Altermagnetism is a recently proposed magnetic order that hosts zero net magnetization while exhibiting spin-split electronic bands. Rutile oxide ${\mathrm{RuO}}_2$ is one of the representative candidate materials, yet its intrinsic magnetic ground state remains highly debated in recent studies. Using density functional theory calculations, we demonstrate that epitaxial strain can activate intrinsic magnetism in ${\mathrm{RuO}}_2$ and effectively tune its local magnetic moments. This strain-driven magnetic response originates from the modified orbital hybridization and the crystal-field interactions. These findings provide a plausible explanation for the diversity of magnetic signatures observed in various experimental conditions, highlighting the critical role of lattice strain in stabilizing and tuning altermagnetism.

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• Altermagnets
• Transition metal oxides
• Density functional theory
• Strain engineering