Maelstrom Protocol is another mode of gameplay in Rainbow Six Extraction that is a little higher stakes than your standard mode. The endgame mode is ranked, and oversees players competing for their rank and the rewards that come with it. The mode features weekly challenges, few resources, but sizeable rewards for those who play best.
Throughout Rainbow Six Extraction, there are four Containment Zones with different maps and mission objectives for players to seek out either single-player or multiplayer. As players progress, eventually filling out their Codex and reaching Milestone 17, the Maelstrom Protocol will become available.
For those who are adept at slaying Archæan mutants, this ranked game mode adds an edge to standard gameplay; the edge being competition. The Maelstrom Protocol does not feature PvP, and acts as an ultimate test of the PvE skills of your squad, and offers rewards for the best of the best. Here's everything you need to know about playing Maelstrom Protocol in Rainbow Six Extraction.
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+ 2How to Play Maelstrom Protocol
The Maelstrom Protocol in Rainbow Six Extraction does not follow the rules of traditional ranked gameplay. You do not go head to head with other players, but you instead follow new rules and participate in a harder mode of gameplay to put your Extraction skills to the ultimate test.
- Read More: Best Operators in Rainbow Six Extraction
Throughout Maelstrom Protocol, you'll earn XP; the more XP, the more points that go towards increasing your rank. Ultimately, the higher your rank, the higher the possibility of you earning unique cosmetics and REACT Credits. These Credits are Extraction's in-game currency and can be used to purchase further skins and cosmetics from the in-game store.
The endgame mode has you choose from six Operators and then take on set challenges that will feature less loot, constant mission objectives, time constraints, and more challenging Archæan enemies to go against. As you can already imagine, the further you go with each mission, the more difficult things get. Having the highest rank doesn't come easy, but it does reap rewards.
What also makes Maelstrom Protocol interesting is that amongst the nine mission objectives you can attempt to complete during one incursion, each subzone will have its own mutation. This can change gameplay from subzone to subzone substantially; for example, one subzone may have the majority of its enemies be cloaked, while another may have multiple armoured nests.
Maelstrom Protocol Ranks
In Rainbow Six Extraction, the Maelstrom Protocol features five ranks that range from Bronze to Diamond. The more XP and points earnt during your Incursion, the higher your awarded rank will be. Your best run will be taken into account before ranks reset each week, which means that your rank in Rainbow Six Extraction will all boil down to one exceptional run.
So, rather than heading on Incursion after Incursion and hoping for the best, players will need to devise a strong squad, strategy, and actively learn from any errors they make. If you and your team want the top rank, fanciest gear, and best rewards, you'll need to work together to devise what your skills are and thus, the best Operator line-up for you. Diamond ranks won't happen overnight, but by polishing off your strategy with your friend, it'll be attainable over time.
The ranks for Maelstrom Protocol, and the XP that each requires, is as follows:
- Bronze: 20k XP
- Silver: 30k XP
- Gold: 50k XP
- Platinum: 70k XP
- Diamond: 90k XP
click to enlarge + 2Maelstrom Protocol Rewards
For the top performers during Maelstrom Protocol, rewards primarily consist of cosmetics or REACT Credits that can be spent on cosmetics. Players will also be awarded with seasonal headgear cosmetics that have colours reflecting the class that they earnt that season. However, the seasonal headgear is not a permanent reward, and will need to be earnt again each season.
The awarded REACT Credits are permanent though, and whatever cosmetics you choose to purchase in-game using them will remain on your account long after the season ends. Being awarded Credits to purchase new skins with seems like a pretty good reward to us.
That's all you need to know about playing Maelstrom Protocol in Rainbow Six Extraction and achieving a high rank. For those who are new to the game, we have some tips and tricks on offer. On the other hand, if you're already well-versed with Extraction, check out the games roadmap of future events and alternative game modes.
For more articles like this, take a look at our Rainbow Six Extraction and Guides page.