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Yes. Gears of War: E-Day is a mainline prequel and origin story, set fourteen years before the original Gears of War. It depicts Emergence Day—the opening of the Locust invasion on Sera—not the whole Locust War.
Where E-Day fits in the Gears of War timeline
The game takes place fourteen years before the original Gears of War, according to The Coalition’s 2024 interview and the official Xbox game page. That establishes its position relative to the first game; it does not, by itself, give a calendar year for the events.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Gears of War: E-Day | Standard Edition | XBOX Series X | $69.00 | 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) | 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 | $9.99 | Buy on Amazon |
“E-Day” means Emergence Day: the day the Locust Horde rises from below the surface of Sera and launches its attack. The story is about the invasion beginning and the first encounter with this threat, rather than a depiction of the entire war.
It is a mainline origin story, not a spin-off
The Coalition describes E-Day as a new mainline entry set earlier in the series timeline. Xbox’s 2026 feature frames the choice as an origin story rather than a sequel. Creative Director Matt Searcy put the aim plainly: “It’s going to feel like a new Gears game, because that’s what it is.”
#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.
That means the game is both a prequel chronologically and a core-series entry in how the developers position it. It is not a side story set alongside the original game’s events.
Who is in the story?
The central characters are younger Marcus Fenix and Dominic Santiago. They confront the Locust as the invasion begins, with the enemy presented as a new and unfamiliar threat. The Official Xbox Podcast transcript discusses this first-contact approach.
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.
Release date and platforms
As listed on the Xbox product page on October 4, 2026, Gears of War: E-Day is scheduled for October 6, 2026, for Xbox Series X|S and Windows 10/11 PC. Xbox’s FAQ also lists Steam and Microsoft Store PC availability, plus day-one access through Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass. Release timing and availability can change, so check the current Xbox listing for the latest details.
Quick Recap
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.
