Rainbow Six Siege: Smoke Operator Guide

Smoke is one of the most versatile and tactical defenders in Rainbow Six Siege, known for his ability to control areas and delay enemy pushes with precision. As a core anchor operator, Smoke excels at holding bomb sites, denying plants, and buying precious time for his team using his unique Gas Grenades. His gadget allows skilled players to manipulate the flow of a round, forcing attackers to make risky moves or back off completely. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about playing Smoke effectively — from mastering his toxic gas canisters and positioning strategies to optimizing his loadout and making the most of his utility in both ranked and competitive play.

Smoke Ability Overview In Rainbow Six Siege

Smoke’s gadget is the Remote Gas Grenade, a powerful area-denial tool that can single-handedly stop enemy pushes or plant attempts. He carries three of these grenades, which can be thrown and detonated remotely using his trigger device. Once activated, they release a thick yellow cloud of toxic gas that slowly damages anyone caught inside — including teammates and Smoke himself — making careful placement essential.

The grenades are best used to block chokepoints, stop defusers, or delay time in the final seconds of a round. Because the gas lasts several seconds, Smoke can control an area longer than most operators, forcing attackers to either retreat or take heavy damage. Skilled players often use them to deny plants behind cover or combine them with barbed wire and other traps for maximum effectiveness. Patience and timing are key — wait until the enemy commits before activating the canister to get the most impact from Smoke’s deadly ability.

Best Smoke Weapon Loadout

Smoke’s loadout is built for flexibility, letting players choose between aggressive roaming or strong site anchoring. His primary weapons include the FMG-9 submachine gun and the M590A1 shotgun. The FMG-9 offers low recoil and good range, making it perfect for holding longer sightlines or supporting from behind cover. On the other hand, the M590A1 is one of the most powerful shotguns in Rainbow Six Siege, ideal for close-quarters fights and for creating rotation holes or new lines of sight around the bomb site.

For secondary weapons, Smoke can equip the SMG-11 machine pistol or the P226 Mk 25 handgun. Most experienced players favor the SMG-11 due to its high fire rate and strong damage output, though it requires good recoil control.

When it comes to gadgets, Smoke can bring either barbed wire or a deployable shield. Barbed wire pairs perfectly with his gas grenades to slow enemies caught in the cloud, while the deployable shield provides extra cover for anchoring key positions. Combining his shotgun with the SMG-11 and barbed wire creates one of the most effective setups for site defense and area denial in Rainbow Six Siege.

How To Play Smoke in Rainbow Six Siege

To play Smoke effectively in Rainbow Six Siege, you need patience, awareness, and precise timing. As a defender, Smoke excels at denying entry and wasting time, making him one of the best late-round anchors in the game. His job isn’t to get early kills — it’s to make sure attackers can’t safely plant the defuser or push into the site without paying the price.

Start each round by using the M590A1 shotgun to create rotation holes between bomb sites and line-of-sight holes to throw your gas grenades safely. Place your barbed wire at choke points or common entry routes so attackers move slower, making your gas more effective. During the early phase of the round, hold your position and gather intel through sound and teammate callouts — Smoke is far more valuable alive in the final seconds than dead early.

When attackers begin their push, use your Remote Gas Grenades to delay or deny plants. The key is timing — don’t throw them too early. Wait until the attackers commit or plant the defuser to maximize their impact. A well-timed gas can single-handedly win a round by forcing attackers out of position or killing them during the plant animation.

If you’re confident in your aim, you can also roam lightly or play near site entrances with the FMG-9 or SMG-11, using your utility to retreat safely when needed. The best Smoke players are those who can stay calm, control space, and use every second to their advantage — because in Rainbow Six Siege, time is just as deadly as bullets when Smoke is on the defense.

Conclusion

Smoke remains one of the most powerful and versatile Defenders in Rainbow Six Siege, capable of turning entire rounds in his team’s favor with just a few well-timed gas grenades. His ability to control space, delay plants, and force attackers into bad positions makes him invaluable in competitive play and casual matches alike. Whether you’re holding a site with precise utility use or anchoring the last seconds of a round, mastering Smoke’s patience and timing will elevate your defensive gameplay. If used correctly, this toxic operator can single-handedly shut down enemy pushes and secure victory for your team.