Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six vs Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six: Lockdown
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.


Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six is a revolutionary action and strategy game that places you in command of an elite multinational counter-terrorism unit. Facing deadly global threats, players must carefully plan their approach and lead their operatives through 17 intense, realistic missions where every decision matters. Combining tactical planning with immersive first-person action, the game emphasizes team-building and careful execution over mindless shooting. With multiple gameplay modes and a high-stakes campaign, it delivers an authentic special forces experience where survival requires both quick reflexes and meticulous strategy.
Engineered specifically for the PC by Red Storm Entertainment, Rainbow Six returns to deliver the tensest close-quarters battles ever experienced online. In this episode, Rainbow faces independent terrorist threats, tied together by one common element - the Legion virus. Players must strategically navigate dangerous environments, coordinate with teammates, and determine the connection between the terrorist threats and the virus before it's too late. Experience intense tactical gameplay that tests your reflexes and planning skills in both single-player and multiplayer modes.
- Deep and rewarding tactical planning phase before missions
- Intense and realistic special forces atmosphere
- Diverse campaign spanning 17 unique missions
- Supports single player, multiplayer, and split screen options
- Tense and immersive close-quarters combat
- Engaging single-player campaign with a unique plot
- Robust online multiplayer modes
- Strong focus on tactical planning and teamwork
- Steep learning curve for players unfamiliar with tactical simulators
- Dated graphics by modern standards
- Forgiving difficulty can lead to frequent mission restarts
- Dated graphics compared to modern titles
- Steep learning curve for casual players
- Limited modern platform availability
More alternatives & similar tools
Alternatives to Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six
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Official add-on for Rainbow Six featuring 5 new missions and weapons.

Lead the elite Rainbow team against independent terrorist threats and the lethal Legion virus.

Lead an elite counter-terrorism unit against the Russian mafia and global threats.
Alternatives to Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six: Lockdown
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Official add-on for Rainbow Six featuring 5 new missions and weapons.

A combination of explosive action and real-life strategy against global terrorism.

Lead an elite counter-terrorism unit against the Russian mafia and global threats.
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataBoth titles offer deep tactical shooter experiences, but the original 1998 Rainbow Six is the safer default for classic fans, while Lockdown adds a newer storyline and online focus at the cost of older graphics.
Key differences
- •Release era: 1998 vs 2005, affecting graphics and engine maturity.
- •Multiplayer scope: original includes split‑screen; Lockdown offers only online multiplayer.
- •Story focus: original’s 17‑mission global terrorism campaign; Lockdown centers on Legion virus plot.
- •Publisher/price details: original’s price not listed; Lockdown priced at $19.99 with a critic score of 67.
- •Age rating: original ESRB T, Lockdown ESRB M, indicating slightly higher mature content in Lockdown.
Gameplay & fun factor
Original emphasizes meticulous planning and split‑screen co‑op, delivering richer tactical depth per facts.
Platform availability
Original lists PC release; Lockdown limited modern platform availability, making original more accessible.
Price & value
Lockdown has a specified MSRP of $19.99, while original’s price is not specified.
Multiplayer / co‑op
Original supports single‑player, multiplayer, and split‑screen; Lockdown lacks split‑screen.
Content & replayability
Original offers 17 unique missions plus split‑screen replay; Lockdown’s content quantity not detailed.
Difficulty & accessibility
Both have steep learning curves, but Lockdown’s online focus may be less forgiving for casual players.
Graphics & performance
Both are described as dated graphics; no factual advantage for either.
Choose Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six if…
Fans of classic tactical shooters who want deep planning, split‑screen co‑op, and extensive mission content.
Choose Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six: Lockdown if…
Players seeking a newer storyline with online multiplayer and a clear price point, okay with dated graphics.
Common questions
Which game is cheaper?
Lockdown is priced at $19.99; the original’s price is not specified.
Can I play with friends on the same screen?
Only the original Rainbow Six supports split‑screen co‑op; Lockdown does not.
Which title has a higher age rating?
Lockdown is rated ESRB M, while the original is ESRB T.