Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFor a first playthrough, start with Gears of War: Reloaded, then play Gears of War 2, Gears of War 3, Gears of War 4 and Gears 5. That release-order route preserves the original introduction and story reveals. Gears of War: E-Day is the earliest game chronologically, but it is a prequel—not the clearest starting point for newcomers.
Recommended Gears of War play order
- Gears of War: Reloaded (the 2006 original, remastered)
- Gears of War 2
- Gears of War 3
- Gears of War 4
- Gears 5
This is the mainline story in release order. The official Gears of War catalog identifies the series entries and their prequel and spin-off connections, while Xbox describes Reloaded as a remaster of the first game.
| # | 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 |
|
Gears of War 3 (Renewed) | $20.48 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Gears of War: Ultimate Edition - Xbox One (Renewed) | $18.74 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Gears of War 4 - Xbox One (Renewed) | $31.03 | Buy on Amazon |
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Where the prequels and spin-offs fit
Gears of War: E-Day
E-Day takes place fourteen years before the original game, so it comes first chronologically. It launched on October 6, 2026, according to Xbox Wire. For a newcomer, playing at least the original first lets the series introduce its world and reveals in their original order; you can then try E-Day as a prequel.
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Gears of War: Judgment
Judgment is a prequel set in the immediate aftermath of Emergence Day. If you want to include it, a newcomer-friendly place is after the original trilogy, rather than interrupting the mainline sequence.
#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.
Gears Tactics
Gears Tactics is a strategy spin-off. It is optional if your goal is to follow the shooter campaigns.
Hivebusters
Hivebusters is a campaign expansion for Gears 5; play it after the main game. Xbox’s Gears 5 product information describes the expansion.
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.
Which edition of the first game should you choose?
Gears of War: Reloaded is the practical starting edition on a supported platform. Xbox says it is a remaster of the original and includes the full breadth of Ultimate Edition content, including its bonus campaign act, multiplayer maps and modes, and unlockable characters and cosmetics. The Xbox Wire announcement lists Xbox Series X|S, Xbox PC, Xbox Cloud Gaming, PlayStation 5 and Steam, with cross-play and cross-progression.
The announced standard retail price was $39.99 at launch; that is not a guarantee of current or regional pricing. Check your platform’s store before buying. Xbox also said that qualifying digital Ultimate Edition owners as of its May 5, 2025 cutoff would receive a free Reloaded upgrade. Do not assume an older physical copy qualifies.
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.
Gears of War: E-Day editions and availability
As of October 7, 2026, Xbox lists E-Day as released for Xbox Series X|S and PC, including Steam, and included with Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass. Xbox Play Anywhere supports access across Xbox console and PC with shared progression. Subscription tiers and storefront availability can change; check the current Xbox product listing for your region.
| Edition | What it includes | Price and availability notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | The base game. | Xbox listed $69.99 on the consulted US product page; storefront prices may vary by region and date. |
| Premium | The base game plus digital extras, including early access as a launch-period benefit, a weapon pack, seasonal customization packs and premium in-game currency. | Xbox listed $99.99 on the consulted US product page; storefront prices may vary by region and date. |
| Collector’s Edition | Physical collectibles including a 15-inch Marcus and Dom statue, replica COG tags, an art print, an in-game photo, a thank-you note and a custom SteelBook case, plus the game. The Xbox Series X bundle includes a physical disc; the Steam version supplies a digital token. | Limited quantities; availability varies by region, according to the Xbox Wire Collector’s Edition announcement. |
Online campaign co-op and multiplayer require a Game Pass subscription tier that includes online multiplayer, sold separately, according to Xbox’s E-Day listing. The Collector’s Edition is for players who want memorabilia; it is not required to play the campaign.
Rank #4
- 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.
How to choose between Reloaded and E-Day
These editions serve different purposes: Reloaded is the remastered original and the recommended first game; E-Day is a new prequel. Use the distinctions below to make a platform and content decision.
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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
| Decision | Gears of War: Reloaded | Gears of War: E-Day |
|---|---|---|
| Story position | Remaster of the original game. | Prequel set fourteen years before the original. |
| Platforms listed by Xbox | Xbox Series X|S, Xbox PC, Xbox Cloud Gaming, PlayStation 5 and Steam. | Xbox Series X|S and PC, including Steam. |
| Included game content | Includes the breadth of Ultimate Edition content, including its bonus campaign act. | Standard Edition is the base game. |
| Digital extras | No separate extras are specified in the cited announcement. | Premium adds digital bonuses, including cosmetic items and premium in-game currency. |
| Physical items | No collector’s items are specified in the cited announcement. | Collector’s Edition adds physical memorabilia; the Xbox Series X option includes a disc. |
| Playing with others | Supports two-player campaign co-op and cross-play, per the Reloaded announcement. | Supports campaign co-op; online play has the subscription requirement described above. |
A simple route for different kinds of players
- Want the core story? Play Reloaded, then Gears of War 2, Gears of War 3, Gears of War 4 and Gears 5.
- Want every campaign-style entry? Add Judgment after the original trilogy, play Hivebusters after Gears 5, and treat Gears Tactics as an optional strategy detour.
- Curious about the earliest events? Play E-Day after the original at minimum if you want to retain the original introduction, or save it until after the mainline games.
- Choosing an E-Day edition? Standard is the base game; Premium is for digital bonuses; Collector’s Edition is for physical memorabilia. Confirm current local price, platform, and stock before purchase.
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.
