The gory, hand-drawn “Rat-em-up” from solo developer Brian Murphy brings the Great Rat War to its explosive 1.0 conclusion on Steam today.
After a highly successful run in Early Access that garnered a staggering 98% positive rating, the chaotic side-scrolling shooter strategy game War Rats: The Rat em Up has officially launched its version 1.0 on Steam today, November 20, 2025.
Developed by solo creator Brian Murphy (known as Wootus on Instagram), War Rats is a passion project that blends the nostalgia of “Flash era” gore with modern roguelike mechanics. Murphy, a former AAA game artist who taught himself to code after being laid off, has crafted a unique “one-lane” warfare experience that has clearly resonated with players.
The Great Rat War
In War Rats, players are thrust into a world where rats are the only form of life. As a commander in the “Great Rat War,” you must lead your troops against the vile TechnoRat armies—a singular consciousness of cyborg rats intent on consuming all flesh and turning it into metal.
The gameplay is a frantic mix of run-and-gun action and tower defense strategy. You don’t just fight; you recruit units, build structures, collect gear, and upgrade weapons to turn the tide of battle.
Key Features of 1.0:
- Unique Art Style: The game features a distinct, hand-drawn aesthetic by Wootus himself, recalling the brutal, bloody sprite games of the 90s and early 2000s.
- Strategic Chaos: It’s not just a shooter. You must manage resources (“CHz”), build turrets and shrines, and deploy troops strategically to push back the enemy.
- Roguelike Progression: Fight through districts to reach the TechnoRat HQ. If you fall, you use your hard-earned currency to upgrade attributes for the next run.
- Massive Customization: Collect loads of weapons and gear to customize your “Ratineer.”
Watch the Release Trailer
Get a glimpse of the gore, the humor, and the intense 2D battles in the official 1.0 release trailer: War Rats – Official Version 1.0 Release Date Teaser Trailer
War Rats: The Rat em Up is available now on Steam.