Everyone loves a good comeback story, and the 2010 cult strategy game just got one.
RUSE, from developer Eugen Systems and originally published by Ubisoft, is back on Steam. The real-time strategy game was canceled in December 2015 due to licensing issues. It was also released on the Xbox 360 market in early 2023.
9 Best RTS Games for Beginners
Chaos, strategy, and endless clicking. Learn, fix, rule—or crash spectacularly
Eugen made an official statement celebrating the game’s return on his Steam page:
When we developed and launched RUSE in 2010, the game wasn’t officially ours. Sidelined by distribution issues, there is nothing we can do over the years to help players who contact us for help or try to get the game. Recently, we had the opportunity to return RUSE to our catalog. This has allowed us to re-release this mainstay of the RTS genre, with many more added!
Eugen also confirmed that the game is compatible with Steam Deck. Anyone who owns RUSE before its release will not only retain “full access” to the game, but also receive all future updates and DLCs at no additional cost.
RTS Fans Are Excited That RUSE Is Back
Almost immediately, fans have expressed their appreciation for the return of the cult RTS. Many are declaring that the GOAT of WWII strategy games is back.
At the time of writing, the game has a Very Good rating in the latest Steam reviews. “I really can’t believe this is back on Steam,” said one appreciative fan. “The hoops I’ve had to jump through over the past few years tracking down random codes/keys and cds to get this item to my Steam account.”
11 Hybrid Strategy Games Combining RTS Mechanics and Cozy City Building Vibes
Real-time strategy, real-time panic is absent. These RTS titles prove that you can strategize without breaking a sweat.
It makes an excellent point about the current state of modern game distribution that it is primarily digital rather than physical. Recently, Sony came under fire from fans when it appeared that DRM was refusing to allow them to play digital copies of their games. They would later comment on the matter, saying it was “a one-time online experiment.”
That’s all well and good, but what happens to fans of games like RUSE that won’t get that happy ending with a re-enrollment? There are so many great games that are inaccessible nowadays due to not being available online or being stuck on old hardware. Here’s hoping the positive reception of RUSE’s comeback helps lead the way for others.
10 Strategy Games Coming in 2026 That Already Deserve Your Attention
These strategic topics could push the brand to entirely new levels in 2026.
