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Rules of Engagement: The Grey State Gameplay Video
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Rules of Engagement: The Grey State Key Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | Unreal Engine 5 |
| Genre | Extraction Shooter, Action RPG, Horror |
| Release Window | 2026 |
| Developer | Grey State Studio (Tencent Games) |
| Publisher | Tencent Games |
| Setting | The 'Horrorverse' / The Grey State |
| Perspective | First-Person |
| Platforms | PC (Future console release TBD) |
| Multiplayer | Online Co-op & PvP (1-4 Player Squads) |
| Unique Feature | A unique blend of a tactical extraction shooter with a deep, permanent, Path of Exile-inspired RPG skill tree, set in a Lovecraftian horror universe. |
Rules of Engagement: The Grey State System Requirements
1080p
tune Minimum – Low Preset, 1080p resolution.
1440p
tune Recommended – High Preset, 1440p resolution.
Rules of Engagement: The Grey State Laptop Recommendations
memory AMD Ryzen 7 7435 HS
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 3050 75W
storage 32GB DDR5-4800MHz
799
Model: ASUS TUF A15 with RTX 3050 and Ryzen 7
memory CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7435 HS (Score: 1655)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3050 (Score: 7220) @ 75W TGP
storage RAM: 32GB DDR5-4800MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1080 (FHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low Preset, 1080p resolution.).
memory AMD Ryzen 9 8940 HX
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 5060 115W
storage 32GB DDR5-5200MHz
1689
Model: HP Omen 16 (RTX 5060 & Ryzen 9 8940HX)
memory CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 8940 HX (Score: 2225)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 5060 (Score: 9000) @ 115W TGP
storage RAM: 32GB DDR5-5200MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1200 (WUXGA / FHD+)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low Preset, 1080p resolution.).
memory AMD Ryzen 9 7845 HX
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 4080
storage Up to 64GB DDR5
2799
Model: Dell Alienware M16 Gaming Laptop with RTX 4080
memory CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 7845 HX (Score: 2078)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 4080 (Score: 12500)
storage RAM: Up to 64GB DDR5
save Storage: 4000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 2560 x 1600 (WQXGA)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low Preset, 1080p resolution.).
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Core Requirements
- desktop_windowsOperating System: Windows 10 64 bit
A modern 64-bit OS is a firm requirement.
- memoryDirectX: Version 12
DirectX 12 is required.
- save_altStorage Note: 60 GB available space (SSD Highly Recommended)
An SSD is highly recommended for faster loading times and to handle asset streaming in the detailed environments.
Rules of Engagement: The Grey State: Map Size and Regions
The game features multiple, large-scale maps. Gameplay is session-based, with a limited time for each incursion. The environment is dynamic and reactive, with shifting weather, unstable geometry, and hazards. The world is populated by AI factions and hostile creatures, creating a dense PvPvE experience.
Rules of Engagement: The Grey State Skills & Upgrades Overview
The game features a deep, permanent RPG progression system with no forced wipes. Players choose from four classes (Sledge, Pyro, Phantom, and one unrevealed) and customize them via an extensive, Path of Exile-inspired skill tree with over 100 talents. These talents are mechanics-based (e.g., faster looting, new weapon options like a shotgun for Sledge) rather than raw stat increases, ensuring a level playing field. Progression is persistent, but all players spawn into a match with a basic, blank-slate loadout.
Rules of Engagement: The Grey State: Game Editions
The game will be free-to-play. Monetization is confirmed to be cosmetic-only, with no pay-to-win elements. An in-game shop and battle passes will be available.
Rules of Engagement: The Grey State: Cross-Platform / Crossplay
Details regarding cross-platform play between PC and potential future console releases have not yet been announced.
Rules of Engagement: The Grey State Specific Game Elements
Rules of Engagement: The Grey State Weapons
- securityFirearms (Varies (Shotguns, Rifles, etc.))
A mix of realistic and experimental firearms used for fast-paced, tactical combat. The Sledge class, for example, can unlock talents for a shotgun and a recoilless rifle.
- securityFlamethrower (Heavy Weapon)
The signature weapon of the Pyro class, used to incinerate enemies and control areas.
- securityMelee Weapons (Varies (Sledgehammer, etc.))
Close-quarters weapons, such as the Sledge's sledgehammer, used for brutal takedowns.
Rules of Engagement: The Grey State Vehicles
- directions_carHelicopter (Extraction Vehicle)
The high-risk, high-reward extraction method. Players must fight for a seat on the helicopter to extract with the final 'Vertex' prize.
Rules of Engagement: The Grey State Characters
- personPhantom - Playable Class (Assassin) (playable)
A 'swift assassin' class. Focuses on stealth, flanking, and executing 'flawless' one-shot backstabs and chain kills.
- personPyro - Playable Class (Battlefield Control) (playable)
A 'chaotic madman' class. Uses a flamethrower, gas grenades, and incendiary bombs to control the battlefield.
- personSledge - Playable Class (Heavy Assault) (playable)
The 'juggernaut' class. Specializes in frontline combat, using a shield to block damage and talents for shotguns and recoilless rifles.
- personThe Hunger - Enemies
The grotesque, infected abominations that serve as the primary PvE threat.
