'Rainbow Six: Siege' DLC release date, update: 'Operation Red Crow' getting new operators

A promotional image for "Rainbow Six: Siege"Rainbow Six: Siege website

It is already confirmed that the next DLC will come out soon for "Rainbow Six: Siege." Developer Ubisoft dropped some teasers for the expansion, as video trailers for the upcoming operators in "Operation Red Crow" surface online.

In blog announcements, Ubisoft has revealed the two Japanese special operators that will come included in the new "Operation Red Crow" DLC. The first operator is Hibana, a part of the National Police Academy who recruited into the Aichi Prefectural Police Department Special Unit. Born as Yumiko Igawa, the SAT operator is confirmed to be a closed-quarters combat specialist, assigned as a direct-action Attacker in the DLC.

Meanwhile, joining Hibana is Echo, another addition from SAT. He is a colleague of Hibana both on the National Police Academy and Aichi Prefectural Police Department Special Unit. As a complement to the direct assault operator, Echo is designated as a Defender in "Operation Red Crow," though he is also listed as proficient in closed-quarters combat.

Both operators are part of SAT, with details taken from the real Japan Special Assault Team. The real-life SAT is composed of special action teams spread throughout the Japanese archipelago, and the branch is considered to be classified until 1996.

Meanwhile, hardcore fans of the franchise can get an early peek into the upcoming DLC, as it is confirmed that "Operation Red Crow" will go live for season pass holders next week. The expansion will drop as an early-access exclusive on Nov. 17, while the general release for players will be on Nov. 24.

In addition to early access for Season Pass players, the base game will also have a free-play weekend from Nov. 10–13. Players can access "Rainbow Six: Siege" for free during the weekend, both on PC and PlayStation 4. The PC version will be free from 1 p.m. EST on Nov. 10 and will end on Nov. 13 at 4 p.m EST. The PS4 title, on the other hand, will be free starting on the same date but will end on Monday, Nov. 14 at 11 a.m. PST.