Forget traditional hellscapes; Tencent Games and Grey State Studio are unleashing something far more terrifying with their upcoming free-to-play tactical-horror action-RPG shooter, Rules of Engagement: The Grey State. This isn’t just a game – it’s an entry point into a nightmarish dimension teeming with unspeakable creatures.
A preview video highlighting gameplay and the game’s atmosphere is available for viewing, giving players a glimpse into the horrors that await.
The titular ‘Grey State’ is an unstable, perilous dimension, off-limits to direct human presence, yet brimming with invaluable alien artifacts. To brave this horrifying realm, players take on the mantle of ‘Striders,’ remotely piloting bio-engineered shells from the safety of their own dimension. Grey State Studios evocatively describes this unsettling landscape as a ‘graveyard of nightmares’ and a true ‘Horrorverse,’ populated by grotesque Lovecraftian entities and creatures drawn from classic horror films, literature, and even modern creepypasta legends.
At its core, the gameplay features an intense PvEvP loop. Players have a finite window to infiltrate The Grey State, scavenge for vital gear, and then face a crucial decision: opt for an early extraction with modest rewards, or risk it all to outmaneuver rivals and claim highly coveted alien artifacts for greater spoils.
Another video showcasing various game elements and environments is also available, providing further insight into the challenges players will face.
An upcoming alpha test for Rules of Engagement will introduce players to four distinct Strider classes. While one remains shrouded in mystery, the first three formidable options have been revealed:
- Sledge: An unstoppable juggernaut, carving a destructive path with shield and hammer.
- Pyro: A chaotic madman, dominating the battlefield through a fiery onslaught and strategic use of gas.
- Phantom: A swift and silent assassin, delivering extreme precision strikes from the deepest shadows.
Success in this game hinges on players’ talent for inventive build-crafting and tactical strategy. The studio assures long-term commitment, stating, ‘Rules of Engagement was built with the future in mind, and we plan to support the game for years to come with content updates, meta shakeups, and a player-friendly free-to-play business model supported by a cosmetics-only in-game shop.’
Rules of Engagement: The Grey State is slated for a PC launch in 2026. Players can dive into this chilling experience solo or team up with up to three other players. Post-launch, additional seasonal content is planned to further delve into the vast and terrifying aspects of the game’s Horrorverse.
An accompanying image gallery titled ‘The Best Shooters To Play In 2025’ provides further visual context, showcasing various shooter games.