Get ready for a wild ride, because Tencent Games is cooking up something seriously twisted! Their subsidiary, Grey State Studio, just dropped the news about Rules of Engagement: The Grey State, a free-to-play shooter that's like nothing you've seen before.

Imagine a world where every monster you've ever feared is real, and you're stuck right in the middle of it. That's the Grey State. It's a dimension packed with terrifying creatures and strange artifacts, and you're a Strider, an elite operative hired to dive in and snag a priceless artifact called The Vertex. Sounds easy, right? Wrong.

The thing is, you're not alone. Rival squads are also after The Vertex, and everyone's fighting for their piece of the pie. The developers describes the game as a "Horrorverse". It's not about saving the world; it's just business.

The Hunt is On!

So, how does it work? You drop in with basic gear and have to scavenge for better stuff while battling nasty creatures. Think of it as a player-versus-environment-versus-player free for all where time is always running out. When the final countdown starts, you have to make a choice: bail out early with your loot or risk it all to get The Vertex?

I find that this extraction mechanic is what makes the game so appealing. Do you prefer playing safe or go big or go home?

Classes and Builds

In the first Alpha Playtest, you'll be able to play as one of three classes:

  • Sledge: The tank that smashes everything.
  • Pyro: The firestarter who controls the battlefield.
  • Phantom: The sneaky assassin.

But it's not just about picking a class. You can customize your character with a talent tree. A smart build and team synergy can beat raw skills.

The best part? It's free-to-play, and they promise it's not pay-to-win. You can't buy your way to victory. It's all about skill and a bit of luck.

Grey State Studio wants you to be part of the development. Join their Discord, playtest the game, and help shape its future.

Rules of Engagement: The Grey State is set to launch in 2026 on Steam, Epic Games Store, and WeGame (in China).