diff --git a/app/src/androidTest/java/com/projectsacrifice/game/GameLanguagePersistenceTest.java b/app/src/androidTest/java/com/projectsacrifice/game/GameLanguagePersistenceTest.java
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..45bc1a9
--- /dev/null
+++ b/app/src/androidTest/java/com/projectsacrifice/game/GameLanguagePersistenceTest.java
@@ -0,0 +1,89 @@
+package com.projectsacrifice.game;
+
+import static org.junit.Assert.assertEquals;
+import static org.junit.Assert.assertFalse;
+import static org.junit.Assert.assertTrue;
+
+import android.os.SystemClock;
+import android.view.MotionEvent;
+
+import androidx.test.core.app.ActivityScenario;
+import androidx.test.ext.junit.runners.AndroidJUnit4;
+
+import org.junit.Test;
+import org.junit.runner.RunWith;
+
+@RunWith(AndroidJUnit4.class)
+public final class GameLanguagePersistenceTest {
+    @Test
+    public void settingsLanguageSwitchSurvivesRecreationWithoutChangingProgressOrControls() {
+        try (ActivityScenario<MainActivity> activity = ActivityScenario.launch(MainActivity.class)) {
+            int[] expectedUnlocked = new int[1];
+            int[] expectedBestDeaths = new int[1];
+            long[] expectedBestTime = new long[1];
+
+            activity.onActivity(current -> {
+                GameView view = current.gameViewForAutomation();
+                view.resetLanguageForAutomation();
+                view.resetControlSettingsForAutomation();
+                view.selectNextControlSizeForAutomation();
+                view.selectNextControlOpacityForAutomation();
+                view.toggleHapticsForAutomation();
+
+                ProgressStore progress = new ProgressStore(current);
+                progress.recordCompletion(2, 4, 22_222L);
+                expectedUnlocked[0] = progress.unlockedCount();
+                expectedBestDeaths[0] = progress.bestDeaths(2);
+                expectedBestTime[0] = progress.bestTimeMs(2);
+            });
+
+            tap(activity, 1_700f, 115f); // Settings from level select.
+            activity.onActivity(current -> assertTrue(current.gameViewForAutomation()
+                    .settingsVisibleForAutomation()));
+            tap(activity, 1_700f, 115f); // Language switch on Settings.
+            activity.onActivity(current -> {
+                GameView view = current.gameViewForAutomation();
+                assertEquals(GameLanguage.RU, view.languageForAutomation());
+                assertTrue(view.visibleLocalizedTextForAutomation().contains("НАСТРОЙКИ"));
+                assertTrue(view.visibleLocalizedTextForAutomation().contains("Русский"));
+            });
+
+            activity.recreate();
+
+            activity.onActivity(current -> {
+                GameView view = current.gameViewForAutomation();
+                assertEquals(GameLanguage.RU, view.languageForAutomation());
+                assertFalse(view.settingsVisibleForAutomation());
+
+                ControlSettings settings = view.controlSettingsForAutomation();
+                assertEquals("Large", settings.controlSizeLabel());
+                assertEquals("High", settings.controlOpacityLabel());
+                assertFalse(settings.hapticsEnabled());
+
+                ProgressStore progress = new ProgressStore(current);
+                assertEquals(expectedUnlocked[0], progress.unlockedCount());
+                assertEquals(expectedBestDeaths[0], progress.bestDeaths(2));
+                assertEquals(expectedBestTime[0], progress.bestTimeMs(2));
+
+                view.setLanguageForAutomation(GameLanguage.EN);
+                view.resetControlSettingsForAutomation();
+            });
+        }
+    }
+
+    private static void tap(ActivityScenario<MainActivity> activity, float canvasX, float canvasY) {
+        activity.onActivity(current -> {
+            GameView view = current.gameViewForAutomation();
+            float scale = Math.min(view.getWidth() / 1_920f, view.getHeight() / 1_080f);
+            float x = (view.getWidth() - 1_920f * scale) * 0.5f + canvasX * scale;
+            float y = (view.getHeight() - 1_080f * scale) * 0.5f + canvasY * scale;
+            long now = SystemClock.uptimeMillis();
+            MotionEvent down = MotionEvent.obtain(now, now, MotionEvent.ACTION_DOWN, x, y, 0);
+            view.dispatchTouchEvent(down);
+            down.recycle();
+            MotionEvent up = MotionEvent.obtain(now, now, MotionEvent.ACTION_UP, x, y, 0);
+            view.dispatchTouchEvent(up);
+            up.recycle();
+        });
+    }
+}
diff --git a/app/src/main/java/com/projectsacrifice/game/GameLanguage.java b/app/src/main/java/com/projectsacrifice/game/GameLanguage.java
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..34188df
--- /dev/null
+++ b/app/src/main/java/com/projectsacrifice/game/GameLanguage.java
@@ -0,0 +1,26 @@
+package com.projectsacrifice.game;
+
+/** Player-selected language, independent from the device locale. */
+public enum GameLanguage {
+    EN("en"),
+    RU("ru");
+
+    private final String code;
+
+    GameLanguage(String code) {
+        this.code = code;
+    }
+
+    public String code() {
+        return code;
+    }
+
+    public GameLanguage next() {
+        return this == EN ? RU : EN;
+    }
+
+    public static GameLanguage fromCode(String code) {
+        if (RU.code.equalsIgnoreCase(code)) return RU;
+        return EN;
+    }
+}
diff --git a/app/src/main/java/com/projectsacrifice/game/GameLanguageStore.java b/app/src/main/java/com/projectsacrifice/game/GameLanguageStore.java
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..2585b00
--- /dev/null
+++ b/app/src/main/java/com/projectsacrifice/game/GameLanguageStore.java
@@ -0,0 +1,24 @@
+package com.projectsacrifice.game;
+
+import android.content.Context;
+import android.content.SharedPreferences;
+
+/** Persists the explicit in-game language without mutating progress or controls. */
+final class GameLanguageStore {
+    private static final String FILE = "project_sacrifice_language_v1";
+    private static final String KEY_LANGUAGE = "language";
+    private final SharedPreferences preferences;
+
+    GameLanguageStore(Context context) {
+        preferences = context.getSharedPreferences(FILE, Context.MODE_PRIVATE);
+    }
+
+    GameLanguage load() {
+        return GameLanguage.fromCode(preferences.getString(KEY_LANGUAGE, GameLanguage.EN.code()));
+    }
+
+    void save(GameLanguage language) {
+        preferences.edit().putString(KEY_LANGUAGE,
+                language == null ? GameLanguage.EN.code() : language.code()).apply();
