What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Gears of War: Reloaded is the current, broader-platform remaster of the original game, and it includes the content from Ultimate Edition. The main differences are platform availability, newer publisher-stated graphics and performance features, expanded multiplayer connectivity, and a time-limited free-upgrade offer for some existing Xbox digital owners. The campaign itself is not a reason to choose Ultimate Edition over Reloaded.
Quick comparison
| Category | Ultimate Edition | Reloaded |
|---|---|---|
| Release and platforms | Launched in 2015 as an Xbox One remaster; a Windows 10 version was also announced that year. | Launched August 26, 2025, for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox PC, Xbox Cloud Gaming, PlayStation 5, and Steam. |
| Visual and performance specifications | Xbox described the Xbox One remaster as 1080p. Launch coverage listed multiplayer at 60 FPS. | Xbox lists 4K resolution, campaign at 60 FPS, and multiplayer up to 120 FPS, alongside HDR and other presentation features. These are publisher-stated specifications, not independent performance measurements. |
| Included content | Remastered campaign and multiplayer, including five campaign missions previously unavailable on console, 19 remastered maps, and additional multiplayer modes. | Includes the breadth of Ultimate Edition content: the bonus campaign act, multiplayer maps and modes, and classic characters and cosmetics. |
| Multiplayer connectivity | Launch features included dedicated servers and LAN support. | Cross-play across platforms; two-player campaign co-op; Versus for up to eight players. A Microsoft account enables cross-progression and cross-platform invites. |
| Free upgrade | Some Xbox digital buyers qualified for a free upgrade to Reloaded if they purchased before the cutoff. | The offer applied to eligible digital Ultimate Edition purchases made before May 5, 2025, at 16:00 UTC; it is not a general free upgrade for later buyers or physical-copy owners. |
For a current purchase, Reloaded is the relevant edition on its supported platforms. Its launch suggested retail price was $39.99, and Xbox announced day-one access through PC Game Pass and Game Pass Ultimate; those are launch details, not current price or subscription availability quotes.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Gears of War: Ultimate Edition - Xbox One (Renewed) | $18.74 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Gears of War: Reloaded – PlayStation® 5 | $44.95 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Gears of War: Reloaded – PlayStation® 5 | $49.90 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Gears of War 4 - Xbox One | $70.94 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Gears 5: Standard Edition – Xbox One | $45.55 | Buy on Amazon |
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
What changed in graphics and performance?
Ultimate Edition: a 2015 Xbox One remaster
Xbox’s 2015 launch coverage described Ultimate Edition as a 1080p rebuild with a remastered campaign and multiplayer. Its listed multiplayer target was 60 FPS. Those figures describe the Xbox One release at launch; they should not be read as a comparison of every later PC configuration.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsReloaded: newer publisher-stated specifications
Xbox lists Reloaded with 4K resolution, a 60 FPS campaign, and multiplayer at up to 120 FPS. The feature list also includes HDR, Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, 7.1 spatial audio, variable refresh rate (VRR), 4K assets, remastered textures, improved shadows and reflections, enhanced post-processing, improved anti-aliasing, and no campaign loading screens. These are supported features as stated by the publisher; what a player can access depends on platform hardware and a compatible display. The Xbox Store specifically notes capable-display requirements for 4K, HDR, and high frame rates.
#1 Best Overall
- This Certified Refurbished product is tested and certified to look and work like new. The refurbishing process includes functionality testing, basic cleaning, inspection, and repackaging. The product ships with all relevant accessories, a minimum 90-day warranty, and may arrive in a generic box. Only select sellers who maintain a high performance bar may offer Certified Refurbished products on Amazon.com
- Includes full game of the original Gears of War remastered in 1080p.
- Play five campaign chapters never released on console.
- Experience competitive multiplayer in 60FPS with 19 maps and six game modes.
Studio Head Mike Crump described the visual appeal of revisiting the game this way: “It’s always fascinating to see the difference between what you remember your favourite games looking like and what they actually looked like.” The technical feature list, rather than that general observation, is the useful basis for comparing editions.
Does Reloaded have a different campaign or more content?
No major story-content advantage belongs to Ultimate Edition. That release added five campaign missions that had not previously been available on console. Reloaded carries forward the full breadth of Ultimate Edition content, including its bonus campaign act, multiplayer maps and modes, and classic characters and cosmetics. The edition choice is therefore about where and how to play, not choosing between different core campaign lineups.
