Bad Rats: the Rats' Revenge on Steam - User reviews, Price & Information

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Bad Rats is a physics puzzle game where rats finally get their bloody revenge on their new prisoners: The cats. Come up with creative solutions for each puzzle using physics, functional objects, and your specially trained Rats. Try different ways of solving each puzzle to finish faster or earn higher scores.

Bad Rats: the Rats' Revenge is a cult classic, physics and indie game developed by Invent4 Entertainment and published by Strategy First.
Released on July 20th 2009 is available in English only on Windows.

It has received 14,871 reviews of which 11,745 were positive and 3,126 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. 😊

The game is currently priced at 1.99€ on Steam.


The Steam community has classified Bad Rats: the Rats' Revenge into these genres:

Media & Screenshots

Get an in-depth look at Bad Rats: the Rats' Revenge through various videos and screenshots.

System requirements

These are the minimum specifications needed to play the game. For the best experience, we recommend that you verify them.

Windows
  • OS *: Windows XP or Vista
  • Processor: Pentium IV 1.6 GHz or better (dual core recommended)
  • Memory: 512MB RAM (1GB recommended)
  • Graphics: DirectX®9-compatible graphics adapter with 128 MB (256 MB recommended)
  • DirectX®: 9 or better
  • Hard Drive: 300MB
  • Sound: DirectX®9-compatible

User reviews & Ratings

Explore reviews from Steam users sharing their experiences and what they love about the game.

