For the clearest first playthrough of the main story, start with Gears of War—or its remaster, Gears of War: Reloaded—then play Gears of War 2, Gears of War 3, Gears of War 4, and Gears 5. Choose Reloaded if you want the original story in a modernized version and have a supported platform; choose the original if that better fits your setup.
Which Gears game should you start with?
Begin with the original Gears of War or Gears of War: Reloaded. Xbox describes Reloaded as a remaster of the original and calls it “the definitive way to experience the iconic original that started it all.” Its Xbox page lists Xbox Series X|S and PC as supported platforms. Check the current listing for your platform before choosing a version: Xbox: Gears of War: Reloaded.
| # | 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) | $18.72 | 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 |
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Then follow the mainline sequence:
- Gears of War or Gears of War: Reloaded
- Gears of War 2
- Gears of War 3
- Gears of War 4
- Gears 5
This is a recommended story path, not an official required order. It begins with Marcus Fenix and the original conflict before moving through sequels that develop the world and characters. Xbox’s franchise page provides descriptions of the games: Xbox: Gears of War games.
How to choose between the original and Reloaded
Choose Reloaded for a modernized first game
Reloaded is the straightforward pick if you want to play the first game’s story in its remastered form and own a supported platform. It remains the original game’s story, rather than a later chapter in the saga.
#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.
Choose the original if it better fits your setup
If you already have access to the original on your preferred platform, it still serves as the recommended starting point. Availability varies by platform and region, so check the relevant store listing rather than assuming a particular edition is available.
Should you play Judgment or E-Day first?
Judgment is a prequel, but it is not the clearest starting point for the central saga
Gears of War: Judgment is set in the immediate aftermath of Emergence Day. Its earlier setting can appeal if you want another part of the timeline, but starting with it means encountering a prequel before the original introduction to the central story. Xbox’s game descriptions distinguish it from the mainline sequence: Xbox: Gears of War games.
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.
E-Day is an origin story; its release schedule is date-specific
Xbox describes Gears of War: E-Day as an origin story set fourteen years before the original. In its announcement dated September 17, 2026, Xbox scheduled the standard launch for October 6, 2026, with Premium Edition early access beginning October 1. Those dates are the schedule announced at that time; check Xbox’s announcement for current status: Xbox Wire: Gears of War: E-Day release date announcement. If you want to preserve the original game’s introduction to the story, play the original or Reloaded first.
When does Gears Tactics make sense?
Choose Gears Tactics first only if turn-based strategy is what attracts you. Xbox describes it as a turn-based tactics game with customizable squads, upgradable weapons, and boss battles. That makes it a different gameplay genre from the central action saga, rather than the natural first step for someone chiefly looking to follow the main story. Xbox Wire introduced the game in its June 10, 2018 announcement: Xbox Wire: Gears Tactics announced.
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.
Use these three questions to decide
- Want the central story? Start with the original or Reloaded, then continue through Gears 2, Gears 3, Gears 4, and Gears 5.
- Prefer a different point in the timeline? Consider Judgment as a prequel or E-Day as an origin story, while keeping their relationship to the original in mind.
- Prefer turn-based strategy to action? Gears Tactics may be a better gameplay fit, though it is a separate genre from the main action games.
- Need to choose by platform? Compare the available store listings for your platform and region. Xbox promotes Game Pass access to Gears titles, but catalog membership, subscription terms, and regional availability can change; check the current catalog in your region.
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.
