Rainbow Six Siege's operator tier list for defenders remains unchanged for the most part unless the developers integrate core changes to a character's unique ability. The Y10S1 update brought a new attacker to the game, which undoubtedly shifted the meta playstyle and shuffled the pick rates of defenders. Simply having strong entry denial abilities may not help you win, as attacking teams have access to more tricky gadgets to breach the objective site.
Defending can be easier for your squad with a proper team composition. That said, it is crucial to understand the synergy of abilities and how each works to properly deter attackers from taking control of the site. While agility enables you to flank faster, traps in unexpected locations can take down opponents without putting yourself in risky situations.
This article will highlight the most effective defenders you can pick while playing Rainbow Six Siege.
Note: This article is subjective and reflects the writer's opinions.
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All Rainbow Six Siege defenders ranked in Operator tier list for Operation Twin Shells (Y10S1)
With 37 defenders on board, this list will categorize the operatives into five tiers: S, A, B, C, and D in the Operator tier list.
S-tier

The ones in this tier are the strongest defenders as per the current competitive meta. They see high pick rates due to their gadgets or offensive abilities to stop the attackers in their tracks by preventing entry to the site.
Sentry
Sentry is a unique entry in this tier and primarily takes the spot due to the loadout and variety of gadgets. Fans can freely swap between different utilities to support their team and effectively block the attackers' ability to take a site by force. However, it takes a lot of in-game experience, game sense, and teamwork to understand which equipment should be picked.
The Commando 9 is an adept assault rifle that can be used to spray freely in gunfights as a primary gun. You can pick the Super Shorty shotgun for secondary as it enables potential instant kills in shallow corners and close-combat.
Fenrir
Fenrir is an effective defender operator who can take advantage of open spaces around the map to hide his Dead Mines. Since his loadout contains an SMG and a shotgun as primary, you should try to take fights at medium range. Playing off the activation of the mines is the best way to get kills and catch enemies off guard. This is most useful against aggressive teams who like to run in from different entry points toward the objective without checking for traps.
Azami
Azami is a tricky defender to master. Her ability and gadget kit is quite easy to understand but needs a lot of attention when using as pre-placed covers. The most effective way to place these barriers is around corners and near solid map assets to create unique angles. Such site setups make it possible for you to spot the enemies first and score an elimination before they can drone you out of the spot. However, these are not indestructible barriers, and you cannot depend on them for too long.
Tubarao
Tubarao is another great operator whose utility makes him one of the best picks in the current meta. Thanks to his ZOTO canister gadget, he can deny hard breaches, making it difficult for attackers to enter a site. He is also equipped with the AR-15 DMR with Acog scope which brings a much-needed long-range weapon to the defenders. It is best to play this operator from inside the objective area to be able to hinder enemy rushes. Alternatively, his ability can also be used on maps with higher floors to detect enemy footprints and shoot them through the floor.
A-tier

Operators in this tier are very good picks, but they are not as strong as the ones in the S-tier when it comes to competitive R6.
- Mira
- Valkyrie
- Aruni
- Castle
- Bandit
- Goyo
- Kaid
- Mute
- Wamai
- Lesion
- Melusi
B-tier

These operators are not as powerful as the ones in the previous tier, but they are not useless by any means.
- Kapkan
- Smoke
- Ela
- Frost
- Jager
- Thorn
- Maestro
- Doc
- Echo
- Skopos
C-tier

This tier consists of characters whose gadgets have either been power crept, do not have much use, or have guns that are so bad that you would rather avoid them.
- Alibi
- Mozzie
- Tachanka
- Warden
- Vigil
- Pulse
- Oryx
D-tier

These operators see no picks in competitive Rainbow Six Siege because their gadgets/guns have been rendered completely obsolete or can be countered easily.
- Caveira
- Clash
- Thunderbird
- Solis
- Rook
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