Feb. 2026
Bad Rats is a physics-based puzzle game that has achieved a strange kind of immortality on Steam, not through critical acclaim or elegant design, but through notoriety, irony, and sheer oddity. Developed by Invent4 Entertainment and published by Strategy First, the game presents itself as a mischievous revenge fantasy in which rats attempt to eliminate cats using elaborate contraptions and improvised physics setups. On the surface, it resembles classic chain-reaction puzzle games, but the experience it delivers is far more unconventional and unpredictable than its inspirations. The core idea is deceptively simple. Each level presents a contained environment where the player must arrange rats and objects to guide a ball into a trigger that ultimately defeats a cat. The rats themselves function as tools rather than characters, each performing a single action when activated, such as pushing, jumping, or swinging. In theory, the puzzle design encourages creativity and experimentation, asking players to think about angles, momentum, and timing. However, the execution of this idea is where Bad Rats immediately distinguishes itself, as the physics simulation is wildly inconsistent. Identical setups can produce different results across multiple attempts, turning what should be logical problem-solving into a trial-and-error exercise that often feels more like wrestling with the game than mastering it. Visually, the game is extremely rough, even by the standards of its release period. Character models are simplistic and awkward, environments are repetitive and sparsely detailed, and animations often look unfinished or stiff. The art style leans into a crude, graffiti-inspired aesthetic, complete with questionable design choices and poorly translated text that adds an unintentionally comedic tone. Rather than immersing the player, the presentation constantly reminds you of the game’s low-budget origins, creating a sense that you are interacting with something closer to a prototype than a polished commercial product. Sound design follows a similarly minimal path. Music loops are basic and repetitive, offering little in the way of atmosphere or emotional engagement. Sound effects exist largely to confirm actions rather than enhance immersion, and over time they blend into the background noise of repeated attempts and resets. Nothing about the audio elevates the experience, but it does contribute to the overall feeling of awkward charm that defines the game as a whole. Progression is divided into modes that theoretically cater to different playstyles, with easier settings offering guidance and more advanced modes removing hints and restrictions. Unfortunately, the unpredictable physics undermine this structure. Difficulty often feels arbitrary rather than earned, as success can depend as much on luck as on planning. This lack of reliability erodes the satisfaction normally associated with puzzle games, where solving a challenge is meant to feel like a clear demonstration of understanding and skill. What truly sets Bad Rats apart, however, is its legacy rather than its gameplay. Over time, the game became a cultural artifact within the Steam community, frequently gifted as a joke and referenced as an example of a game that is famous for being bad. Many players approach it not with the expectation of quality, but with curiosity or ironic amusement. Steam reviews reflect this phenomenon, often praising the game in a tongue-in-cheek manner or celebrating its flaws as part of its charm. In this way, Bad Rats transcended its original intent and became a shared in-joke, a rite of passage for long-time Steam users. Despite its many shortcomings, there is something oddly memorable about Bad Rats. Its failures are so consistent and so unapologetic that they give the game a distinct identity. It is not forgettable, even if it is deeply flawed. For some players, the chaotic physics and clumsy presentation create moments of accidental humor that are entertaining in their own right, especially when experienced with the understanding that the game is more spectacle than serious puzzle challenge. Ultimately, Bad Rats is not a game that succeeds by conventional standards. Its mechanics are unreliable, its presentation is crude, and its puzzle design rarely rewards careful planning. Yet its place in gaming culture is undeniable. It stands as an example of how a game can achieve longevity through infamy rather than excellence, remembered not for what it does well, but for how thoroughly it defies expectations of quality. Approached as a curiosity, a joke, or a historical oddity of the early Steam era, Bad Rats offers an experience that is less about enjoyment in the traditional sense and more about witnessing a uniquely awkward chapter in PC gaming history. Rating: 8/10
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July 2025
I do not remember buying this game and I certainly don't remember playing it. 10/10
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July 2025
My quality of life increased after playing this game. I realized that there is more to life than just living. There is bad rats.
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May 2025
this game was the most awesome sauce game me as a gamer has ever played Quality is better then black ops 6, helldivers 2, space marine 2, and Cyberpunk 2077 Combined.
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March 2025
When most people talk about their favorite video games, they mention titles like "The Legend of Zelda," "Minecraft," or "The Last of Us." But for me, none of those games even come close to the masterpiece that is Bad Rats. Yes, you heard that right. Bad Rats, a game that many consider to be a quirky, sometimes awkward puzzle game, is, without a doubt, the best game in the world. In fact, I’d go as far as to say it’s the greatest thing that has ever happened to me—not just in terms of entertainment, but also in how it has impacted my life in ways no one could ever imagine. It’s not just a game. It’s a life-changer. Let me tell you why. Before Bad Rats entered my life, I was struggling with a lot of things. I felt lost, like nothing was going right. I was going through some personal battles that seemed insurmountable, and the weight of everything felt like it was crushing me. The future didn’t seem bright, and at one point, I even felt that I had nowhere to turn. Life had me on the ropes. That’s when Bad Rats came into the picture. At first, it was just a random game I picked up, not expecting much. But as soon as I started playing, something clicked. It wasn’t just the puzzles or the humor. It was something deeper, something I didn’t even realize I needed. Bad Rats offered me an escape—one that was fun and challenging but never overwhelming. More importantly, it gave me a sense of purpose and joy at a time when I had almost lost both. As I played, I started to feel like I had a reason to keep going. It wasn’t just about solving puzzles or watching these funny, ragtag rats try to complete their missions—it was about feeling connected to something, anything, when everything else in life seemed so uncertain. Every victory in the game felt like a little win in real life, a reminder that maybe things could get better. But the impact of Bad Rats wasn’t just limited to me. My grandparents, who had been struggling with their own issues for years, were also on the verge of giving up. Their marriage had gone through turbulent times, and they didn’t know how to rekindle their bond. They were at a crossroads, unsure if they would be able to stay together. That’s when I introduced them to Bad Rats. At first, they were skeptical, but slowly, they got hooked. The simple joy of playing together, laughing at the rats' absurd antics, and sharing that experience became a turning point for them. Bad Rats brought them closer than they had been in years, rekindling their love and reminding them of the importance of fun and companionship. It was incredible. A simple game helped save their marriage. Bad Rats became more than just a pastime for them—it became a tool for healing, for bonding, and for rediscovering the joy of life. I have no doubt in my mind that if it weren't for Bad Rats, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I wouldn’t be the person I’ve become. I wouldn’t have the strength or the will to keep moving forward. Bad Rats didn’t just offer me a distraction; it offered me a lifeline. I used to think that if things kept spiraling down, I would end up on the streets—lost and without a future. But Bad Rats pulled me back. It reminded me that life could still be fun, that there was joy to be found even in the darkest moments. And more than that, it gave me a purpose. It gave me something to look forward to. The satisfaction of figuring out each level, of seeing the hilarious outcomes of each puzzle I solved, kept me motivated to press on. The game became my refuge, my sanctuary from the chaos that often seemed to surround me. It gave me hope, and it gave me direction when I felt like I had none. The idea of losing everything no longer felt so certain, because Bad Rats showed me that there was always a way forward, no matter how challenging things seemed. So, here I am today, not living on the streets, not lost in the despair I once felt, and certainly not the person I used to be. And I owe it all to Bad Rats. It’s not just a game; it’s a reminder of the power of joy, the strength of human connection, and the importance of having something to believe in—even if it’s a group of animated rats trying to solve impossible puzzles. Bad Rats might not be the game that everyone talks about, but for me, it will always be the best game in the world. It saved my life, it saved my grandparents' marriage, and it continues to be a source of comfort and joy in a world that sometimes feels too complicated and overwhelming. If you haven’t played it yet, maybe it’s time you gave it a try. You never know—the next great thing that saves your life might just be waiting for you in the form of a rat.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Bad Rats: the Rats' Revenge is currently priced at 1.99€ on Steam.