+    }
+}
diff --git a/app/src/main/java/com/projectsacrifice/game/GameStrings.java b/app/src/main/java/com/projectsacrifice/game/GameStrings.java
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..1791e85
--- /dev/null
+++ b/app/src/main/java/com/projectsacrifice/game/GameStrings.java
@@ -0,0 +1,253 @@
+package com.projectsacrifice.game;
+
+/** All player-facing copy behind one typed, Android-independent interface. */
+public final class GameStrings {
+    private static final String[] EN_TITLES = {
+            "The Volunteer", "A Useful End", "Dead Weight", "The Long Lift",
+            "Express Delivery", "Cold Comfort", "Live Wire", "Borrowed Time",
+            "Two Good Reasons", "The Last Procession"
+    };
+    private static final String[] RU_TITLES = {
+            "Рыцарь-доброволец", "Полезный конец", "Мёртвый груз", "Долгий подъём",
+            "Срочная доставка", "Холодное утешение", "Живой провод", "Время взаймы",
+            "Две веские причины", "Последнее шествие"
+    };
+    private static final String[] EN_HINTS = {
+            "Reach the relic. Arrows move; the winged button jumps.",
+            "The spikes keep every volunteer. Build a path from what remains.",
+            "Leave a body on the brass plate so the next volunteer can pass.",
+            "Touch the lever, then ride the moving platform to the upper gallery.",
+            "The saw throws to the right. Deliver a volunteer to the distant plate.",
+            "The frost makes a solid block. Use the frozen volunteer as a step.",
+            "A fallen volunteer conducts the current and keeps the relay alive.",
+            "Jump for the far blue relay if the timed gate closes.",
+            "The final gate needs weight and power at the same time.",
+            "Launch, freeze, conduct, ascend. Every lesson opens the last relic."
+    };
+    private static final String[] RU_HINTS = {
+            "Доберитесь до реликвии. Стрелки двигают; кнопка с крылом — прыжок.",
+            "Шипы сохраняют каждого добровольца. Проложите путь из того, что осталось.",
+            "Оставьте тело на латунной плите, чтобы следующий доброволец прошёл.",
+            "Коснитесь рычага, затем поднимитесь на платформе к верхней галерее.",
+            "Пила бросает вправо. Доставьте добровольца на дальнюю плиту.",
+            "Мороз создаёт твёрдый блок. Используйте замёрзшего добровольца как ступень.",
+            "Павший доброволец проводит ток и поддерживает реле.",
+            "Прыгните к дальнему синему реле, если ворота по таймеру закроются.",
+            "Последним воротам одновременно нужны вес и питание.",
+            "Разгонитесь, замёрзните, проведите ток, поднимитесь. Каждый урок открывает последнюю реликвию."
+    };
+
+    private final GameLanguage language;
+
+    private GameStrings(GameLanguage language) {
+        this.language = language == null ? GameLanguage.EN : language;
+    }
+
+    public static GameStrings forLanguage(GameLanguage language) {
+        return new GameStrings(language);
+    }
+
+    public GameLanguage language() {
+        return language;
+    }
+
+    private boolean russian() {
+        return language == GameLanguage.RU;
+    }
+
+    public String appContentDescription() {
+        return russian()
+                ? "Project Sacrifice. Платформенная головоломка из десяти уровней."
+                : "Project Sacrifice. Ten-level puzzle platform game.";
+    }
+
+    public String projectTitle() { return "PROJECT SACRIFICE"; }
+    public String tagline() {
+        return russian() ? "Каждый конец оставляет путь вперёд"
+                : "Every ending leaves a way forward";
+    }
+    public String locked() { return russian() ? "ЗАКРЫТО" : "LOCKED"; }
+    public String tapToEnter() { return russian() ? "Нажмите, чтобы войти" : "Tap to enter"; }
+    public String levelSelectFooter() {
+        return russian()
+                ? "Альбомная ориентация · мультитач · прогресс сохраняется автоматически"
+                : "Landscape · multitouch · progress saves automatically";
+    }
+
+    public String settingsButton() {
+        return russian() ? "Настройки" : "Settings";
+    }
+
+    public String settingsTitle() { return russian() ? "НАСТРОЙКИ" : "SETTINGS"; }
+    public String settingsInstruction() {
+        return russian() ? "Нажмите на строку, чтобы изменить. Всё сохраняется автоматически."
+                : "Tap a row to change it. Changes save automatically.";
+    }
+    public String controlSizeSetting() { return russian() ? "Размер управления" : "Control size"; }
+    public String controlOpacitySetting() { return russian() ? "Прозрачность управления" : "Control opacity"; }
+    public String vibrationSetting() { return russian() ? "Вибрация" : "Vibration"; }
+    public String languageSetting() { return russian() ? "Язык" : "Language"; }
+    public String languageName() { return russian() ? "Русский" : "English"; }
+    public String controlSizeValue(int index) {
+        String[] values = russian()
+                ? new String[]{"Маленький", "Средний", "Большой"}
+                : new String[]{"Small", "Medium", "Large"};
+        return values[validPreset(index)];
+    }
+    public String controlOpacityValue(int index) {
+        String[] values = russian()
+                ? new String[]{"Низкая", "Средняя", "Высокая"}
+                : new String[]{"Low", "Medium", "High"};
+        return values[validPreset(index)];
+    }
+    public String hapticsValue(boolean enabled) {
+        if (russian()) return enabled ? "Вкл." : "Выкл.";
+        return enabled ? "On" : "Off";
+    }
+    public String back() { return russian() ? "Назад" : "Back"; }
+
+    public String hudStats(int deaths, long elapsedMilliseconds) {
+        if (russian()) {
+            return "Добровольцы  " + deaths + "     Время  " + GameMath.formatTime(elapsedMilliseconds);
+        }
+        return "Volunteers  " + deaths + "     Time  " + GameMath.formatTime(elapsedMilliseconds);
+    }
+    public String restart() { return russian() ? "Заново" : "Restart"; }
+    public String respawning() {
+        return russian() ? "Следующий доброволец уже в пути…"
+                : "Another volunteer is on the way…";
+    }
+
+    public String levelBestStats(int deaths, long elapsedMilliseconds) {
+        return "✓  " + deaths + " " + volunteerWord(deaths) + "  ·  "
+                + GameMath.formatTime(elapsedMilliseconds);
+    }
+    public String relicClaimed() { return russian() ? "РЕЛИКВИЯ ПОЛУЧЕНА" : "RELIC CLAIMED"; }