Rank #2
- The Original, Remastered: Powered by Unreal Engine, Gears of War: Reloaded is a remaster of the blockbuster first Gears of War, now fully optimised for PlayStation 5.
- All Included: Gears of War: Reloaded delivers all post-launch content for the original title, including a bonus campaign act, multiplayer maps, plus characters and cosmetics, at no additional cost.
- Stunning Gameplay: The iconic original now looks and plays better than ever with no load times, 4K assets plus remastered textures, lighting, shadows and reflections, HDR, Dolby Atmos, Variable Refresh Rate as well as up to 120 FPS in multiplayer.*
- Cross Play: Supports cross-play across platforms, allowing you and your friends to squad-up, regardless of where you play.*
- Cross Progression: Jump from one platform to another and your campaign saves. Signing in with your Microsoft account is required for cross-progression.*
How do multiplayer and co-op differ?
Ultimate Edition’s 2015 launch coverage highlighted 60 FPS multiplayer, dedicated servers, LAN support, additional modes, and 19 remastered maps. Reloaded publishes a different set of practical options for modern play: cross-platform play, two-player campaign co-op, and Versus matches of up to eight players.
Recommended Free Tools
Cross-play works without a Microsoft account, according to Xbox’s May 2025 announcement. Signing in with one adds cross-progression for campaign and multiplayer, as well as cross-platform invites. On Xbox consoles, the Store says online multiplayer requires a separately sold Game Pass subscription tier that includes online multiplayer. Campaign split-screen is unavailable on PC and handhelds, so local co-op implementation is not identical on every platform.
Rank #3
- THE ORIGINAL, REMASTERED: Powered by Unreal Engine, Gears of War: Reloaded is a remaster of the blockbuster first Gears of War, now fully optimized for PlayStation 5.
- ALL INCLUDED: Gears of War: Reloaded delivers all post-launch content for the original title, including a bonus campaign act, multiplayer maps, plus characters and cosmetics, at no additional cost.
- STUNNING GAMEPLAY: The iconic original now looks and plays better than ever with lightning-fast load times; 4K assets; remastered textures, lighting, shadows, and reflections; HDR; Dolby Atmos; Variable Refresh Rate; and up to 120 FPS in multiplayer.*
- CROSS-PLAY: Supports cross-play across platforms, allowing you and your friends to squad-up, regardless of where you play.*
- CROSS-PROGRESSION: Jump from one platform to another and your campaign saves. Signing in with your Microsoft account is required for cross-progression.*
Which edition should you choose?
You already own Ultimate Edition digitally on Xbox
Check whether your purchase was made before May 5, 2025, at 16:00 UTC. Xbox’s free-upgrade offer was limited to qualifying digital purchases made before that historical cutoff. A purchase made later—or ownership of a physical copy—does not qualify under the stated offer.
You are buying now or playing on PlayStation or Steam
Choose Reloaded if you want the game on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox PC, Xbox Cloud Gaming, PS5, or Steam. It includes the content associated with Ultimate Edition and is the release built around the newer platform and multiplayer features.
Rank #4
- 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
Your priority is playing with friends
Reloaded is the straightforward choice for cross-platform squads. Cross-play does not require a Microsoft account, while cross-progression and cross-platform invites do. Check your platform’s online-subscription requirements and whether your preferred device supports the local co-op mode you want.
You are comparing an Xbox One copy with a current version
Focus on platform generation, display and frame-rate features, multiplayer reach, account-linked functions, and upgrade eligibility. The content comparison alone does not make the older edition a better campaign purchase.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- From one of the most acclaimed game franchises in history, Gears 5 delivers an epic campaign and brutal action across five thrilling modes
- Campaign: With all out war descending, Kait Diaz breaks away to uncover her connection to the enemy and discovers the true danger to Sera herself
- Escape: A new, aggressive, high stakes co op mode featuring a three player suicide squad that must work together to take out enemy hives from within
- Versus: May the best team win with 10+ other game types plus new and classic maps. Versus rewards every competitive style, from casual to pro
- Horde: Endure 50 waves of ever tougher enemies using new hero abilities, building defenses, collecting power, leveling up your skills and working as a team
Sources and scope
- Xbox Wire, May 5, 2025: platform announcement, features, cross-play, and free-upgrade cutoff.
- Xbox Wire, August 25, 2015: Ultimate Edition launch details.
- Xbox Wire, June 17, 2015: Windows 10 version announcement; Xbox Wire, August 6, 2015: remaster details.
- Xbox Store: Gears of War: Reloaded listing and platform requirements.
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.
