Gears of War: E-Day is a prequel about the Locust Horde’s first emergence on Sera. It follows Marcus Fenix and Dominic “Dom” Santiago during the invasion’s first days, fourteen years before the original Gears of War.
What is Gears of War: E-Day?
E-Day is an origin-story campaign centered on Emergence Day—the pivotal event when the Locust first emerged on Sera. The official Xbox Wire announcement describes it as the story of that first emergence.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
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| 1 |
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Gears of War: E-Day | Standard Edition | XBOX Series X | $67.84 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Gears of War E-Day | Premium Edition | XBOX Series X|S and Windows Digital | $99.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Gears of War 3 (Renewed) | $20.48 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
![Xbox One - Gears Of War 5 - [PAL EU - NO NTSC]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51duB8cYpdL._SL160_.jpg)
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Xbox One - Gears Of War 5 - [PAL EU - NO NTSC] | $16.97 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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Gears of War 3 | $4.15 | Buy on Amazon |
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The game follows Marcus Fenix and Dominic Santiago, usually called Dom, as they face the opening days of the invasion. Before the Locust appear, both are veterans of the Pendulum Wars, the human conflict that preceded the invasion. Their military experience is tested by a new kind of enemy.
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Where does E-Day fit in the Gears timeline?
The Coalition places Gears of War: E-Day 14 years before the events of the original Gears of War. That is the confirmed relationship to use when placing it in the series chronology; the official sources cited here do not establish an exact in-universe calendar year.
#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.
The original game is set later, in the aftermath of Emergence Day, with Marcus fighting the Locust and Dom as a cooperative campaign partner. In story order, then, E-Day comes first; in release order, the original Gears of War came first. The original game’s official Xbox page provides that later-era context.
Should you play E-Day before the original?
There is no universally correct starting order. If you want to follow the fictional events chronologically, E-Day is earlier. If you want to experience the franchise as players first encountered it, begin with the original Gears of War. The confirmed timeline placement alone does not establish which order is best for a newcomer.
Rank #2
- PREMIUM EDITION — Includes Bravo Squad Signature Weapon Pack, five Seasonal Customization Packs starting with the Emergence Pack, plus 1,000 Iron to unlock additional in‑game content.
- 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.
Platforms and Game Pass
The official Xbox store listing reviewed for this article names Xbox Series X|S and PC, and says the game is included with Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass at launch. Platform availability and subscription terms can vary or change, so check the listing for current details in your region.
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Best Value
- This item does not work outside US. We cannot guarantee compatibility. You can contact the call center for more information on compatibility.
- Enthralling cinematic story. Experience the epic finale to the Gears of War trilogy
- Unparalleled gameplay
- One of the definitive multiplayer experiences on Xbox LIVE
- Gears of War 3 pushes the envelope for stunning visuals on Xbox 360
Rank #3
- 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.
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.