+    public String completion() { return russian() ? "Завершение  ★" : "Completion  ★"; }
+    public String completionDeaths(boolean earned, int deaths, int targetDeaths) {
+        return (earned ? "★" : "☆") + "  " + deaths + " / " + targetDeaths + " "
+                + volunteerWord(deaths);
+    }
+    public String completionTime(boolean earned, long elapsedMilliseconds, long targetMilliseconds) {
+        return (earned ? "★" : "☆") + "  " + GameMath.formatTime(elapsedMilliseconds)
+                + " / " + GameMath.formatTime(targetMilliseconds);
+    }
+    public String levelSelect() { return russian() ? "Выбор уровня" : "Level select"; }
+    public String replay() { return russian() ? "Повторить" : "Replay"; }
+    public String nextLevel() { return russian() ? "Следующий уровень" : "Next level"; }
+    public String paused() { return russian() ? "ПАУЗА" : "PAUSED"; }
+    public String resume() { return russian() ? "Продолжить" : "Resume"; }
+
+    // Result-flow hooks used by the Stage 3 result screen.
+    public String currentResult() { return russian() ? "Текущий результат" : "Current result"; }
+    public String bestResult() { return russian() ? "Лучший результат" : "Best result"; }
+    public String deathsStat() { return russian() ? "Добровольцы" : "Volunteers"; }
+    public String timeStat() { return russian() ? "Время" : "Time"; }
+    public String newBest() { return russian() ? "НОВЫЙ РЕКОРД" : "NEW BEST"; }
+
+    public String currentResultLine(int deaths, long timeMs) {
+        return currentResult() + "  ·  " + deaths + " " + volunteerWord(deaths)
+                + "  ·  " + GameMath.formatTime(timeMs);
+    }
+
+    public String bestResultLine(int deaths, long timeMs) {
+        return bestResult() + "  ·  " + deaths + " " + volunteerWord(deaths)
+                + "  ·  " + GameMath.formatTime(timeMs);
+    }
+
+    public String targetsResultLine(int deaths, long timeMs) {
+        String label = russian() ? "Цели" : "Targets";
+        return label + "  ·  " + deaths + " " + volunteerWord(deaths)
+                + "  ·  " + GameMath.formatTime(timeMs);
+    }
+
+    public String nextGoalDeaths(long deaths) {
+        return russian()
+                ? "Следующая цель  ·  пройти с " + deaths + " добровольцами"
+                : "Next goal  ·  finish with " + deaths + " volunteers";
+    }
+
+    public String nextGoalTime(long timeMs) {
+        return (russian() ? "Следующая цель  ·  пройти за " : "Next goal  ·  finish in ")
+                + GameMath.formatTime(timeMs);
+    }
+
+    public String nextGoalLevel(long level) {
+        return (russian() ? "Следующая цель  ·  перейти на уровень "
+                : "Next goal  ·  enter level ") + level;
+    }
+
+    public String nextGoalPersonalBest() {
+        return russian() ? "Следующая цель  ·  улучшить личный рекорд"
+                : "Next goal  ·  improve your personal best";
+    }
+
+    // Onboarding hooks keep new tutorial Canvas copy out of GameView conditionals.
+    public String tutorialWelcomeTitle() {
+        return russian() ? "Смерть — это инструмент" : "Death is a tool";
+    }
+    public String tutorialWelcomeBody() {
+        return russian()
+                ? "Двигайтесь стрелками и прыгайте кнопкой с крылом. Доберитесь до реликвии."
+                : "Move with the arrows and jump with the winged button. Reach the relic.";
+    }
+    public String tutorialSacrificeTitle() {
+        return russian() ? "Оставьте путь вперёд" : "Leave a way forward";
+    }
+    public String tutorialSacrificeBody() {
+        return russian()
+                ? "После смерти тело остаётся в мире: закрывает шипы, держит плиты и становится ступенью."
+                : "A body stays in the world after death: cover spikes, hold plates, and make a step.";
+    }
+    public String tutorialSkip() { return russian() ? "Пропустить" : "Skip"; }
+    public String tutorialNext() { return russian() ? "Далее" : "Next"; }
+    public String tutorialStart() { return russian() ? "Начать" : "Start"; }
+    public String tutorialDone() { return russian() ? "Готово" : "Done"; }
+    public String tutorialMovementTitle() { return russian() ? "ДВИЖЕНИЕ" : "MOVE"; }
+    public String tutorialMovementBody() {
+        return russian() ? "Удерживайте левую или правую стрелку, чтобы двигаться."
+                : "Hold the left or right arrow to explore.";
+    }
+    public String tutorialJumpTitle() { return russian() ? "ДВИЖЕНИЕ + ПРЫЖОК" : "MOVE + JUMP"; }
+    public String tutorialJumpBody() {
+        return russian() ? "Используйте два пальца: держите направление и нажмите Прыжок."
+                : "Use two fingers: hold a direction and tap Jump.";
+    }
+    public String tutorialCorpseTitle() {
+        return russian() ? "СМЕРТЬ ОСТАВЛЯЕТ ИНСТРУМЕНТ" : "DEATH LEAVES A TOOL";
+    }
+    public String tutorialCorpseBody() {
+        return russian() ? "Павший доброволец остаётся. Используйте тело, чтобы открыть путь."
+                : "A fallen volunteer remains. Use the body to open a path.";
+    }
+    public String tutorialProgress(int step, int total) {
+        return step + " / " + total;
+    }
+
+    public String levelTitle(int oneBasedLevelNumber) {
+        return (russian() ? RU_TITLES : EN_TITLES)[levelIndex(oneBasedLevelNumber)];
+    }
+
+    public String levelHint(int oneBasedLevelNumber) {
+        return (russian() ? RU_HINTS : EN_HINTS)[levelIndex(oneBasedLevelNumber)];
+    }
+
+    private String volunteerWord(int count) {
+        if (!russian()) return count == 1 ? "volunteer" : "volunteers";
+        int mod100 = Math.abs(count) % 100;
+        int mod10 = Math.abs(count) % 10;
+        if (mod100 >= 11 && mod100 <= 14) return "добровольцев";
+        if (mod10 == 1) return "доброволец";
+        if (mod10 >= 2 && mod10 <= 4) return "добровольца";
+        return "добровольцев";
+    }
+
+    private static int validPreset(int index) {
+        return index >= 0 && index <= 2 ? index : 1;
+    }
+
+    private static int levelIndex(int oneBasedLevelNumber) {
+        int index = oneBasedLevelNumber - 1;
+        return index >= 0 && index < EN_TITLES.length ? index : 0;
+    }
+}
diff --git a/app/src/main/java/com/projectsacrifice/game/GameView.java b/app/src/main/java/com/projectsacrifice/game/GameView.java
index c61a37a..5919eaa 100644
--- a/app/src/main/java/com/projectsacrifice/game/GameView.java
+++ b/app/src/main/java/com/projectsacrifice/game/GameView.java
@@ -16,6 +16,7 @@ import android.view.MotionEvent;
 import android.view.View;
 
