If you want the closest series connection while waiting for Gears of War: E-Day, play Gears of War: Reloaded: it remasters the original campaign and supports split-screen or online co-op. Choose Gears 5 instead if you would rather play a later entry with campaign co-op for up to three players. Xbox lists E-Day for Xbox Series X|S and PC, with an October 6, 2026 release date; check its current status before planning around that date.
Which Xbox game is the closest match?
Gears of War: Reloaded
Gears of War: Reloaded is the best starting point if your goal is to revisit the series before E-Day. It is a remastered version of the original Gears of War and is optimized for Xbox Series X|S. Xbox classifies it as a third-person cover-shooter, and its original campaign can be played in split-screen or online co-op.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition - Xbox One | $19.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Star Wars The Force Unleashed Ii Action/Adventure Game Standard Retail Xbox 360 (Renewed) | $24.19 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Just Cause 4 - Xbox One | $9.95 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Grand Theft Auto V - Xbox 360 | $31.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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Sniper Ghost Warrior Contracts Xbox One - Xbox One | $19.97 | Buy on Amazon |
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That makes Reloaded the most direct choice for series continuity and for experiencing the franchise’s original campaign. It is a recommendation based on those connections, not a claim that its gameplay is identical to E-Day.
Want a later campaign or more co-op players?
Gears 5
Gears 5 is the alternative if you want a later series entry. Its Xbox listing says the campaign supports three-player online or split-screen co-op, making it the pick here for a group of three. The listing also identifies it as optimized for Xbox Series X|S.
#1 Best Overall
- Live the critically acclaimed, cinematic action adventure, re built specifically for next gen consoles
- Survive high octane combat, customize Lara's weapons and gear, and overcome grueling environments to uncover the island's deadly secret
- See Lara Croft like never before, with every bead of sweat, strand of hair, and article of clothing delivered in obsessive Detail
- Endure a Stunningly re imagined island, fraught with new, unforgiving storms, and alive with motion
- Own the Complete Tomb Raider Experience with all of the DLC, including the Tomb of the Lost Adventurer, six outfits for Lara, a digital mini art book, and the digital comic "The Beginning
How the two options compare
| Game | Why choose it | Campaign co-op | Xbox availability note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gears of War: Reloaded | Remastered original campaign; third-person cover-shooter classification on Xbox’s listing | Split-screen or online | Xbox advertises Game Pass access; check the current regional catalog and plan terms |
| Gears 5 | Later series campaign | Up to three players, online or split-screen | Xbox advertises Game Pass access; check the current regional catalog and plan terms |
Why play a Gears campaign before E-Day?
E-Day is framed as the moment the world fell and the bond between Marcus Fenix and Dominic Santiago began, according to Xbox Wire’s June 9, 2026 showcase deep dive. That makes the original campaign in Reloaded a particularly fitting choice for a wait-period playthrough; Gears 5 offers a later point in the series instead.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Check E-Day’s current release and Game Pass status
At the time reflected by Xbox’s E-Day product page, the game was listed for Xbox Series X|S and PC with an October 6, 2026 release date. Because that date may have passed or changed, check the product page for current release status. Xbox advertises Game Pass access for E-Day and the two games above, but availability can vary by region, date, and subscription plan; verify the local listing before subscribing or assuming a game is included.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Play as a paid contractor, an assassin for hire and defeat your rivals.
- Enhanced Scope Mode offers the most realistic experience of intense sniping with a wide range of targets and hundreds ways to kill.
- Redesigned in-game HUD and UI with tactical tagging system to mark your enemies for death.
- An arsenal of new gadgets to play with including drones, remote sniper turrets, sticky bombs and toxic gas!
- Show off your stealth kills and execute silent takedowns to be rewarded for strategic, quiet play.
Rank #4
- The biggest, most Dynamic and most diverse open world ever created and now packed with layers of new detail
- Grand Theft Auto V blends storytelling and gameplay in new ways as players repeatedly jump in and out of the lives of the game's three lead characters, playing all sides of the game's interwoven story
- Grand Theft Auto V also comes with Grand Theft Auto Online, the Dynamic and ever evolving Grand Theft Auto universe for multiple players
Rank #3
- Day One Edition includes Neon Racer Pack with these DLC items: Neon Racer Super car, Neon Racer Wing suit, Neon Racer Parachute; see description for full details
- Bring The Thunder: Soar through the skies with your wing suit : Skydive, Base Jump and Free Dive, as you fight your enemies harnessing extreme weather to your advantage
- Rico’s Ultimate Mission : Spearhead the rebellion and defeat a hi-tech private military organization; Face off against the most capable adversary yet; Uncover the mystery behind Rico’s Father’s past
- Huge South American World : 100 square kilometers to explore from rain forest to desert, and across snowy mountain peaks as you explore the world of Solis from bustling cities to rural grasslands
- Creative destruction at its best : Customize your new grapple hook with evolved and new capabilities; Experiment with military jets, helicopters, turbo-fueled sports cars, and construction vehicles
Rank #2
- Star Wars
- The Force Unleashed 2 for XBOX 360
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.
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