The battlefield is about to erupt as Broken Arrow, one of the most ambitious real-time strategy games in recent years, prepares for its global launch on June 19, 2025. Developed by Steel Balalaika and published by Slitherine, Broken Arrow promises to shake up the RTS genre with fast-paced, large-scale warfare, deep customization, and a visually stunning presentation of near-future conflict.
The title will be available on PC via Steam and Epic Games Store, with a Vanguard Edition offering early access starting June 16 for eager commanders.
🛡️ A War Simulator Built for the Modern Commander
Set in a near-future world rife with global tension, Broken Arrow immerses players in high-stakes military engagements between the United States and Russia. The game blends classic RTS mechanics—like base-building, real-time skirmishes, and unit deployment—with modern-day warfare tactics, bringing tanks, drones, jets, and elite troops to the frontline.
Unlike many traditional RTS titles that follow fixed roles and standard units, Broken Arrow lets players craft their own unique strategies by fully customizing their armies. You’ll build your force from over 300 ultra-realistic units, spanning 6 categories: recon, infantry, support, vehicles, helicopters, and airstrikes. This approach opens the door to thousands of potential combinations, allowing each battle to be truly unique.
“This is more than just another military RTS—it’s a sandbox of tactical freedom,” says Slitherine’s development team. “Players can build their own doctrine.”
🎮 Gameplay: Depth Without Overwhelm
While Broken Arrow features the deep mechanics expected from hardcore strategy titles, it also emphasizes ease of control and fluid pacing. Players unfamiliar with the genre won’t be left behind—interface clarity, intuitive camera controls, and flexible difficulty scaling ensure both veterans and newcomers can enjoy the war.
Combat takes place across a range of terrain types, from dense urban zones to sprawling forests and coastlines. Terrain plays a meaningful role, offering elevation advantages, line-of-sight manipulation, and ambush opportunities. Meanwhile, the AI behavior responds intelligently to player movements, creating realistic flanking, suppression, and pushback tactics.
✈️ Single Player, Multiplayer, and More
Campaign: The single-player campaign spans a narrative-driven, 19-mission arc across the Baltic region, where players navigate an escalating conflict through diverse mission objectives, scripted events, and cinematic storytelling. Mission types include defending convoys, stealth infiltration, and large-scale combined-arms assaults.
Multiplayer: PvP and PvE multiplayer supports up to 10 players (5v5) with various game modes. Matches are fast-paced but strategic, and players can earn medals, unlock cosmetics, and customize loadouts via progression.
Scenario Editor: A powerful scenario and mission editor is also included at launch, featuring visual scripting, dialogue customization, and Steam Workshop support. This tool enables the community to craft and share their own campaigns and scenarios, adding endless replay value.
🚀 Vanguard Edition & Pre-Order Details
Available now, the Vanguard Edition ($59.99 USD) offers:
- 3-day early access (play starting June 16)
- Exclusive vehicle skins
- Digital soundtrack
- Official wallpapers
- A bonus unit blueprint cosmetic
The Standard Edition ($49.99 USD) will unlock globally on June 19.
📊 Community Buzz & Expectations
Broken Arrow built serious momentum in early 2025, with a well-received Steam Next Fest demo and strong performance in beta. The game registered over 400,000 beta signups, became a top 20 most wishlisted game on Steam, and has garnered comparisons to titles like Wargame: Red Dragon, World in Conflict, and Steel Division.
Content creators and strategy game fans alike have praised its snappy pacing, battlefield variety, and realistic unit behavior. The addition of visually striking airstrikes, map-wide artillery support, and modular weaponry options has led many to call it the next big leap for military RTS gaming.
🔮 What’s Coming After Launch?
Slitherine has confirmed post-launch support including:
- Additional factions (rumored: UK, China, EU)
- New campaign storylines
- Extended maps with naval warfare integration
- Live balance tuning based on competitive feedback
Their roadmap shows a commitment to expanding Broken Arrow into a long-term platform, not just a standalone title.
🧠 Final Thoughts: The Future of RTS Is Now
Broken Arrow is not just a modern warfare RTS—it’s a declaration of what the genre can become when paired with innovation, accessibility, and realism. With its launch just around the corner, strategy fans finally get to put boots on the ground and take to the skies in one of 2025’s most promising PC releases.
Whether you prefer solo tactical challenges or want to test your mettle in fast-paced 5v5 battles, Broken Arrow is ready to deploy.
🗓️ Launch Date:
- June 16 – Vanguard Early Access
- June 19 – Full Release on Steam & Epic Games