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Gears of War: E-Day launches worldwide on October 6, 2026, for Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC. It is included at launch with Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass. You can play the campaign alone, in two-player split-screen on console, or online with up to four players; online play requires a Game Pass tier that includes online multiplayer.
When does Gears of War: E-Day release?
The worldwide launch is October 6, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. PT / 15:00 UTC, according to Xbox Wire’s launch announcement. Premium Edition Early Access began October 1, up to five days before the standard release. The game is an origin-story campaign set fourteen years before the original Gears of War, following Marcus Fenix and Dominic Santiago as the Locust Horde first emerges. Xbox describes it as a third-person cover-shooter.
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Which platforms can you play on?
Xbox lists Xbox Series X|S and Windows 10/11. On PC, the official FAQ names the Microsoft Store and Steam. Xbox Wire also lists cloud gaming through Game Pass Ultimate and GeForce NOW. These are the platforms and services named in the official materials; they do not list a PlayStation version.
If you own the game on Xbox and PC, Xbox Play Anywhere supports shared progression and achievements between Xbox Series X|S and PC. That feature is not confirmation of cross-platform online co-op: the official information reviewed does not establish whether Xbox and PC players can join the same campaign session.
#1 Best Overall
- MODERNIZED DESIGN — Experience the modernized design of the XBOX Wireless Controller with sculpted surfaces and updated geometry that enhances comfort and control during long gaming sessions.
- PRECISION PERFORMANCE — Stay on target with a hybrid D-pad and textured grips on triggers, bumpers, and back case for improved accuracy and handling.
- SHARE BUTTON: Seamlessly capture and share content such as screenshots, recordings, and more with the new Share button.
- VERSATILE CONNECTIVITY — Connect via USB-C for plug-and-play on console and PC, or quickly pair and switch between supported devices with XBOX Wireless and Bluetooth support.
- BUILT-IN AUDIO SUPPORT — Plug in compatible headsets using the 3.5mm audio jack for direct voice chat and immersive in-game sound.
Is E-Day included with Game Pass?
Yes. Gears of War: E-Day is included at launch, October 6, with Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass. Premium Edition Early Access started October 1; the Game Pass launch date is October 6.
There is an important distinction between access to the game and access to online modes. Campaign co-op, Horde Siege, Versus, and other online multiplayer features require a Game Pass subscription tier that includes online multiplayer. Check your plan’s current benefits before relying on it for online play.
Rank #2
- MODERNIZED DESIGN — Experience the modernized design of the XBOX Wireless Controller with sculpted surfaces and updated geometry that enhances comfort and control during long gaming sessions.
- PRECISION PERFORMANCE — Stay on target with a hybrid D-pad and textured grips on triggers, bumpers, and back case for improved accuracy and handling.
- SHARE BUTTON: Seamlessly capture and share content such as screenshots, recordings, and more with the new Share button.
- VERSATILE CONNECTIVITY — Connect via USB-C for plug-and-play on console and PC, or quickly pair and switch between supported devices with XBOX Wireless and Bluetooth support.
- BUILT-IN AUDIO SUPPORT — Plug in compatible headsets using the 3.5mm audio jack for direct voice chat and immersive in-game sound.
How does campaign co-op work?
The campaign can be played solo, locally in split-screen with two players on console, or online with up to four players. Split-screen is console-only. The up-to-four-player figure applies to online campaign co-op, not every multiplayer mode.
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Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Xbox’s official materials do not explicitly confirm cross-platform online co-op between Xbox and PC. Shared progression through Xbox Play Anywhere does not answer that separate question.
Rank #3
- MODERNIZED DESIGN — Experience the modernized design of the XBOX Wireless Controller with sculpted surfaces and updated geometry that enhances comfort and control during long gaming sessions.
- PRECISION PERFORMANCE — Stay on target with a hybrid D-pad and textured grips on triggers, bumpers, and back case for improved accuracy and handling.
- SHARE BUTTON: Seamlessly capture and share content such as screenshots, recordings, and more with the new Share button.
- VERSATILE CONNECTIVITY — Connect via USB-C for plug-and-play on console and PC, or quickly pair and switch between supported devices with XBOX Wireless and Bluetooth support.
- BUILT-IN AUDIO SUPPORT — Plug in compatible headsets using the 3.5mm audio jack for direct voice chat and immersive in-game sound.
What other multiplayer modes are available?
The official developer overview says Versus modes are 4v4. Xbox Wire describes Horde Siege as a four-player PvE squad mode. Those formats are separate from campaign co-op, which supports up to four players online. The product page says online campaign co-op, Horde Siege, Versus, and other online multiplayer features require a Game Pass tier that includes online multiplayer.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which edition should you choose?
The US Xbox FAQ lists Standard at $69.99 and Premium at $99.99, plus a $30 upgrade from Standard to Premium. These are US prices from the Xbox listing; prices and offers can vary by region and may change, so check the current regional store price before buying.
Rank #4
- BREAKER SERIES — Hold nothing back. Ice Breaker keeps it forever fresh with a mix of iced and frosted blues. Part of the collective debut of the Breaker special edition series.
- BOLD STYLE, BUILT TO PERFORM — Define your swagger with a wild, head-turning design. Stay elegantly on target with textured triggers built for every moment.
- RUBBERIZED GRIPS — Hold on to the action with rubberized grips on the back cases, designed for comfort and control during long gaming sessions.
- UP TO 40 HOURS OF BATTERY LIFE — Get up to 40 hours of battery life so you can keep playing without stopping to recharge.
- PLAY ACROSS EVERY SCREEN — Quickly pair with, play on, and switch between devices including console and PC. Stream games across mobile, gaming handhelds, Smart TVs, and supported VR headsets with XBOX Cloud Gaming.
| Option | What it includes | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Edition | Base game. The US Xbox FAQ lists it at $69.99. | Players who want the game without Premium’s early access and digital extras. |
| Premium Edition | Base game, up to five days’ Early Access, Bravo Squad Signature Weapon Pack, five seasonal customization packs, and 1,000 Iron. The US Xbox FAQ lists it at $99.99. | Players who value the listed early access and digital bonuses. |
| Standard-to-Premium upgrade | The US Xbox FAQ lists the upgrade at $30. Confirm eligibility and current regional price in the store. | Owners of Standard who want the Premium benefits. |
The Collector’s Edition is a separate physical fan product, not just another digital edition. The Coalition lists a 15-inch statue, SteelBook, replica COG tags, photograph, and art print; the Xbox Series X version includes a physical disc. The announcement says quantities are limited and availability varies by region, so current stock is not guaranteed.
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What to check before you buy or join friends
- Choose your platform: Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC through the Microsoft Store or Steam, or a named cloud-gaming option.
- Check your Game Pass tier: Ultimate and PC Game Pass include the game at launch; online modes require a tier that includes online multiplayer.
- Match the play format to your group: split-screen is two-player and console-only; online campaign co-op supports up to four.
- Confirm cross-platform co-op separately: Xbox Play Anywhere shares progression and achievements, but the reviewed official sources do not confirm Xbox-PC online co-op.
- Compare edition benefits and current price: Premium adds early access and digital items; regional prices and availability may differ.
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.
