The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Gears of War: E-Day launched on October 6, 2026, so there is no longer a wait for the game itself. If you want another co-op shooter to play alongside it—or something to play after finishing its campaign—these picks cover different parts of the appeal: Gears-style combat, cinematic campaigns, coordinated missions, and repeatable alien-horde action.
What to look for in a Gears-adjacent co-op shooter
Not every co-op shooter offers a Gears-like campaign. The most useful distinctions are whether you want a story campaign or repeatable missions, how many friends can join, and whether you need local split-screen or can play online. Combat style matters too: some picks emphasize cover-based third-person fighting, while others are built around squad roles, exploration, or surviving waves of enemies.
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For context, Xbox says E-Day’s campaign supports solo play, two-player split-screen on console, and online co-op for up to four players. Xbox also says online campaign co-op and other online multiplayer features require a Game Pass plan that includes online multiplayer. Xbox’s E-Day listing has the current details.
Best co-op shooters to play alongside E-Day
Gears 5: the closest match to the Gears feel
If what you want is more of the Gears universe and its combat, start with Gears 5. Microsoft includes it in its PC online co-op shooter category, making it the most directly franchise-aligned choice here.
#1 Best Overall
- Battle swarms of hundreds of zombies - the Swarm Engine seamlessly renders hordes of zombies in incredible firefights. Advanced gore systems offer gruesomely satisfying action.
- Coop story-driven campaigns - survive around the world, as unique groups tell their stories of perseverance.
- Fight other players for survival - several intense Player vs Player vs Zombies game modes complement the coop campaigns.
- Grow stronger - unlock powerful weapon upgrades and level 6 character classes to take on greater challenges.
That category confirms its relevance as an online co-op shooter, but does not establish the co-op configuration for every edition or platform. Check the listing for the version you intend to play before buying or arranging a session.
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2: a co-op campaign against swarms
Space Marine 2 is a stronger fit if your group wants a cinematic campaign and large-scale enemy fights, rather than a Gears-like cover-combat clone. Focus Entertainment says the campaign can be played solo or in three-player co-op, and the game also includes PvE and PvP modes. Its page describes “hundreds of enemies on screen”; that is the publisher’s wording, not an independently measured performance claim. See the Focus Entertainment game page for its description.
Rank #2
- VERSATILE FOR ALL SHOOTING GAMES - Compatible with a wide range of titles including Splatoon 2, Splatoon 3, Crysis Remastered Nintendo Switch, Big Buck Hunter Arcade, Hunting Simulator 2, and The House of the Dead
- DURABLE CONSTRUCTION - Crafted from high-quality materials, this gun accessory is built to last, ensuring a robust and reliable performance during hunting gaming sessions
- REALISTIC GAMING EXPERIENCE - Elevate your gameplay with a true-to-life experience. This Switch gun accessory provides a more immersive and realistic feel compared to using Joy-Cons directly
- ERGONOMIC DESIGN - Designed with a comfortable grip that follows the natural contours of your hand, this accessory offers an intuitive layout for Joy-Con placement, enhancing your control and comfort
- PERFECT FOR KIDS & FAMILY TIME - Designed with fun, this accessory gun is perfect for children and adds a layer of excitement to family game nights, making gaming sessions more interactive and enjoyable for everyone
Helldivers 2: coordinated four-player missions
Choose Helldivers 2 for squad missions rather than a linear story campaign. PlayStation describes it as a “frenetic third-person co-operative team shooter,” and its listing says up to three friends can join the player for online groups of up to four. The same page lists PS5, PC, and Xbox, and says online play is required. It also notes that friendly fire is always on, so coordination—and watching where teammates are aiming—is part of the experience. Check PlayStation’s game page for the listed details.
Deep Rock Galactic: class teamwork and alien encounters
Deep Rock Galactic suits groups who enjoy distinct team roles and repeatable alien encounters more than a linear Gears-style campaign. PlayStation describes four space-Dwarf classes working together in destructible environments against hostile aliens. The mining and exploration premise gives its squad combat a different rhythm from Gears. Microsoft also lists it in its PC online co-op shooter category. See PlayStation’s team-shooters guide and Microsoft’s PC co-op shooter category.
Rank #3
- EXPANSIVE CAMPAIGN: Many real-world locations have been captured using photogrammetry to recreate a living, immersive environment, and multiple infiltration and extraction points and kill list targets provide a whole new perspective on each mission. Take on the Nazi plot solo or work with a partner, with improved co-op mechanics allowing you to share ammo and items, give orders and heal each other.
- ADVANCED GUNPLAY PHYSICS AND TRAVERSAL: Use ziplines, slide down slopes and shimmy along ledges to reach the perfect vantage point, or to sneak past a sharp-eyed lookout. Factor in rifle stock and barrel options along with gravity, wind and heart rate while you line up your sights on the target.