 import java.util.ArrayList;
+import java.util.Collections;
 import java.util.HashMap;
 import java.util.List;
 import java.util.Locale;
@@ -162,6 +163,7 @@ public final class GameView extends View implements Runnable {
     private final ProgressStore progress;
     private final ControlSettingsStore controlSettingsStore;
     private final OnboardingStore onboardingStore;
+    private final GameLanguageStore languageStore;
     private final SparseArray<PointF> pointers = new SparseArray<>();
     private final Player player = new Player();
     private final ArrayList<Corpse> corpses = new ArrayList<>();
@@ -190,6 +192,8 @@ public final class GameView extends View implements Runnable {
     private ControlSettings controlSettings;
     private OnboardingFlow onboardingFlow;
     private CompletionResult completionResult;
+    private GameLanguage language;
+    private GameStrings strings;
 
     public GameView(Context context) {
         super(context);
@@ -198,12 +202,15 @@ public final class GameView extends View implements Runnable {
         controlSettings = controlSettingsStore.load();
         onboardingStore = new OnboardingStore(context);
         onboardingFlow = OnboardingFlow.firstRun(onboardingStore.isComplete());
+        languageStore = new GameLanguageStore(context);
+        language = languageStore.load();
+        strings = GameStrings.forLanguage(language);
         paint.setTypeface(android.graphics.Typeface.create("sans", android.graphics.Typeface.NORMAL));
         stroke.setStyle(Paint.Style.STROKE);
         stroke.setStrokeCap(Paint.Cap.ROUND);
         setFocusable(true);
         setImportantForAccessibility(IMPORTANT_FOR_ACCESSIBILITY_YES);
-        setContentDescription("Project Sacrifice. Ten-level puzzle platform game.");
+        setContentDescription(strings.appContentDescription());
         running = true;
         postOnAnimation(this);
     }
@@ -942,11 +949,15 @@ public final class GameView extends View implements Runnable {
     private void drawHud(Canvas canvas) {
         paint.setColor(Color.argb(178, 15, 20, 34));
         canvas.drawRoundRect(new RectF(28, 26, 940, 138), 24, 24, paint);
-        drawText(canvas, String.format(Locale.US, "%02d  %s", level.number, level.title), 56, 72, 34, Color.rgb(248, 220, 151), false);
-        drawText(canvas, level.hint, 56, 116, 25, Color.rgb(231, 231, 235), false);
-        drawText(canvas, "Volunteers  " + deaths + "     Time  " + GameMath.formatTime((long) (levelElapsed * 1000)), 1010, 82, 31, Color.WHITE, false);
+        drawText(canvas, String.format(Locale.US, "%02d  %s", level.number,
+                strings.levelTitle(level.number)), 56, 72, 34,
+                Color.rgb(248, 220, 151), false);
+        drawFittedText(canvas, strings.levelHint(level.number), 56, 116, 25, 16,
+                850, Color.rgb(231, 231, 235), false);
+        drawText(canvas, strings.hudStats(deaths, (long) (levelElapsed * 1000)),
+                1010, 82, 31, Color.WHITE, false);
 