Bad Rats: the Rats' Revenge is currently not on sale. You can purchase it for 1.99€ on Steam.

Bad Rats: the Rats' Revenge received 11,745 positive votes out of a total of 14,871 achieving a rating of 7.74.
😊

Bad Rats: the Rats' Revenge was developed by Invent4 Entertainment and published by Strategy First.

Bad Rats: the Rats' Revenge is playable and fully supported on Windows.

Bad Rats: the Rats' Revenge is not playable on MacOS.

Bad Rats: the Rats' Revenge is not playable on Linux.

Bad Rats: the Rats' Revenge is a single-player game.

Bad Rats: the Rats' Revenge does not currently offer any DLC.

Bad Rats: the Rats' Revenge does not support mods via Steam Workshop.

Bad Rats: the Rats' Revenge does not support Steam Remote Play.

Bad Rats: the Rats' Revenge is enabled for Steam Family Sharing. This means you can share the game with authorized users from your Steam Library, allowing them to play it on their own accounts. For more details on how the feature works, you can read the original Steam Family Sharing announcement or visit the Steam Family Sharing user guide and FAQ page.

You can find solutions or submit a support ticket by visiting the Steam Support page for Bad Rats: the Rats' Revenge.

Data sources

The information presented on this page is sourced from reliable APIs to ensure accuracy and relevance. We utilize the Steam API to gather data on game details, including titles, descriptions, prices, and user reviews. This allows us to provide you with the most up-to-date information directly from the Steam platform.

Additionally, we incorporate data from the SteamSpy API, which offers insights into game sales and player statistics. This helps us present a comprehensive view of each game's popularity and performance within the gaming community.

Last Updates
Steam data 02 March 2026 00:03
SteamSpy data 02 March 2026 15:15
Steam price 07 March 2026 20:44
Steam reviews 07 March 2026 03:50

If you'd like to dive deeper into the details about Bad Rats: the Rats' Revenge, we invite you to check out a few dedicated websites that offer extensive information and insights. These platforms provide valuable data, analysis, and user-generated reports to enhance your understanding of the game and its performance.

  • SteamDB - A comprehensive database of everything on Steam about Bad Rats: the Rats' Revenge
  • SteamCharts - Analysis of Bad Rats: the Rats' Revenge concurrent players on Steam
  • ProtonDB - Crowdsourced reports on Linux and Steam Deck Bad Rats: the Rats' Revenge compatibility
Bad Rats: the Rats' Revenge
Rating
7.7
11,745
3,126
Game modes
Features
Online players
3
Developer
Invent4 Entertainment
Publisher
Strategy First
Release 20 Jul 2009
Platforms