Every gaming genre thrives on fresh ideas and bold attempts to innovate. While many big-budget studios often play it safe, it’s exciting to see Grey State Studio, a Tencent Games subsidiary, shake things up with a new Lovecraftian extraction shooter. Called Rules of Engagement: The Grey State, this game promises the intense, tactical gameplay of titles like Escape From Tarkov and Hunt: Showdown, infused with a chilling, Dead by Daylight-esque twist of Cthulhu-inspired horror.
While Lovecraftian themes have appeared in games before, often with combat elements, no first-person shooter—extraction-based or otherwise—has truly immersed players in the profound, unknowable dread central to H.P. Lovecraft’s universe. This is where Rules of Engagement aims to break new ground.
A thrilling trailer provides a first look at the unique horror elements and intense gameplay that Rules of Engagement: The Grey State promises.
Until now. Rules of Engagement: The Grey State promises intense action, truly haunting monsters, and deep RPG mechanics. Players will step into the boots of a ‘Strider,’ an elite operative whose mission is to uncover the mysteries hidden within the Grey State. This titular location is a top-secret military zone, an unstable dimension that evokes the eerie atmosphere of Jeff VanderMeer’s ‘Shimmer.’ But instead of exploring strange lighthouses, you’ll be fighting horrific creatures and unearthing alien artifacts as you strive to reach the extraction point in thrilling PvPvE matches.
Adding another layer of intrigue, Grey State Studio has coined the term ‘horrorverse’ for this dimension. It’s described as being “populated by creatures inspired by iconic monsters from horror movies, novels, and modern internet creepypasta.” Imagine encountering terrifying figures like Jeff the Killer or Eyeless Jack in such a clandestine, volatile environment – it’s a concept designed to send shivers down your spine.
This ambitious concept could either be incredibly effective or entirely undermine the experience, depending on how it’s executed. Imagine the genuine dread of facing Slenderman in a dense, dark forest or stumbling upon the horrors of a Russian Sleep Experiment in a derelict bunker. However, if the crossovers become too outlandish, they risk shattering immersion and diluting the developer’s carefully crafted spooky atmosphere. Dead by Daylight has successfully navigated this balance, consistently delivering fan-pleasing crossovers without forcing in mismatched intellectual properties.
There’s a delicate balance to strike between creating an eerie ambience with reimagined horror creatures and veering into unintentional parody. It will be fascinating to discover which side of that line Rules of Engagement: The Grey State ultimately falls.
An eagerly awaited alpha test will unveil four distinct classes: the flamethrower-wielding Pyro, the elusive Phantom, the brute Sledge, and a mysterious fourth class yet to be announced. Given the aggressive nature of the initial three, one might hope for a class equipped with something akin to a proton pack – or, for the more strategically minded, perhaps a dedicated healer. Regardless, the prospect of an upcoming alpha provides the ideal opportunity to experience this intriguing concept firsthand.
Rules of Engagement: The Grey State is slated for a free release in 2026.
If this concept captures your imagination, and you can’t wait for the game’s release or its alpha test, there are many other fantastic horror games to explore. For those who enjoy a competitive edge, numerous multiplayer titles offer similar thrilling experiences.
What are your thoughts on this unique blend of extraction shooter and horror? Share your opinions with fellow gaming enthusiasts.