extensive overhaul in the Operation Collision Point update.

Despite being born into a family with a strong tradition in the medical sciences and no previous military connection, Blackbeard pursued his passion for a career as a Navy SEAL. His early interest in this path was encouraged by his father, a kinesiology professor.

Understanding Blackbeard as a Character

Blackbeard exhibits a strong commanding presence accompanied by a distinct sense of humor and laughter, forging a larger-than-life persona among his fellow Rainbow operators.

Latest Update: The Operation Collision Point Overhaul

In Operation Collision Point, Blackbeard was revamped to keep him up-to-date with newer operators. A key element of this overhaul is the introduction of the HULL Adaptable Shield, revolutionizing his unique playstyle. It resembles normal ballistic shields but with the following major enhancements:

• Weapon Compatibility: Blackbeard can now wield his primary weapons, the MK17 CQB assault rifle, or the SR-25 marksman rifle, even with the shield equipped.
• Retractable Window: The bulletproof window at the top of the shield can be retracted to provide better aim and fire capabilities from his weapon while increasing his vulnerability.
• Soft-Breach Capability: The shield is now equipped with limited charges that can blast through destructible walls, allowing Blackbeard to create operator-sized openings and lead pushes through soft walls.
• Retractable Bottom: The bottom of the shield also retracts, ensuring that the shield can provide protection when Blackbeard is rappelling, making him effective in vertical engagements and window plays.

These modifications aim to balance both strategic depth and risk versus reward in Blackbeard’s gameplay, requiring more tactical decisions from players.

Blackbeard’s Preferred Loadout and Tactics

Blackbeard often wields the MK17 CQB (assault rifle) or the SR-25 (marksman rifle). He shines in maintaining lines of sight with his shield while posing a threat to defender positions, especially during window holds or soft wall breaches. The latest update further emphasizes the strategic use of the shield’s breaching capability to disturb defender configurations and coordinate pushes. It’s critical for players to carefully evaluate situations to decide when to attack or defend behind the shield.

Continual Revamp of Older Characters

The revamp of Blackbeard is part of Ubisoft’s ongoing dedication to update older operators to ensure their relevance in the current game meta, as initial characters have found it challenging to compete with the newer, more powerful additions over the years.

Rundown of Blackbeard’s Updated Features

• HULL Adaptable Shield: Ballistic shield with retractable window and soft-breach tool.
• Weapon Compatibility: Can use MK17 CQB or SR-25 while shielded.
• New Tactical Opportunities: Can breach soft walls and rappel with shielded.
• Gameplay Role: Aggressive line holder and initiator of breaches.

With the revamp in Operation Collision Point, Blackbeard’s reworked abilities brought him back into the offensive spotlight, presenting fresh ways to counter defenders and making him a more dynamic and skillful choice for players adapting to the continually evolving strategies in Rainbow Six Siege.