Broken Arrow is the latest real-time tactics game to capture the attention of strategy fans worldwide. Mixing large-scale warfare with precision unit control, it stands as a spiritual successor to World in Conflict and Wargame: Red Dragon—but with a more modern edge.

If you’re wondering what Broken Arrow gameplay actually feels like — not just from trailers, but hands-on — this guide breaks it down. From building your army deck to commanding real-time battles with tanks, jets, and infantry, Broken Arrow delivers tactical depth with modern military flair.

Whether you’re a fan of World in Conflict, WARNO, or just new to real-time tactics games, here’s everything you need to know.

1. What Type of Game Is Broken Arrow?
2. Who is the developer?
3. Is Broken Arrow a Russian game?
4. Does Broken Arrow have a release date?
5. What about Broken Arrow Vanguard Edition?
6. How long is Broken Arrow?
7. Is Broken Arrow based on a true story?
8. How to Play Broken Arrow – Core Gameplay Mechanics
9. What Players Are Saying About Broken Arrow Gameplay

What Type of Game Is Broken Arrow?

Broken Arrow is a real-time tactics (RTT) and deck-building strategy game that emphasizes modern combined arms warfare. Instead of building bases or harvesting resources, players construct a pre-battle "deck" of military units across categories like infantry, armor, air, recon, and support. Once in-game, battles unfold dynamically with reinforcements, strategic maneuvers, and real-time tactical decisions.

Think WARNO or Steel Division, but with a smoother learning curve and a more accessible interface.

Who is the developer?

The game is developed by Steel Balalaika Studio, a Russian-based indie studio, and published by Slitherine Ltd.

Is Broken Arrow a Russian game?

Yes. The core development team is based in Russia, and the game prominently features a narrative-driven conflict between U.S. and Russian forces. However, it’s developed for a global audience, with English-language support, international multiplayer, and a story that explores geopolitical tension rather than national propaganda.

Does Broken Arrow have a release date?

Yes. Broken Arrow officially released on June 19, 2025. Early access via the Vanguard Edition began on June 16, 2025. The game is now fully live on platforms like Steam and continues to receive regular updates.

What about Broken Arrow Vanguard Edition?

The Vanguard Edition was a special pre-order package that included:

• 72-hour early access
• Exclusive unit skins
• Digital soundtrack
• High-resolution wallpapers

It was available for pre‑purchase until standard release; afterward, only the base game remained purchasable.

How long is Broken Arrow?

The single-player campaign spans 19 handcrafted missions and offers playable perspectives from both U.S. and Russian forces. Depending on your skill level and whether you replay missions, the campaign length ranges from 15 to 25 hours. Add multiplayer and the scenario editor, and there’s potential for hundreds of hours of gameplay.

Is Broken Arrow based on a true story?

No. While the game uses real-world military technology and draws inspiration from current global tensions, its events are entirely fictional. The campaign tells a "what-if" story centered on a near-future conflict in the Baltic region. However, the realism of the vehicles, weapons, and tactics lends it an authentic, immersive feel.

How to Play Broken Arrow – Core Gameplay Mechanics

At its heart, Broken Arrow is about pre-planned flexibility and battlefield adaptation. Here's a breakdown of how it plays:

1. Deck Building Before Battle

Before you even start a battle, you build a “deck” of units. Think of it like a loadout system — you choose from over 300 units across different categories:

• Recon – scout cars, drones, stealth units
• Infantry – basic squads, special forces, anti-tank teams
• Fighting Vehicles – APCs, tanks, IFVs
• Support – artillery, anti-air systems
• Helicopters – transport and attack helis
• Aircraft – jets for bombing or air superiority

Each unit can be customized with different loadouts, ammo types, and armor kits — letting you fine-tune your strategy.

2. Real-Time Tactical Control

When the match begins, you earn command points over time (by controlling zones or defeating enemies). You use these to deploy units from your deck. Once they’re on the battlefield:

• Positioning matters — cover, flanking, and elevation give advantages.
• Line of sight is real — recon units are vital to avoid ambushes.
• Micro-management is rewarded — units have multiple weapons, abilities, and can be given detailed movement orders.
• Unit synergy is critical — e.g., use recon to spot, artillery to weaken, tanks to push, infantry to clear buildings.

There’s no base-building or resource farming — all focus is on smart unit use, map control, and adapting on the fly.

3. Game Modes

• Campaign (Single Player) – A story-driven, 19-mission campaign across a Baltic-region war, playable as both USA and Russia.
• Multiplayer (PvP) – 1v1, 3v3, or 5v5 battles, deck vs deck.
• Skirmish vs AI – Fight AI opponents (though 1v1 skirmish was missing at launch, it's being added).
• Scenario Editor – Create your own missions and campaigns with scripting, cutscenes, etc.

Tips to play

1. Deck build with purpose: align specializations to your play style (e.g., armor-heavy, air superiority).
2. Balance resource flow: using points to deploy versus recycling units is key.
3. Use recon first: intel is vital—spot enemies before engaging.
4. Combine arms: Deploy infantry, armor, artillery, air power in coordination.
5. Adapt dynamically: custom loadouts + battlefield control equals victory.

What Players Are Saying About Broken Arrow Gameplay

What They Love

"Feels like World in Conflict, but modern."

People love the blend of realism and arcade-style pacing. You get tanks, jets, helicopters all on screen, but it never feels overwhelming. It scratches that tactical itch without making you micromanage every second.

"Deck-building is super addictive."

Building your army is half the fun. You can tweak loadouts, mix recon with heavy armor, and create your own playstyle. Some players spend more time theory-crafting decks than actually playing.

"Units actually think for themselves."

Unlike in other RTS games, you don’t have to babysit everything. If you forget to move your infantry, they’ll still return fire and take cover. It’s a huge quality-of-life win.

"Campaign is way better than I expected."

The single-player missions have cinematic moments, voiceovers, and cool scenarios. It's not just a multiplayer sandbox — the campaign stands on its own and tells a decent story.

"It’s tactical without being sweaty."

You don’t need 300 APM to win. It rewards good decisions and positioning more than raw speed, which is great for strategy players who don’t want a StarCraft pace.

What’s Frustrating

"No mid-mission saves? Seriously?"

One of the biggest gripes is that campaign missions are long, and if you fail or need to quit halfway, you have to restart the whole thing. People really want a save system.

"Skirmish modes felt barebones at launch."

Early on, there was no 1v1 vs AI, and a lot of players were frustrated that they had to jump into 3v3s to practice. The devs added it quickly after feedback, though.

"Performance isn’t perfect."

Even with decent PCs, some folks are getting stutters and frame drops — especially in big fights. It’s not unplayable, but definitely noticeable on older rigs.

"It needs more multiplayer balance."

Some units or loadouts are super strong and show up in every match. Not game-breaking, but balance patches are still catching up.

"The UI could be smoother."

Deck-building is powerful, but new players say it’s overwhelming at first. A better tutorial or visual flow would help.

Summary

Broken Arrow stands out as a masterful fusion of deck-building depth and ground-level battlefield tactics. With its solid campaign, customizable loadouts, and active development roadmap—including post-launch features like AI allies and spectator mode—it’s shaping up to be a landmark in modern RTS. Strategy fans will find it both challenging and refreshingly modern.