Ubisoft has confirmed that Solid Snake, the iconic protagonist of the Metal Gear Solid series, will join Rainbow Six Siege as the latest playable operator. The announcement comes alongside a reveal trailer showing Snake interacting with Sam Fisher, the veteran Splinter Cell operative, highlighting a crossover between two of gaming’s most recognized espionage characters. David Hayter, who has voiced Snake in the Metal Gear Solid franchise since its inception, returns to reprise his role, providing a sense of continuity for fans.
Snake will become available with the launch of Operation Silent Hunt on March 3. The trailer showcases his familiar stealth abilities, including corner ambushes, silenced attacks, and tactical use of smoke grenades, emphasizing how his skill set has been adapted for Siege’s competitive gameplay. Sam Fisher also makes a brief appearance, with the two characters demonstrating a mutual respect before diving into combat scenarios.
Crossovers and Operator Expansion in Rainbow Six Siege
Rainbow Six Siege has steadily expanded its roster, now featuring over 70 operators. Sam Fisher, under the codename “Zero,” was added in 2020 during Operation Shadow Legacy. Snake’s addition continues Ubisoft’s approach of bringing in recognizable characters from other franchises to diversify the player experience. Previous crossovers have included content from Assassin’s Creed, Resident Evil, Tomb Raider, and Halo, ranging from playable operators to cosmetic items. These collaborations serve as a way to attract new players while giving longtime fans additional content to engage with in the live-service environment.
David Hayter Returns, Michael Ironside Does Not
One of the key questions surrounding the crossover was whether David Hayter would return to voice Solid Snake. The reveal trailer confirmed that he would, preserving the voice identity that has become synonymous with the character over decades. Fans noted, however, that Michael Ironside, the original voice of Sam Fisher, was not involved in this project. Despite this, the interaction between Snake and Fisher retains a sense of familiarity, and the pairing is presented as a highlight of the new season.
Timing with Metal Gear Releases
The introduction of Solid Snake comes at a time when interest in the Metal Gear franchise is being renewed. Last year saw the release of the Snake Eater remake, and the upcoming Metal Gear Solid Master Collection Vol. 2, which includes a remaster of Metal Gear Solid 4, is set to launch in August. These releases suggest that while a new mainline Metal Gear game has not been announced, the franchise remains active on modern platforms, and collaborations like the Rainbow Six Siege crossover help maintain visibility for the series.
The State of Splinter Cell
While Metal Gear has been receiving renewed attention, the Splinter Cell series remains dormant. The last major entry, Splinter Cell: Blacklist, was released in 2013, and a previously teased remake has yet to materialize. Sam Fisher’s inclusion in Siege serves to keep the character relevant, but the franchise as a whole has not seen significant updates in over a decade.
Industry Perspective on Cross-Franchise Collaborations
Snake’s addition to Rainbow Six Siege demonstrates a broader trend in live-service games toward licensed crossovers. These collaborations offer developers a way to introduce new content, engage different player demographics, and capitalize on established brand recognition. By integrating characters like Snake and Fisher, Ubisoft combines nostalgia with current gameplay, creating a unique experience that bridges multiple gaming universes.
Make sure to check out our articles about top games to play in 2026:
Best Nintendo Switch Games for 2026
Best First-Person Shooters for 2026
Best PlayStation Indie Games for 2026
Best Multiplayer Games for 2026
Most Anticipated Games of 2026
Top Game Releases for January 2026
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When will Solid Snake be available in Rainbow Six Siege?
Solid Snake will be available as an operator starting March 3, 2026, with the launch of Operation Silent Hunt.
Who voices Solid Snake in Rainbow Six Siege?
David Hayter returns as the voice of Solid Snake for this crossover event.
Is Michael Ironside voicing Sam Fisher?
No, Michael Ironside does not return for this project. The voice of Sam Fisher in Siege is not the original actor.
Has Sam Fisher appeared in Rainbow Six Siege before?
Yes, Sam Fisher joined the game in 2020 under the codename “Zero” during Operation Shadow Legacy.
Does this crossover connect to new Metal Gear or Splinter Cell games?
The crossover does not introduce new entries in either franchise but coincides with the Metal Gear Solid Master Collection Vol. 2 and the Snake Eater remake. Splinter Cell remains without a recent release.
