The battlefield is "a world where all horrors intersect." New strategy shooter "Rules of Engagement: The Grey State" set for Steam release in 2026
Note: the original Japanese article can be found at:
https://www.4gamer.net/games/953/G095334/20251015010/
Editorial Department: maru | 2025/10/15 02:57 (UTC)
Grey State Studio today (October 15, 2025) announced that its upcoming PC-exclusive shooter “Rules of Engagement: The Grey State” will be released on Steam in 2026, with a free-to-play model supported by in-game item purchases.
This game is a new “tactical RPG shooter” developed by Grey State Studio (formerly Aurora Studio), known for titles like Ring of Elysium and Moonlight Blade. It combines the strategic depth of tactical shooters, the progression elements of RPGs, and horror-themed gameplay.
Players take on the role of elite mercenaries called “Striders,” undertaking exploration missions in an unknown extradimensional realm known as “The Grey State.” This space is filled with countless supernatural anomalies and bizarre artifacts—accessible only through remote-controlled bio-shells that project consciousness into it.
All players enter “The Grey State” with only minimal equipment. From there, they engage in a fierce struggle to seize weapons from other players, hunt creatures, and obtain powerful gear. The upcoming alpha test will feature four distinct classes.
Image Gallery No. 003 thumbnail / The battlefield is “a world where all horrors converge.” New tactical shooter “Rules of Engagement: The Grey State” set for Steam release in 2026 Image Gallery No. 004 thumbnail / The battlefield is “a world where all horrors converge.” New tactical shooter “Rules of Engagement: The Grey State” set for Steam release in 2026 Image Gallery No. 005 thumbnail / The battlefield is “a world where all horrors converge.” New tactical shooter “Rules of Engagement: The Grey State” set for Steam release in 2026 Image Gallery No. 006 thumbnail / The battlefield is “a world where all horrors converge.” New tactical shooter “Rules of Engagement: The Grey State” set for Steam release in 2026
Along with the announcement, two trailers have been released—be sure to check them out.
Official Website for “Rules of Engagement: The Grey State”
“Rules of Engagement: The Grey State”
A new frontier where tactical RPG and supernatural horror collide.
Tencent Games’ Grey State Studio unveils its latest title.
Tencent Games’ Grey State Studio (formerly Aurora Studio), known for delivering high-quality, immersive online games, has officially unveiled its newest title: the tactical RPG shooter Rules of Engagement: The Grey State.
The game is currently in development for PC, with a planned release in 2026. The world premiere of the official trailer has also been released—experience firsthand the unique atmosphere where tension and horror merge.
▼ Watch the official trailer here:
https://youtu.be/RWhyKRMzTdI
Developed by a studio behind Ring of Elysium and Moonlight Blade, this is another genre-blending title that fuses tactical shooter strategy, deep RPG progression systems, and supernatural horror elements to deliver an entirely new gameplay experience.
An extradimensional realm where madness and business collide: “Grey State”
Players become elite mercenaries known as “Striders,” undertaking exploration missions in the mysterious dimension called “The Grey State.” This is a dangerous yet immensely profitable zone, filled with countless supernatural anomalies and strange artifacts.
By projecting consciousness through remote-controlled bio-shells, players infiltrate this horror universe for corporate gain—what awaits isn’t epic heroism, but the harshest mission of all: survive and profit. The world blends classic monsters, urban legends, internet-born creepypastas, and every imaginable form of fear—truly a “world where all horrors intersect.”
A “drop-in survival” battle begins
In Rules of Engagement, all players descend into the battlefield with only minimal gear. From there, a high-stakes struggle unfolds: seize weapons from other players, hunt bizarre creatures, and claim powerful equipment—all within a limited time window.
This PvEvP cycle creates intense gameplay where split-second decisions and quick thinking determine victory or defeat. As the countdown begins, players face an ultimate choice: safely exit for guaranteed rewards—or risk everything to pursue “alien artifacts,” launching into a fierce helicopter battle. Your decision shapes every encounter; this tense brinkmanship and bold choices ensure no two matches are ever the same, driving you back to the battlefield again and again.
Victory through strategy: The fusion of RPG and shooter
The alpha test will feature four distinct classes. Each class boasts a massive skill tree and unique tactical playstyle, allowing players to freely build their own customized strategies.
The Sledge, a relentless tank wielding shield and hammer to break enemy lines; the Pyro, who commands fire and toxic gas to plunge the battlefield into chaos; the Phantom, an assassin striking silently from shadows. The fourth class, shrouded in mystery, will be revealed later.
“Skillful builds and teamwork can surpass even the best aim”—this is the core of Rules of Engagement. Victory belongs not just to those with sharp reflexes, but to players who think critically, act creatively, and make wise decisions under pressure—leading to triumph and rich rewards.
Charting the unknown—the vision behind “Rules of Engagement”
The development team shares: “Our motto is ‘Chart the Uncharted’—always exploring uncharted territory and pushing genre boundaries. With Rules of Engagement, we’re redefining what shooters can be by leaving behind old conventions and pursuing a new kind of gameplay experience that combines strategy and intense tension.”
Designed with long-term vision in mind, this game will receive ongoing support post-launch. Regular content updates and meta refreshes will ensure fresh experiences over time. The game adopts a Free to Play / Fair to Play model focused solely on cosmetic customization as its revenue source—aiming for a healthy, sustainable live service where players can enjoy the experience with peace of mind.
Game Overview
Title: Rules of Engagement: The Grey State
Platform: PC
Genre: Tactical RPG Shooter (Free to Play)
Release Date: 2026
Players Supported: 1–3 (Solo & Team Play)
Official Links: https://www.rulesofengagement.com
Official YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Play_ROE
Steam Store Page: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3978820/
Official X (Twitter) Account: https://x.com/Play_ROE
Official Discord: https://discord.gg/rulesofengagement
About Grey State Studio
Grey State Studio (formerly Aurora Studio), based in Shanghai, is a Tencent Games subsidiary founded in 2007. Known for acclaimed titles like Ring of Elysium and Moonlight Blade, the studio continues to push genre boundaries. Guided by its core philosophy—“Chart the Uncharted”—it strives to deliver unprecedented experiences to players worldwide.