Top 3 Characters (Classes):
(Heavy Assault): The team's tank and juggernaut. Can equip a shield to block frontal damage and use talents for shotguns and a recoilless rifle. 2. Pyro (Battlefield Control): A chaotic specialist who uses a flamethrower, gas grenades, and incendiary bombs to control areas and deal damage over time. 3. Phantom (Assassin): A stealth-focused class designed to strike from the shadows, flanking enemies for devastating one-shot backstabs and chain kills.
Rules of Engagement: The Grey State Missions / Objectives
- flagExpeditions
Objective: The main gameplay loop. Players deploy to a map (solo or in a squad) with a limited amount of time. The mission is divided into two phases: a PvE-focused gear-up phase, and a high-conflict second phase where players can opt for a safe, early extraction or fight for the high-value 'Vertex' prize.
Top 3 Missions/Objectives:
Extraction: The core objective of every run. Players must survive long enough to call in a hot air balloon or use a special skill to extract with their loot. 2. The Vertex Hunt: A high-risk, high-reward optional objective in the match's second phase, where players fight over a final prize, forcing PvP conflict at the main extraction. 3. Gearing Up: The primary objective of the first phase of a match, involving killing smaller AI monsters and looting to build a powerful loadout for the rest of the run.
Rules of Engagement: The Grey State Companions / Summons
- groupSquad Mates (Human (Player))
Ability: The game is designed for squads of 1-4 players. Teammates are essential for surviving the high-stakes PvPvE environment, combining class abilities, and successfully extracting.
Rules of Engagement: The Grey State Collectibles
- collections_bookmarkAlien Artifacts
Location/Use: The primary objective item in The Grey State. Successfully extracting these is the main goal of any run.
- collections_bookmarkGear (In-Match)
Location/Use: Better weapons and armor looted during an expedition. This gear is lost on death.
- collections_bookmarkResources
Location/Use: Scavenged from the environment and smaller monsters, these are used for in-match crafting and progression.
Top 3 Collectibles:
Artifacts: The primary objective. These are priceless items that must be successfully extracted from the Grey State. 2. Resources: Materials scavenged from the environment and smaller monsters, used for crafting and progression. 3. Gear: Better weapons and armor that are looted during a match. This gear is lost upon death.
Rules of Engagement: The Grey State Armor
- shieldShield
Focus/Stats: A key piece of equipment for the Sledge class, used to block incoming damage from the front.
Rules of Engagement: The Grey State Clothing / Appearance
- checkroomCosmetic Customization
Details: The game's monetization is cosmetic-only. Players can customize their Strider's appearance, likely through an in-game shop and battle passes.
Rules of Engagement: The Grey State Other Features & Info
- labelMultiplayer Modes
The game is a persistent online PvPvE extraction shooter. Players can queue for 'Expeditions' solo or in squads of up to four. The core loop is divided into two phases: a resource-gathering first phase and a high-conflict second phase where players can choose an early, safe extraction or fight for the final, high-value 'Vertex' prize at the main helicopter extraction.
- labelStory and Setting
The game is set in 'The Grey State,' a surreal, decaying alternate dimension known as the 'Horrorverse'. Players are 'Striders,' operatives who remotely pilot bio-engineered shells into this dimension to retrieve valuable alien artifacts for commercial purposes. The world is a 'graveyard of nightmares' inspired by Lovecraft, creepypastas, and global horror films, with a new map based on Hong Kong confirmed.
- labelTop 3 Gameplay Mechanics
- 1. Level Playing Field Loadouts: A key design pillar to combat 'gear fear'. All players spawn into an expedition with a basic, preset loadout. All superior gear must be found or crafted within that match, and is lost on death. 2. Permanent RPG Skill Tree: A deep, persistent progression system that exists outside of the in-match loadout. Players permanently unlock over 100 mechanics-based talents that define their playstyle (e.g., stealth, farming, or combat), but these do not provide raw power, ensuring fair PvP. 3. Unkillable Monsters: The 'Horrorverse' setting includes massive, unkillable entities that roam the map. Players must use stealth to avoid these threats or strategically lure them into rival player squads to create chaos.
Rules of Engagement: The Grey State Frequently Asked Questions
- help_outline What is Rules of Engagement: The Grey State?It is a free-to-play, first-person tactical extraction shooter with deep, permanent RPG progression. Players, as 'Striders,' enter a surreal horror dimension to fight monsters and other players for valuable artifacts.
- help_outline Is it 'pay-to-win'?No. The developers have confirmed the game is not pay-to-win. All players spawn into a match with a basic loadout, and all monetization is cosmetic-only.
- help_outline How does progression work if everyone starts with the same gear?Progression is persistent and tied to a deep, Path of Exile-inspired skill tree. You don't bring in better gear, you bring in better talents and abilities that you have permanently unlocked, which define your playstyle (e.g., stealth, farming, or combat).
- help_outline What is the 'Horrorverse'?It's the game's setting concept. 'The Grey State' is a dimension that acts as a 'graveyard of nightmares,' allowing the developers to pull in monsters from diverse sources, such as Lovecraftian lore, creepypastas, and global folklore (like from the upcoming Hong Kong map).