Tencent Games and Grey State Studio are preparing to launch “Rules of Engagement: The Grey State,” a free-to-play tactical-horror action-RPG shooter that plunges players into a terrifying, hell-adjacent dimension teeming with grotesque monsters and unimaginable horrors.
This perilous realm, known as The Grey State, is an unstable dimension too hazardous for direct human entry, yet it harbors invaluable alien artifacts. To navigate this `graveyard of nightmares` and `Horrorverse,` players become Striders, remotely controlling bio-engineered combat shells from a safe distance. Grey State Studios confirms that this dimension is populated by Lovecraftian entities and creatures drawn from films, books, and popular creepypasta legends.
Gameplay revolves around a tense PvEvP loop with a strict time limit for venturing into The Grey State. Striders must quickly scavenge for essential gear within this horrifying environment. Players face a critical decision: secure an early extraction for modest rewards or risk more to outmaneuver rivals and claim highly coveted alien artifacts for greater spoils.
An upcoming alpha test for `Rules of Engagement` will introduce players to four distinct Strider classes. While one class remains a secret, the confirmed archetypes include:
- Sledge: An indomitable juggernaut, clearing paths with shield and hammer.
- Pyro: A chaotic specialist, dominating the combat zone with fire and gas.
- Phantom: A stealthy assassin, delivering precise strikes from the shadows.
The developers emphasize that strategic thinking and skillful buildcrafting will be key to success, promising substantial rewards for adept players. They also highlighted their long-term vision, stating that `Rules of Engagement` is designed for sustained support, with continuous content updates, meta adjustments, and a player-friendly free-to-play model relying solely on cosmetic in-game purchases.
Slated for a 2026 PC release, `Rules of Engagement: The Grey State` will offer both solo play and cooperative multiplayer for up to four participants. Post-launch, the studio intends to expand the game`s rich `Horrorverse` with additional seasonal content.