-        drawHudButton(canvas, new RectF(1608, 26, 1770, 112), "Restart", false);
+        drawHudButton(canvas, new RectF(1608, 26, 1770, 112), strings.restart(), false);
         drawHudButton(canvas, new RectF(1790, 26, 1892, 112), "II", false);
 
         float controlScale = controlSettings.controlScale();
@@ -954,7 +965,8 @@ public final class GameView extends View implements Runnable {
         drawControlCircle(canvas, 365, 925, 92 * controlScale, "›", rightPressed);
         drawControlCircle(canvas, 1760, 900, 116 * controlScale, "▲", jumpPressed);
         if (!player.alive) {
-            drawCenteredText(canvas, "Another volunteer is on the way…", VIEW_WIDTH * 0.5f, 235, 38, Color.rgb(250, 222, 153));
+            drawCenteredText(canvas, strings.respawning(), VIEW_WIDTH * 0.5f, 235, 38,
+                    Color.rgb(250, 222, 153));
         }
     }
 
@@ -974,8 +986,10 @@ public final class GameView extends View implements Runnable {
 
     private void drawLevelSelect(Canvas canvas) {
         drawSky(canvas);
-        drawCenteredText(canvas, "PROJECT SACRIFICE", VIEW_WIDTH * 0.5f, 120, 64, Color.rgb(248, 212, 126));
-        drawCenteredText(canvas, "Every ending leaves a way forward", VIEW_WIDTH * 0.5f, 177, 29, Color.rgb(225, 226, 233));
+        drawCenteredText(canvas, strings.projectTitle(), VIEW_WIDTH * 0.5f, 120, 64,
+                Color.rgb(248, 212, 126));
+        drawCenteredText(canvas, strings.tagline(), VIEW_WIDTH * 0.5f, 177, 29,
+                Color.rgb(225, 226, 233));
         int unlocked = progress.unlockedCount();
         float startX = 110f;
         float cardW = 310f;
@@ -994,35 +1008,43 @@ public final class GameView extends View implements Runnable {
             stroke.setColor(complete ? Color.rgb(109, 222, 143) : (enabled ? Color.rgb(205, 164, 83) : Color.rgb(73, 77, 91)));
             stroke.setStrokeWidth(5f);
             canvas.drawRoundRect(card, 22, 22, stroke);
-            drawCenteredText(canvas, enabled ? String.format(Locale.US, "%02d", i + 1) : "LOCKED", card.centerX(), top + 72, enabled ? 48 : 27,
+            drawCenteredText(canvas, enabled ? String.format(Locale.US, "%02d", i + 1) : strings.locked(), card.centerX(), top + 72, enabled ? 48 : 27,
                     enabled ? Color.rgb(248, 210, 118) : Color.rgb(120, 123, 135));
             LevelDefinition item = LevelCatalog.get(i);
-            drawCenteredText(canvas, item.title, card.centerX(), top + 124, 28, enabled ? Color.WHITE : Color.rgb(111, 114, 125));
+            drawCenteredFittedText(canvas, strings.levelTitle(item.number), card.centerX(),
+                    top + 124, 28, 20, cardW - 28,
+                    enabled ? Color.WHITE : Color.rgb(111, 114, 125));
             if (complete) {
                 int bestDeaths = progress.bestDeaths(i + 1);
                 long bestTime = progress.bestTimeMs(i + 1);
-                drawCenteredText(canvas, "✓  " + bestDeaths + " volunteers  ·  " + GameMath.formatTime(bestTime), card.centerX(), top + 185, 21, Color.rgb(138, 231, 163));
+                drawCenteredFittedText(canvas, strings.levelBestStats(bestDeaths, bestTime),
+                        card.centerX(), top + 185, 21, 17, cardW - 24,
+                        Color.rgb(138, 231, 163));
             } else if (enabled) {
-                drawCenteredText(canvas, "Tap to enter", card.centerX(), top + 190, 22, Color.rgb(202, 204, 214));
+                drawCenteredText(canvas, strings.tapToEnter(), card.centerX(), top + 190,
+                        22, Color.rgb(202, 204, 214));
             }
         }
-        drawHudButton(canvas, new RectF(1560, 70, 1850, 160), "Settings", false);
-        drawCenteredText(canvas, "Landscape · multitouch · progress saves automatically", VIEW_WIDTH * 0.5f, 980, 24, Color.argb(190, 230, 230, 236));
+        drawHudButton(canvas, new RectF(1560, 70, 1850, 160), strings.settingsButton(), false);
+        drawCenteredText(canvas, strings.levelSelectFooter(), VIEW_WIDTH * 0.5f, 980, 24,
+                Color.argb(190, 230, 230, 236));
     }
 
     private void drawSettings(Canvas canvas) {
         drawSky(canvas);
-        drawCenteredText(canvas, "SETTINGS", VIEW_WIDTH * 0.5f, 145, 64,
+        drawCenteredText(canvas, strings.settingsTitle(), VIEW_WIDTH * 0.5f, 145, 64,
                 Color.rgb(248, 212, 126));
-        drawCenteredText(canvas, "Tap a row to change it. Changes save automatically.",
+        drawCenteredText(canvas, strings.settingsInstruction(),
                 VIEW_WIDTH * 0.5f, 205, 27, Color.rgb(225, 226, 233));
-        drawSettingRow(canvas, new RectF(420, 280, 1500, 410), "Control size",
-                controlSettings.controlSizeLabel());
-        drawSettingRow(canvas, new RectF(420, 450, 1500, 580), "Control opacity",
-                controlSettings.controlOpacityLabel());
-        drawSettingRow(canvas, new RectF(420, 620, 1500, 750), "Vibration",
-                controlSettings.hapticsLabel());
-        drawHudButton(canvas, new RectF(710, 850, 1210, 960), "Back", true);
+        drawText(canvas, strings.languageSetting(), 1_370f, 126f, 27f, Color.WHITE, true);
+        drawHudButton(canvas, new RectF(1580, 70, 1850, 160), strings.languageName(), false);
+        drawSettingRow(canvas, new RectF(420, 280, 1500, 410), strings.controlSizeSetting(),
+                strings.controlSizeValue(controlSettings.controlSizeIndex()));
+        drawSettingRow(canvas, new RectF(420, 450, 1500, 580), strings.controlOpacitySetting(),
+                strings.controlOpacityValue(controlSettings.controlOpacityIndex()));
+        drawSettingRow(canvas, new RectF(420, 620, 1500, 750), strings.vibrationSetting(),
+                strings.hapticsValue(controlSettings.hapticsEnabled()));
+        drawHudButton(canvas, new RectF(710, 850, 1210, 960), strings.back(), true);
     }
 
     private void drawSettingRow(Canvas canvas, RectF box, String label, String value) {
@@ -1039,43 +1061,44 @@ public final class GameView extends View implements Runnable {
     private void drawComplete(Canvas canvas) {
         paint.setColor(Color.argb(218, 8, 12, 23));
         canvas.drawRect(0, 0, VIEW_WIDTH, VIEW_HEIGHT, paint);
-        drawCenteredText(canvas, "RELIC CLAIMED", VIEW_WIDTH * 0.5f, 205, 64, Color.rgb(250, 211, 111));
-        drawCenteredText(canvas, level.title, VIEW_WIDTH * 0.5f, 263, 34, Color.WHITE);
+        drawCenteredText(canvas, strings.relicClaimed(), VIEW_WIDTH * 0.5f, 205, 64,
+                Color.rgb(250, 211, 111));
+        drawCenteredText(canvas, strings.levelTitle(level.number), VIEW_WIDTH * 0.5f, 263,
+                34, Color.WHITE);
 
