Tencent Games internal team Grey State Studio has announced Rules of Engagement: The Grey State, a new and free-to-play “horrorverse” tactical RPG shooter.
Rules of Engagement: The Grey State is in development for Windows PC (via Steam and the Epic Games Store) with a release set for 2026.
Here’s a rundown on the game, plus its reveal trailer and gameplay:
You are a Strider: an elite operative hired by an enigmatic organization to venture into The Grey State, an unstable dimension filled with horrific monstrosities and alien artifacts.
Your mission is simple: retrieve The Vertex, a priceless artifact from the heart of the anomaly, and survive a nightmarish, lawless frontier with rival squads fighting for the same score.
This isn’t about saving the world. It’s just business.
A HORRORVERSE, BUILT TO EXPAND
The Grey State is the most dangerous and lucrative gold rush in history. The twist? This frontier is a graveyard of nightmares—a “Horrorverse.” Think of any iconic monster from any movie, book, or creepypasta you’ve ever loved—chances are, something like that is waiting for you in there. This isn’t just one horror story, it’s all of them.
THE ULTIMATE HUNT
Drop in, gear up, and get out. Rules of Engagement delivers a high-octane PvEvP loop where every run is a desperate race against the clock.
- 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
In the first Alpha Playtest, the game will feature three distinct classes, each a master of their craft with a sprawling talent tree that allows deep, creative build-crafting:
- 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, a clever build and smart team synergy can absolutely dominate pure mechanical skill. This is a game that respects player intelligence and rewards creativity.
FAIR-TO-PLAY, NEVER PAY-TO-WIN
Our business model is simple: the game is free-to-play, supported by cosmetic items only. You will acquire your gear purely via skill or luck. Player power cannot be purchased. Period.
JOIN OUR DEVELOPMENT JOURNEY
We believe the best games are built with the community, not just for them. This is an ongoing journey of exploration, and we want you to be a part of it. Join our Discord for playtests, share your feedback, and help us shape the future of the game together.
