Direct quenching (DQ) is one of the latest process routes in production of ultra-high strength, high performance steels and Ruukki one of the pioneering companies in the utilization of direct quenching. Ruukki has applied direct quenching for the production of ultra-high-strength structural steels in the form of hot-rolled strip and plate. The paper briefly summarizes the physical metallurgy fundamental of direct steels and shows some selected examples of the microstructures and properties of steels produced by direct quenching. In addition, a brief review on the usability properties and design rules of ultra-high strength structural steels is made.