Wamai in Rainbow Six Siege is a defender introduced in Operation Shifting Tides alongside Kali. Known for his magnetic gadget, the Mag-NET, he changes how attackers use their utility. This article explores Wamai’s story, his unique gameplay style, and how to use him effectively.
Biography of Wamai
Ngũgĩ Muchoki Furaha, codenamed Wamai, was born on the coast of Kenya in the Lamu Archipelago. His childhood revolved around the ocean, where he hunted sharks and searched for treasures. His unusual ability to hold his breath longer than others was later explained by his unique physiology.
Wamai joined the Kenyan Navy and later the Kenya Special Boat Unit. His skill in freediving drew attention both from the military and the scientific community. He took part in operations like Indian Ocean and Sledge Hammer before moving to NIGHTHAVEN.
In 2019, he and his team responded to a pirate attack on the super tanker Argus. Their success led to his recruitment into Rainbow. At the Six Invitational 2022, Wamai and other NIGHTHAVEN members left Rainbow to follow Kali. Soon after, he joined Grim in another successful anti-piracy operation.
Psychological Profile
Dr. Harishva “Harry” Pandey described conversations with Wamai as feeling like “talking underwater.” He speaks in a way that often drifts between abstract ideas, but his calm nature reassures those around him.
His ability to think in three-dimensional space makes his strategies unique. Freediving is not only a skill but also a spiritual pursuit for him. This detachment makes him unpredictable but effective, with an unusual perspective on planning and combat.
Gameplay Description
Wamai is a medium-armored defender. His gadget, the Mag-NET, attracts attacker projectiles and detonates them at its location. This tool disrupts attackers by turning their explosives and utility against them.
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Wamai starts with one Mag-NET at the beginning of the action phase.
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A new one is generated every 40 seconds, up to six in total.
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The gadget can be placed on any surface but can be destroyed by bullets, melee, or electronic counters.
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When triggered, the Mag-NET pulls in a projectile within a 3.5-meter radius, resets its timer, and detonates it after a short delay.
The Mag-NET can capture grenades, breaching rounds, candelas, and other gadgets. However, it does not affect Hibana’s pellets or Twitch’s shock drone charges. If both Wamai’s Mag-NET and Jäger’s ADS are in range, Jäger’s device takes priority.
Synergies
Wamai works well with Goyo. If an attacker throws a grenade near a Volcán Shield, the Mag-NET can pull it onto the shield, triggering an explosive trap. His gadgets also complement defenders who rely on area denial, as he forces attackers to waste or misplace their utility.
Counters
Attackers have several ways to disable or destroy Mag-NETs.
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IQ can detect them with her scanner.
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Twitch can destroy them with shock drones.
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Thatcher disables them temporarily with EMP grenades.
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Fuze and Kali can break them with their explosives.
These counters mean Wamai must be careful with placement. Poor positioning can make his gadgets easy targets.
Loadout
Wamai has access to two reliable primary weapons, the AUG A2 and the MP5K. For sidearms, he can choose the Keratos .357 or the P12. His secondary gadgets are Proximity Alarms or Impact Grenades, allowing him to adapt to different defensive setups.
His combination of weapons and utility makes him versatile. He can both gather intel with alarms or shape the battlefield with explosives.
Device Evaluation
The Mag-NET is officially known as the Magnetic Neutralizing Electronic Targeting System. It uses neodymium magnets arranged in a Halbach cylinder to capture projectiles. When activated, the device self-destructs in the process, leaving nothing for attackers to analyze.
Twitch, in her evaluation, noted how effective this system is despite being a single-use gadget. Its ability to disrupt attackers’ plans makes it one of the strongest defensive tools when placed correctly.
Quotes
Wamai is known for the line: “If you feel overwhelmed, simply breathe.” This reflects his calm and spiritual nature, which aligns with his background as a freediver.
Trivia
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The name “Wamai” comes from the Swahili phrase “wa maji,” meaning “of water.”
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His middle and last name mean “happy hour” in Shona.
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Ash opposed his recruitment into Rainbow, believing it was a mistake.
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Kali considers him one of the most attractive operators as of Year 7 Season 3.
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In 2023, Wamai was added as a skin for Adam Francis in Dead by Daylight.
Final Thoughts
Wamai in Rainbow Six Siege brings a unique form of defense with his Mag-NET gadget. His ability to turn attackers’ tools against them makes him both disruptive and creative. While he requires careful placement and timing, his presence can shift the pace of a round. For defenders who want to control how attackers use their utility, Wamai is a powerful choice.
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