Those Who Rule 2: Tactical RPG Coming to Steam Deck in 2026

Those Who Rule 2 is a turn-based tactical RPG scheduled for a 2026 release on PC, with development efforts specifically optimized for the Steam Deck OLED and broader SteamOS ecosystem. As we track the latest in 2026 gaming developments here at In Game News, it is clear that solo developer Eldin Turulja is prioritizing handheld performance to ensure the title is fully playable on the go. By utilizing the Unity engine and Proton compatibility layers, the project aims to provide a consistent experience for users across various hardware configurations, including the Steam Deck 2 and existing portable devices.

Those Who Rule 2 Game Details and Story Overview

Unlike many titles in the tactical genre that focus on grand military strategy or the movements of high-ranking generals, Those Who Rule 2 shifts the perspective to the civilian experience during a national collapse. The narrative centers on a small, disorganized militia attempting to survive as their country fractures along ideological and ethnic lines. This focus on the human cost of conflict is a direct reflection of the developer's personal background; Eldin Turulja was born in Sarajevo shortly after the Dayton Agreement, and his family lived through the dissolution of Yugoslavia in the 1990s.

The game’s core premise involves navigating the breakdown of social order. Players do not control a massive, well-supplied army. Instead, they manage a group of individuals struggling to maintain their identity and safety while the world around them descends into chaos. This thematic approach creates a narrative where the primary goal is not necessarily victory in a traditional sense, but the survival of the unit members through impossible moral and tactical choices.

Technical Development and Steam Deck Optimization

The development of Those Who Rule 2 is currently being managed by a solo developer, which has necessitated a streamlined approach to testing and platform support. According to current development news, the primary testing environment consists of a standard Windows PC, a low-spec laptop for performance verification, and the Steam Deck. This focus on portable hardware ensures that the user interface and control schemes are designed for smaller screens and controller inputs from the ground up.

Because the game is built using the Unity engine, it benefits from built-in flexibility regarding cross-platform compatibility. While native Linux support is currently reliant on Proton, the team is ensuring that the transition for SteamOS users is seamless. This strategy allows the developer to focus resources on core mechanics while maintaining a high level of accessibility for the Steam Deck community. For those interested in the broader context of tactical gaming, you can read more in our tactical RPGs coverage.

Tactical Combat Mechanics

The gameplay loop in Those Who Rule 2 emphasizes classic turn-based tactical combat with a heavy focus on environmental awareness. The combat system rewards players who prioritize positioning and battlefield control over raw power. Key elements of the combat system include:

• Terrain Utilization: Players must account for elevation and natural cover to minimize damage and maximize offensive output.
• Ability Chaining: The system allows for the combination of various unit abilities to execute complex maneuvers or gain extra actions during a turn.
• Timing and Angles: Successful encounters require careful management of sightlines and the timing of engagements to outmaneuver opposing forces.

These mechanics are designed to ensure that every encounter feels significant, reflecting the scarcity of resources and the high stakes of the militia's survival. The tactical depth is intended to challenge players who enjoy optimizing their turns and managing squad positioning in high-pressure scenarios.

Development Progress and 2026 Release Expectations

The official Steam release for 2026 is the primary milestone for the project. As a solo-developed title, the roadmap is focused on refining the core loop and ensuring that the narrative delivery remains impactful. The developer has noted that while the team size is small, the commitment to the project remains high, with frequent updates provided to the community regarding the status of the build. For more updates on upcoming releases, check out our PC gaming reports.

The decision to prioritize Steam Deck compatibility early in the development cycle is a notable choice for an independent project. By ensuring the game is functional on portable hardware before the final launch, the developer is addressing a significant portion of the PC market that favors handheld gaming. This proactive approach to hardware support is a defining feature of the current development phase.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Those Who Rule 2 playable on Steam Deck?

Yes, Those Who Rule 2 is being built with a focus on Steam Deck compatibility and will be playable on the device via the Steam storefront.

What is the premise of Those Who Rule 2?

The game follows a small militia struggling to survive as their country collapses under ethnic and ideological conflict, focusing on the civilian experience of war.

Who is the developer of Those Who Rule 2?

Those Who Rule 2 is being developed by solo creator Eldin Turulja, whose personal history and family experiences in the Balkans influence the game's narrative.