         CompletionResult result = completionResult;
         if (result != null) {
-            drawCenteredText(canvas,
-                    "This run  ·  " + result.currentDeaths() + " volunteers  ·  "
-                            + GameMath.formatTime(result.currentTimeMs()),
+            drawCenteredText(canvas, strings.currentResultLine(result.currentDeaths(),
+                            result.currentTimeMs()),
                     VIEW_WIDTH * 0.5f, 380, 34, Color.WHITE);
-            drawCenteredText(canvas,
-                    "Saved best  ·  " + result.bestDeaths() + " volunteers  ·  "
-                            + GameMath.formatTime(result.bestTimeMs()),
+            drawCenteredText(canvas, strings.bestResultLine(result.bestDeaths(),
+                            result.bestTimeMs()),
                     VIEW_WIDTH * 0.5f, 437, 31, Color.rgb(128, 229, 153));
-            drawCenteredText(canvas,
-                    "Targets  ·  " + result.targetDeaths() + " volunteers  ·  "
-                            + GameMath.formatTime(result.targetTimeMs()),
+            drawCenteredText(canvas, strings.targetsResultLine(result.targetDeaths(),
+                            result.targetTimeMs()),
                     VIEW_WIDTH * 0.5f, 510, 28, Color.rgb(210, 211, 218));
             drawCenteredText(canvas, nextGoalText(result), VIEW_WIDTH * 0.5f, 585, 31,
                     Color.rgb(250, 211, 111));
         }
 
-        drawHudButton(canvas, new RectF(345, 735, 755, 850), "Level select", false);
-        drawHudButton(canvas, new RectF(775, 735, 1145, 850), "Replay", false);
-        if (levelIndex + 1 < LevelCatalog.all().size()) drawHudButton(canvas, new RectF(1165, 735, 1575, 850), "Next level", true);
+        drawHudButton(canvas, new RectF(345, 735, 755, 850), strings.levelSelect(), false);
+        drawHudButton(canvas, new RectF(775, 735, 1145, 850), strings.replay(), false);
+        if (levelIndex + 1 < LevelCatalog.all().size()) {
+            drawHudButton(canvas, new RectF(1165, 735, 1575, 850), strings.nextLevel(), true);
+        }
     }
 
     private String nextGoalText(CompletionResult result) {
         switch (result.nextGoal()) {
             case TARGET_DEATHS:
-                return "Next goal  ·  finish with " + result.nextGoalValue() + " volunteers";
+                return strings.nextGoalDeaths(result.nextGoalValue());
             case TARGET_TIME:
-                return "Next goal  ·  finish in " + GameMath.formatTime(result.nextGoalValue());
+                return strings.nextGoalTime(result.nextGoalValue());
             case NEXT_LEVEL:
-                return "Next goal  ·  enter level " + result.nextGoalValue();
+                return strings.nextGoalLevel(result.nextGoalValue());
             case PERSONAL_BEST:
             default:
-                return "Next goal  ·  improve your personal best";
+                return strings.nextGoalPersonalBest();
         }
     }
 
@@ -1092,37 +1115,64 @@ public final class GameView extends View implements Runnable {
         String progressLabel;
         switch (onboardingFlow.step()) {
             case MOVEMENT:
-                title = "MOVE";
-                message = "Hold the left or right arrow to explore.";
-                progressLabel = "1 / 3";
+                title = strings.tutorialMovementTitle();
+                message = strings.tutorialMovementBody();
+                progressLabel = strings.tutorialProgress(1, 3);
                 break;
             case MULTITOUCH_JUMP:
-                title = "MOVE + JUMP";
-                message = "Use two fingers: hold a direction and tap Jump.";
-                progressLabel = "2 / 3";
+                title = strings.tutorialJumpTitle();
+                message = strings.tutorialJumpBody();
+                progressLabel = strings.tutorialProgress(2, 3);
                 break;
             case CORPSES_ARE_TOOLS:
             default:
-                title = "DEATH LEAVES A TOOL";
-                message = "A fallen volunteer remains. Use the body to open a path.";
-                progressLabel = "3 / 3";
+                title = strings.tutorialCorpseTitle();
+                message = strings.tutorialCorpseBody();
+                progressLabel = strings.tutorialProgress(3, 3);
                 break;
         }
-        drawText(canvas, title, 575, 230, 30, Color.rgb(250, 211, 111), true);
-        drawText(canvas, message, 575, 278, 27, Color.WHITE, false);
+        drawFittedText(canvas, title, 575, 230, 30, 21, 740,
+                Color.rgb(250, 211, 111), true);
+        drawFittedText(canvas, message, 575, 278, 27, 18, 740, Color.WHITE, false);
         drawText(canvas, progressLabel, 575, 337, 22, Color.rgb(180, 185, 198), false);
-        drawHudButton(canvas, new RectF(965, 298, 1125, 355), "Skip", false);
+        drawHudButton(canvas, new RectF(965, 298, 1125, 355), strings.tutorialSkip(), false);
         drawHudButton(canvas, new RectF(1145, 298, 1345, 355),
-                onboardingFlow.step() == OnboardingFlow.Step.CORPSES_ARE_TOOLS ? "Done" : "Next",
+                onboardingFlow.step() == OnboardingFlow.Step.CORPSES_ARE_TOOLS
+                        ? strings.tutorialDone() : strings.tutorialNext(),
                 true);
     }
 
+    private String onboardingTitle() {
+        switch (onboardingFlow.step()) {
+            case MOVEMENT:
+                return strings.tutorialMovementTitle();
+            case MULTITOUCH_JUMP:
+                return strings.tutorialJumpTitle();
+            case CORPSES_ARE_TOOLS:
+            default:
+                return strings.tutorialCorpseTitle();
+        }
+    }
+
+    private String onboardingBody() {
+        switch (onboardingFlow.step()) {
+            case MOVEMENT:
+                return strings.tutorialMovementBody();
+            case MULTITOUCH_JUMP:
+                return strings.tutorialJumpBody();
+            case CORPSES_ARE_TOOLS:
+            default:
+                return strings.tutorialCorpseBody();
+        }
+    }
+
     private void drawPause(Canvas canvas) {
         paint.setColor(Color.argb(218, 8, 12, 23));
         canvas.drawRect(0, 0, VIEW_WIDTH, VIEW_HEIGHT, paint);
-        drawCenteredText(canvas, "PAUSED", VIEW_WIDTH * 0.5f, 350, 68, Color.rgb(248, 212, 126));
-        drawHudButton(canvas, new RectF(610, 485, 1310, 610), "Resume", true);
-        drawHudButton(canvas, new RectF(610, 650, 1310, 775), "Level select", false);
+        drawCenteredText(canvas, strings.paused(), VIEW_WIDTH * 0.5f, 350, 68,
+                Color.rgb(248, 212, 126));
+        drawHudButton(canvas, new RectF(610, 485, 1310, 610), strings.resume(), true);
+        drawHudButton(canvas, new RectF(610, 650, 1310, 775), strings.levelSelect(), false);
     }
 
     private void drawHudButton(Canvas canvas, RectF box, String label, boolean primary) {
@@ -1148,6 +1198,30 @@ public final class GameView extends View implements Runnable {
         canvas.drawText(text, x, baseline, paint);
     }
 
