Free-to-play ‘Horrorverse’ tactical RPG shooter Rules of Engagement: The Grey State announced for PC

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Grey State Studio, a part of Tencent Games, has revealed *Rules of Engagement: The Grey State*, a free-to-play horror-themed first-person shooter with RPG elements. The game is scheduled to release on PC in 2026 through Steam, the Epic Games Store, and WeGame in China.

Here is an overview of the game, via its store pages:

About

You play as a Strider, a highly skilled operative sent into The Grey State – a dangerous, shifting dimension – by a mysterious group. Your mission: navigate this unstable realm filled with terrifying creatures and powerful, strange objects.

Your goal is to get The Vertex – a valuable artifact – from the center of a dangerous area, and make it through a chaotic, wild territory while competing against other teams who are after the same prize.

This isn’t about saving the world. It’s just business.

A Horrorverse, Built to Expand

The Grey State is like no gold rush ever seen – incredibly dangerous, but also unbelievably rewarding. But there’s a catch: this new frontier is filled with terrifying nightmares. Imagine any monster you’ve ever encountered in a movie, book, or scary story – you’ll likely find something similar waiting for you here. It’s not a single horror story, but a universe containing *all* of them.

The Ultimate Hunt

Dive into fast-paced action with *Rules of Engagement*. This game throws you into intense encounters with both enemies and other players, creating a thrilling and urgent experience where time is always running out.

  • The Prep – All squads deploy with only a basic loadout, igniting a frantic scramble to hunt grotesque creatures and scavenge powerful gear before time runs out.
  • The Showdown – As the final countdown begins, a critical choice emerges: will you leave early at a safe, personal exfil point for a guaranteed payday, or risk it all to hunt for The Vertex and fight for a seat on the heavily contested helicopter? The choice is yours.

Make the Build as Deadly as the Bullet

The initial Alpha Playtest will include three different character classes. Each class is highly specialized and features an extensive skill tree, letting players create unique and customized builds.

  • Sledge – An unstoppable juggernaut, forging a path with shield and hammer.
  • Pyro – A chaotic madman that controls the battlefield with fire and gas.
  • Phantom – A swift assassin that strikes from the shadows with extreme precision.

In *Rules of Engagement*, strategic planning and strong teamwork are often more effective than simply being skilled at the game’s mechanics. The game values smart thinking and encourages players to be inventive.

Fair-to-Play, Never Pay-to-Win

Our game is free to play, and we fund its development by selling optional cosmetic items. Everything you need to succeed in the game – your equipment and abilities – is earned through gameplay, either by improving your skills or finding lucky drops. You can’t buy power with real money – that’s a firm commitment from us.

Join Our Development Journey

We’re building games *with* our players, not just *for* them. We see this as a continuous process of discovery, and we’d love for you to join us! Come hang out on our Discord to try out early versions of the game, share your thoughts, and help us make it the best it can be.

Check out the announcement trailer below. You can find the first images in the gallery. For more information, visit the official website: [English](link) / [Simplified Chinese](link).

Reveal Trailer

Gameplay Trailer

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2025-10-15 06:16