Gears of War: Reloaded

Overview

Gears of War: Reloaded is a remaster of the original third-person cover shooter, set in a post-apocalyptic world under threat from the Locust. Fourteen years after the subterranean invasion, Marcus Fenix is released from imprisonment by his former squadmate Dominic Santiago. Together with Delta squad, they fight to stop the Locust and protect humanity from extinction.

The campaign can be played solo or with a friend in online co-op. Versus multiplayer adds online player-versus-player modes. Reloaded brings the original game to current-generation platforms with Unreal Engine, refined controls and the original title’s post-launch content included: a bonus campaign act, multiplayer maps, characters and cosmetics.

Sumo Digital developed the game, and Xbox Game Studios published it. It released on August 26, 2025.

Key features

• Campaign solo or co-op: Play through the story alone or join a friend online.
• Versus multiplayer: Compete in online PvP modes; the campaign also includes multiplayer maps and characters from the original game’s post-launch content.
• Cross-play: The game supports cross-play across platforms.
• Two control layouts: New players can choose a modern, streamlined layout, while returning players can opt for the classic feel.
• Included post-launch content: The bonus campaign act, maps, characters and cosmetics are part of Reloaded at no additional cost.
• Steam features: The Windows release lists Steam Achievements, full controller support and captions.

Platforms

Reloaded is available on Microsoft Windows and Xbox Series X|S. Steam lists the Windows version with single-player, multiplayer, online co-op, online PvP and cross-platform multiplayer. The Steam age rating is 17.

Who it's for

This release suits players who want a story-led shooter they can play alone or cooperatively online, as well as groups looking for cross-platform PvP. The bundled campaign and multiplayer additions give returning players the original game’s post-launch content in the remaster, while the alternate control layouts offer a choice between modernized and classic handling.

For readers exploring other Sumo Digital games, see Games by Sumo Digital.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Solo campaign and online campaign co-op are both supported.
• Cross-play connects players across platforms.
• The bonus campaign act, multiplayer maps, characters and cosmetics are included at no additional cost.
• Players can choose between modern and classic control layouts.

Cons

• The listed platforms are limited to Windows and Xbox Series X|S.
• The feature set centers on campaign and competitive multiplayer; no server-hosting or mod-support features are listed.

Alternatives

For other multiplayer-focused options, consider Hood: Outlaws & Legends, Team Sonic Racing or Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed. For a different kind of platforming adventure, Sackboy: A Big Adventure and Snake Pass are also in the directory. Other listed games include F1 2011, Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing and Virtua Tennis 2009.

Verdict

Gears of War: Reloaded brings the original Locust-war campaign to Windows and Xbox Series X|S with solo and online co-op play, cross-play and Versus multiplayer. Its clearest draw for both returning players and newcomers is the combination of included post-launch content and a choice of control layouts. Players seeking a game with listed dedicated server or mod-management support should note that neither appears among the stated features.