+    private void drawFittedText(Canvas canvas, String text, float x, float baseline,
+                                float preferredSize, float minimumSize, float maximumWidth,
+                                int color, boolean bold) {
+        float size = fittedTextSize(text, preferredSize, minimumSize, maximumWidth, bold);
+        drawText(canvas, text, x, baseline, size, color, bold);
+    }
+
+    private void drawCenteredFittedText(Canvas canvas, String text, float x, float baseline,
+                                        float preferredSize, float minimumSize,
+                                        float maximumWidth, int color) {
+        float size = fittedTextSize(text, preferredSize, minimumSize, maximumWidth, true);
+        drawCenteredText(canvas, text, x, baseline, size, color);
+    }
+
+    private float fittedTextSize(String text, float preferredSize, float minimumSize,
+                                 float maximumWidth, boolean bold) {
+        paint.setTextSize(preferredSize);
+        paint.setTypeface(android.graphics.Typeface.create("sans",
+                bold ? android.graphics.Typeface.BOLD : android.graphics.Typeface.NORMAL));
+        float measured = paint.measureText(text);
+        if (measured <= maximumWidth || measured <= 0f) return preferredSize;
+        return Math.max(minimumSize, preferredSize * maximumWidth / measured);
+    }
+
     private void drawCenteredText(Canvas canvas, String text, float x, float baseline, float size, int color) {
         paint.setShader(null);
         paint.setStyle(Paint.Style.FILL);
@@ -1331,7 +1405,10 @@ public final class GameView extends View implements Runnable {
     }
 
     private void handleSettingsTap(float x, float y) {
-        if (contains(420, 280, 1500, 410, x, y)) {
+        if (contains(1580, 70, 1850, 160, x, y)) {
+            updateLanguage(language.next());
+            emitHaptic(HapticFeedbackConstants.KEYBOARD_TAP);
+        } else if (contains(420, 280, 1500, 410, x, y)) {
             updateControlSettings(controlSettings.nextControlSize());
             emitHaptic(HapticFeedbackConstants.KEYBOARD_TAP);
         } else if (contains(420, 450, 1500, 580, x, y)) {
@@ -1458,6 +1535,98 @@ public final class GameView extends View implements Runnable {
         nextLevelFromResult();
     }
 
