Gears of War: E-Day supports solo campaign play, two-player split-screen campaign co-op on console, and online campaign co-op for up to four players. Steam players can play without an Xbox account, but must link one to send a cross-platform squad invite. Official guidance confirms cross-platform invitations, but does not spell out every supported platform pairing or mode.
How many players can play Gears of War: E-Day together?
The campaign has three ways to play: alone, with one other person in local split-screen on console, or online with up to four players. Xbox lists these campaign formats on its official game page and in its October 1, 2026 launch announcement.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Gears of War: E-Day | Standard Edition | XBOX Series X | $67.84 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Gears of War 2 - Xbox 360 (Renewed) | $18.12 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Steamforged Games Gears of War The Card Game: Core Game - 2 Players, 30-60 Minutes of Gameplay... | $14.95 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Gears of War 3 (Renewed) | $20.48 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Gears of War 4 - Xbox One (Renewed) | $31.03 | Buy on Amazon |
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
| What you want to do | What is confirmed | What to keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| Play the story on one system | Two-player split-screen campaign co-op | Split-screen is console-only. |
| Play the campaign online | Up to four players | Each player needs access to the game, and online multiplayer requires an eligible Game Pass subscription. |
| Play co-op outside the campaign | Horde Siege is a cooperative PvE mode built around squads, missions, and objectives. | Check the in-game setup for current matchmaking and squad details. |
| Compete against other players | Versus has 4v4 matches. | Versus is competitive PvP, not a co-op mode. |
Does Gears of War: E-Day support crossplay?
The official Gears of War: E-Day Open Beta FAQ confirms that players can send cross-platform squad invitations. It says Steam players who want to send one must link an Xbox account. That establishes cross-platform invitations, but not a complete crossplay compatibility chart: the FAQ does not list every platform pairing or confirm that crossplay works identically in every mode.
Steam account requirement
A Steam player does not need an Xbox or Microsoft account just to play on Steam. To send a cross-platform squad invite, link an Xbox account through the in-game social pane. The FAQ does not establish additional account requirements for other platforms.
#1 Best Overall
- AN ORIGIN STORY BEGINS — Fight alongside Marcus Fenix and Dom Santiago in the gripping origin story of Emergence Day, as the Locust Horde erupts from below.
- A DARKER, GRITTIER THREAT — Face reimagined enemies and a terrifying underground invasion that restores the fear, dread, and intensity at the heart of the Gears of War series.
- MULTIPLAYER EVOLVED — Battle in Horde Siege for large‑scale PvE action or prove your skill in refined Versus PvP with greater precision and competitive depth.
- CLASSIC COMBAT, MODERNIZED — Experience signature cover‑based gameplay enhanced with updated movement, traversal, and controls that feel like Gears while playing like something new.
- CO‑OP YOUR WAY — Play online with up to four players across Campaign, Horde Siege, and Versus, or team up locally with 2‑player split‑screen co‑op on console.
What do you need for online co-op?
Xbox says online campaign co-op, Horde Siege, Versus, and other online multiplayer require a Game Pass subscription that includes online multiplayer; the subscription is sold separately. Xbox identifies Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass as day-one access options, but the applicable online-multiplayer entitlement may depend on platform and location. Check current plan terms for your region before subscribing.
For local split-screen, the published format is two players on console. The official materials cited here do not specify a required controller model or provide a detailed local setup walkthrough.
Rank #2
- Disc only. Original case and manual not included. Will come packaged in a generic case.
- This renewed game has been cleaned, tested, and shows minimal wear.
When and where can you play?
The general worldwide launch is October 6, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. PT (15:00 UTC). Eligible players had early access from October 1 at the same time. Xbox Wire lists Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, and Steam as launch platforms. The Xbox game page specifies Windows 10/11 for PC.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 25 Years after Gears of War 3, spurred by a series of strange disappearances, JD Fenix must embrace his father’s legacy and battle a terrifying new enemy
- Never Fight Alone: Enjoy two-player co-op with friends locally via split-screen, over Xbox Live or LAN. Player 2 can select either Kait or Del
- Redefined Cover Gameplay: New close-cover combat moves and combat-knife executions turn each piece of cover into an offensive opportunity
- Brutal New Weapons: An incredible arsenal of new weapons includes the Buzzkill and Dropshot, which can shoot around and over cover, raining destruction from all angles
Rank #4
- Disc only. Original case and manual not included. Will come packaged in a generic case.
- This renewed game has been cleaned, tested, and shows minimal wear.
Rank #3
- Listen up, soldier. The world is in ruin. The Locust Horde has risen. It’s Human vs Horde, and here’s your mission: Pick a side, build a powerful deck, and win the war. The fate of the world is in your hands!
- Experience the gritty gunplay of the video game in this official two-player card game. Take command of the COG forces or the Locust horde and seize control of the battlefield, one chapter at a time.
- Strategise your way through each chapter, bolstering your forces with classic characters like Marcus Fenix, General Raam, August “Cole Train” Cole, Dominic Santiago, and Damon Baird.
- Every battle counts. Whatever happens in each chapter will change what comes next, so you’d better be ready to dominate. The deck you build and decisions you make will change the way you play each campaign, making this a game you can reload time and time again.
- Whether you're a hardened vet or a grass-green rookie, get ready to take cover and lay down suppressive fire. Your enemies are trying to take the line, soldier. You’d better shove back hard.
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.
