Key Takeaways
1. Official Release: Broken Arrow launched its 1.0 version on June 19, 2025, ending its beta phase and providing a complete RTS experience for Windows users on Steam.
2. Game Features: The game includes over 300 real-world units, 19 missions, and allows players to control both U.S. and Russian factions in single-player campaigns and various multiplayer modes.
3. Positive Reception: With a 78% “Mostly Positive” rating, players praised the game’s controls, strategic depth, and balance between accessibility and realism, making it a top modern-warfare RTS title of the year.
4. Customization and Community Tools: Players can customize their units and create custom missions using built-in tools, which can be shared via the Steam Workshop.
5. Future Support: The developers plan ongoing support, including new factions, expanded theaters, and improved AI and multiplayer tools, with potential console support being discussed.
After a lengthy and detailed beta phase, Broken Arrow officially released its 1.0 version on June 19, 2025, marking the end of early access and providing a complete modern-warfare RTS experience for Windows users on Steam.
Game Overview
Developed by Steel Balalaika Studio and published by Slitherine Ltd., Broken Arrow combines extensive tactical battles with joint-force strategy. The game features over 300 real-world units and 19 missions set in the Baltic area. Players can take charge of both U.S. and Russian factions in narrative-driven single-player campaigns, PvP multiplayer with 5v5 matches, and co-op or AI battles in skirmish modes.
Reception & Gameplay
User feedback has been quite positive with a 78% “Mostly Positive” rating from more than 5,000 reviews. The community has praised the game for its responsive controls and strategic depth. Gaming outlets have already named it one of the top modern-warfare RTS titles of the year, highlighting its balance between accessibility and realism.
The campaign consists of 19 scripted missions, allowing players to experience the conflict from both sides and emphasizing combined arms tactics and control of the terrain.
Unit Diversity & Customization
Players can select from over 300 units across six categories: infantry, recon, armor, support, helicopters, and aircraft. Customization is key, as players can adjust decks and modify loadouts to fit their strategic needs.
Multiplayer & Skirmish Features
The game offers both PvE skirmish and PvP modes, although initially, AI skirmish was limited to teams of 3 or more players. However, the developer quickly issued an update after launch to enable 1v1 and 2v2 matches.
Scenario Editor & Community Tools
Built-in tools allow users to create custom missions complete with dialogue and cutscenes. These creations can be shared within the community via the Steam Workshop.
The game operates on Unity and showcases high-quality unit models, intricate destruction effects, and expansive maps. Early reviews commended the visual quality and performance improvements, although mid-range computers are required to maintain stable 60Hz frame rates on full settings.
By the time of launch, player numbers had surged past 27,000. Community threads have highlighted the game’s depth and detail, but some have expressed concern over the limitations on AI skirmish gameplay. As mentioned previously, Steel Balalaika promptly released an update to introduce 1v1 and 2v2 skirmishes and to address early complaints regarding AI and team play. Reviewers from Strategy & Wargaming awarded Broken Arrow an 8.5/10, labeling it “the best RTS game of 2025.”
Future Plans
In the Steam Community, the developers have committed to providing ongoing support that will include new factions, expanded theaters, enhanced AI and multiplayer tools, with discussions about console support still ongoing.
Broken Arrow is certainly a great choice for strategic gamers looking for a military RTS that is both accessible and detailed. Its full launch on June 19 promises a bright future for a game that already impressed during early access.
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