+    public GameLanguage languageForAutomation() {
+        return language;
+    }
+
+    public void resetLanguageForAutomation() {
+        updateLanguage(GameLanguage.EN);
+    }
+
+    public void selectNextLanguageForAutomation() {
+        updateLanguage(language.next());
+    }
+
+    public void setLanguageForAutomation(GameLanguage updated) {
+        updateLanguage(updated);
+    }
+
+    /** Exact localized copy sources that the current Canvas state renders. */
+    public List<String> visibleLocalizedTextForAutomation() {
+        ArrayList<String> visible = new ArrayList<>();
+        if (screen == Screen.LEVELS) {
+            visible.add(strings.projectTitle());
+            visible.add(strings.tagline());
+            for (int i = 0; i < LevelCatalog.all().size(); i++) {
+                boolean enabled = i < progress.unlockedCount();
+                visible.add(enabled ? String.format(Locale.US, "%02d", i + 1) : strings.locked());
+                visible.add(strings.levelTitle(i + 1));
+                if (progress.isCompleted(i + 1)) {
+                    visible.add(strings.levelBestStats(progress.bestDeaths(i + 1),
+                            progress.bestTimeMs(i + 1)));
+                } else if (enabled) {
+                    visible.add(strings.tapToEnter());
+                }
+            }
+            visible.add(strings.settingsButton());
+            visible.add(strings.levelSelectFooter());
+        } else if (screen == Screen.SETTINGS) {
+            visible.add(strings.settingsTitle());
+            visible.add(strings.settingsInstruction());
+            visible.add(strings.languageSetting());
+            visible.add(strings.languageName());
+            visible.add(strings.controlSizeSetting());
+            visible.add(strings.controlSizeValue(controlSettings.controlSizeIndex()));
+            visible.add(strings.controlOpacitySetting());
+            visible.add(strings.controlOpacityValue(controlSettings.controlOpacityIndex()));
+            visible.add(strings.vibrationSetting());
+            visible.add(strings.hapticsValue(controlSettings.hapticsEnabled()));
+            visible.add(strings.back());
+        } else if (level != null) {
+            visible.add(String.format(Locale.US, "%02d  %s", level.number,
+                    strings.levelTitle(level.number)));
+            visible.add(strings.levelHint(level.number));
+            visible.add(strings.hudStats(deaths, (long) (levelElapsed * 1000)));
+            visible.add(strings.restart());
+            if (!player.alive) visible.add(strings.respawning());
+            if (screen == Screen.COMPLETE) {
+                visible.add(strings.relicClaimed());
+                visible.add(strings.levelTitle(level.number));
+                if (completionResult != null) {
+                    visible.add(strings.currentResultLine(completionResult.currentDeaths(),
+                            completionResult.currentTimeMs()));
+                    visible.add(strings.bestResultLine(completionResult.bestDeaths(),
+                            completionResult.bestTimeMs()));
+                    visible.add(strings.targetsResultLine(completionResult.targetDeaths(),
+                            completionResult.targetTimeMs()));
+                    visible.add(nextGoalText(completionResult));
+                }
+                visible.add(strings.levelSelect());
+                visible.add(strings.replay());
+                if (levelIndex + 1 < LevelCatalog.all().size()) visible.add(strings.nextLevel());
+            } else if (userPaused) {
+                visible.add(strings.paused());
+                visible.add(strings.resume());
+                visible.add(strings.levelSelect());
+            } else if (onboardingFlow.isVisible()) {
+                visible.add(onboardingTitle());
+                visible.add(onboardingBody());
+                visible.add(strings.tutorialSkip());
+                visible.add(onboardingFlow.step() == OnboardingFlow.Step.CORPSES_ARE_TOOLS
+                        ? strings.tutorialDone() : strings.tutorialNext());
+            }
+        }
+        return Collections.unmodifiableList(visible);
+    }
+
+    private void updateLanguage(GameLanguage updated) {
+        language = updated == null ? GameLanguage.EN : updated;
+        strings = GameStrings.forLanguage(language);
+        languageStore.save(language);
+        setContentDescription(strings.appContentDescription());
+        invalidate();
+    }
+
     private void updateControlSettings(ControlSettings updated) {
         controlSettings = updated;
         controlSettingsStore.save(updated);
diff --git a/app/src/test/java/com/projectsacrifice/game/GameStringsTest.java b/app/src/test/java/com/projectsacrifice/game/GameStringsTest.java
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..8ff7583
--- /dev/null
+++ b/app/src/test/java/com/projectsacrifice/game/GameStringsTest.java
@@ -0,0 +1,43 @@
+package com.projectsacrifice.game;
+
+import static org.junit.Assert.assertEquals;
+import static org.junit.Assert.assertFalse;
+import static org.junit.Assert.assertNotEquals;
+
+import org.junit.Test;
+
+public final class GameStringsTest {
+    @Test
+    public void missingOrUnknownLanguageSafelyFallsBackToEnglish() {
+        assertEquals(GameLanguage.EN, GameLanguage.fromCode(null));
+        assertEquals(GameLanguage.EN, GameLanguage.fromCode("de"));
+
+        GameStrings strings = GameStrings.forLanguage(GameLanguage.fromCode("de"));
+        assertEquals("Settings", strings.settingsButton());
+        assertEquals("The Volunteer", strings.levelTitle(1));
+    }
+
+    @Test
+    public void russianPackLocalizesTheCompletePlayerFacingContract() {
+        GameStrings english = GameStrings.forLanguage(GameLanguage.EN);
+        GameStrings russian = GameStrings.forLanguage(GameLanguage.RU);
+
+        assertEquals("Настройки", russian.settingsButton());
+        assertEquals("Размер управления", russian.controlSizeSetting());
+        assertEquals("Русский", russian.languageName());
+        assertEquals("Рыцарь-доброволец", russian.levelTitle(1));
+        assertEquals("Последнее шествие", russian.levelTitle(10));
+        assertEquals("Добровольцы  2     Время  00:07", russian.hudStats(2, 7_000L));
+        assertEquals("✓  2 добровольца  ·  00:07", russian.levelBestStats(2, 7_000L));
+        assertEquals("★  2 / 3 добровольца", russian.completionDeaths(true, 2, 3));
+        assertEquals("Смерть — это инструмент", russian.tutorialWelcomeTitle());
+        assertFalse(russian.tutorialSacrificeBody().trim().isEmpty());
+
+        for (int level = 1; level <= 10; level++) {
+            assertFalse(russian.levelTitle(level).trim().isEmpty());
+            assertFalse(russian.levelHint(level).trim().isEmpty());
+            assertNotEquals(english.levelTitle(level), russian.levelTitle(level));
+            assertNotEquals(english.levelHint(level), russian.levelHint(level));
+        }
+    }
+}
diff --git a/docs/STAGE3_LOCALIZATION_QA.md b/docs/STAGE3_LOCALIZATION_QA.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e3580b5
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/STAGE3_LOCALIZATION_QA.md
@@ -0,0 +1,59 @@
+# Stage 3 RU/EN localization QA
+
+Date: 2026-08-18
+Scope: persistent, explicit English/Russian language selection for the Canvas UI.
+
+## Delivered contract
+
+- English is the default for missing, null, or unknown stored language codes.
+- The Settings screen exposes a dedicated English/Russian switch without moving the
+  existing control-size, opacity, vibration, or Back touch targets.
+- The selected language is stored separately from progress and control preferences
+  and is restored when `MainActivity` is recreated.
+- `GameStrings` owns all player-facing copy: level select, settings, HUD, respawn,
+  pause, completion, buttons, statistics, ten level titles and hints.
+- Result-flow and onboarding copy has typed RU/EN hooks ready for the other Stage 3
+  slices; new Canvas code does not need language conditionals.
+- Long localized hints, card titles, and best-result summaries are fitted to their
+  existing Canvas bounds. Gameplay geometry and Android `minSdk 23` are unchanged.
+- Automation exposes current/set/toggle language and a read-only snapshot of the
+  localized copy rendered by the current screen.
+
+## TDD evidence
+
+1. RED: the fallback test failed compilation with seven missing `GameLanguage` /
+   `GameStrings` symbols. GREEN: English default and safe unknown/null fallback.
+2. RED: the complete Russian-pack test failed compilation with ten missing copy
+   methods. GREEN: complete RU pack, ten titles/hints, statistics, plural forms,
+   result hooks, and onboarding hooks.
+3. RED: the persistence device test failed compilation with four missing GameView
+   language hooks. GREEN: Settings toggle plus a dedicated preference store.
+4. RED: the integrated acceptance extension failed compilation with three missing
+   setter/snapshot hooks. GREEN: explicit language setter and current-screen copy
+   snapshot.
+
+## Automated checks
+
+| Gate | Result |
+| --- | --- |
+| `testDebugUnitTest` | GREEN, 22/22 JVM tests |
+| `lintDebug` | GREEN |
+| `assembleDebug` | GREEN |
+| `compileDebugAndroidTestJavaWithJavac` | GREEN, including `GameLanguagePersistenceTest` |
+| Canvas raw-copy audit | GREEN; only language-neutral `II` and numeric formats remain in draw calls |
+
+`GameLanguagePersistenceTest` is compiled here but intentionally not executed in
+this isolated stream because emulator ownership belongs to final Stage 3 integration.
+It performs real Settings taps and verifies Russian visible-copy snapshot, Activity
+recreation, progress, control size, opacity, and vibration preservation.
+
+## Integration notes
+
+- `GameView.java` will conflict with accessibility/onboarding/result branches. Keep
+  their UI behavior and route every new visible string through the existing
+  `GameStrings` result/onboarding hooks.
+- `ControlSettings.java` is not modified; localized preset labels are derived from
+  its stable package-visible preset indexes.
+- `LevelCatalog.java` and level geometry are not modified. Canvas rendering now uses
+  `GameStrings.levelTitle/levelHint`; the existing English fields remain compatible
+  with gameplay tests and older callers.