- HIGH CALIBRE CUSTOMISATION: Use workbenches to customise and upgrade virtually every aspect of your weapon – change scopes, stocks, barrels, magazines and more. Rifles, secondaries and pistols all have a huge variety of options. On top of that you can select the ammo to suit your target, from armour-piercing right down to non-lethal.
- INVASION MODE – CAMPAIGN DROP IN PvP AND CO-OP: Invade another player’s Campaign as an Axis sniper and engage in a deadly game of cat and mouse, providing a new dimension to the challenge as you stalk your prey. Alternatively, as Karl you can call for assistance and have a second sniper drop in to help you out of a tricky situation.
- TENSE ADVERSIAL MULTIPLAYER: Customise your character and loadout and earn XP, medals and ribbons as you take on intensely competitive 16 player battles that will really test your sharpshooting skills. If co-op’s more your style, you can team up with up to 3 other players against waves of enemies in Survival mode.
Aliens: Fireteam Elite: a focused three-player horde option
If your group wants to fight Xenomorph waves together, Aliens: Fireteam Elite is a focused alternative. PlayStation’s team-shooters guide describes a survival shooter for a player and two friends, with weapon upgrades between missions. That makes it a good fit for a three-player horde session, though the cited guide does not establish its current platform availability or retail formats. See the guide’s description and verify the version available for your platform before arranging a purchase.
Quick picks by what your group wants
| If your priority is… | Try… | Why it fits |
|---|---|---|
| More of the Gears universe | Gears 5 | The closest franchise match; Microsoft lists it as a PC online co-op shooter. |
| A co-op campaign with large enemy fights | Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 | Focus Entertainment describes a solo or three-player co-op campaign, plus PvE and PvP modes. |
| Online squad missions for up to four | Helldivers 2 | Online play is required, and PlayStation lists groups of up to four online players. |
| Class-based teamwork and exploration | Deep Rock Galactic | Four distinct classes cooperate in destructible environments against aliens. |
| A three-player alien-horde fight | Aliens: Fireteam Elite | PlayStation’s guide describes a player and two friends facing Xenomorph hordes. |
Which one should you choose?
For the closest continuation of Gears’ universe and combat, choose Gears 5. For a co-op campaign with a different, swarm-focused action style, look at Space Marine 2. If your group prefers missions that reward coordination, Helldivers 2 is the clearest fit; for role-based teamwork and exploration, try Deep Rock Galactic. Pick Aliens: Fireteam Elite when the goal is a three-player survival session against Xenomorphs.
Rank #4
- 4K Upscaling & Crystal-Clear 1080P Output: Experience retro gaming on a TV, monitor, or projector with stunning 4K upscaling and smooth 1080P HD output. The video game stick includes an extended HDMI cable for easy connection to modern displays. Enjoy sharper visuals and vibrant colors while keeping an authentic retro feel.
- Retro Game Stick with 40,000+ Preloaded Games & 23 Emulators: Explore a massive collection of 40,000+ classic titles across 23 built-in emulator systems—no downloads, internet, or accounts needed. Everything comes ready to play on a generous 64GB TF card, packed with hits, platformers, shooters, and co-op favorites. Just plug in and start playing. Press the SELECT and START buttons at the same time to return to the main menu.
- Dual 2.4G Wireless Controllers – Low-Latency Performance, 40ft Range: Team up or compete with two upgraded 2.4GHz wireless controllers featuring near-zero latency and a strong 40-foot range. Perfect for 2-player matchups in fighting games, sports titles, and co-op adventures—with no tangled cords getting in the way.
- True Plug and Play Video Games for TV – Ready in Seconds: No complicated setup required. Connect the stick to your TV’s HDMI port, plug it into power, and start gaming in under 30 seconds. Save your progress anytime and pick up right where you left off. Designed for teens and adults who prefer simple, convenient entertainment. Note: The 2 wireless controllers require 4 AA batteries, not included.
- The Ultimate Gift for Gamers & Households: A crowd-pleasing entertainment option for birthdays, holidays, or group game nights, this console brings friends and households together. Reliable customer support is included for added peace of mind.
Before committing, confirm the current platform, edition, online requirements, and availability for your region on the relevant store page. The cited descriptions establish the co-op features above, but they are not a complete platform-by-platform compatibility or pricing guide. Xbox Wire’s August 25, 2026 E-Day preview describes its controls and movement as modernized while retaining Gears’ signature cover-based feel; that is Xbox’s characterization of E-Day, not an independent review assessment.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Fight your way through a perilous world In a 4-player co-op story campaign where you must work together to survive increasingly challenging missions
- Choose from 8 customizable cleaners and a range of lethal weapons and items
- Play with or against friends in PvP
- A new Roguelike card system creates different experiences each and every time
- A PlayStation Plus subscription is required to play Back 4 Blood on PlayStation or Xbox consoles.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
