Gears of War: E-Day tells the story of the catastrophe that began the franchise’s war—and of the young Marcus Fenix and Dominic Santiago before their defining friendship was forged. Set fourteen years before the original Gears of War, it launched on October 6, 2026, for Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, and Steam.
What is Gears of War: E-Day about?
“E-Day” means Emergence Day: the Locust Horde’s first assault from beneath the surface of Sera. The game revisits that invasion as an origin story, following younger Marcus Fenix and Dominic Santiago as they confront the first wave of Locust attacks. It takes place fourteen years before the original Gears of War, rather than continuing the later numbered games’ storyline. Xbox’s game listing describes the premise as a fight against the Locust Horde during its first emergence.
| # | 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 2 - Xbox 360 (Renewed) | $18.74 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Gears of War 3 (Renewed) | $14.17 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Gears of War: Ultimate Edition - Xbox One (Renewed) | $25.40 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Gears of War 4 - Xbox One (Renewed) | $21.99 | Buy on Amazon |
The character story is central to the setup. In a 2024 interview, The Coalition creative director Matt Searcy said the team was telling “the origin story of Marcus and Dom and their bond,” describing it as the bond that defines the franchise. That makes E-Day both the beginning of the war and a chance to see the relationship behind the series’ familiar partnership take shape. Searcy’s interview with Xbox Wire also frames the characters as people before years of war.
When did it launch, and where can you play?
Gears of War: E-Day launched worldwide on October 6, 2026. The Premium Edition’s early access began October 1, according to Xbox Wire’s launch announcement. At the time of Xbox’s current listing, the game is marked available now.
#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.
- Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, and Steam.
- Game Pass: Xbox lists the game as included with Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass; confirm the current catalog in your region.
- Cloud: Xbox Wire names cloud gaming through Game Pass Ultimate and GeForce NOW; service availability can vary by region and plan.
- Xbox and PC progression: Xbox Play Anywhere supports shared progression and achievements between Xbox Series X|S and PC, according to the Xbox FAQ.
What can you play with friends?
Campaign
The campaign supports solo play, split-screen co-op, and online play for up to four players, according to the official Gears of War game page. Xbox Wire’s launch announcement specifies two-player split-screen and four-player online play.
Horde Siege and Versus
The launch announcement also names Horde Siege, a PvE mode, and Versus, a PvP mode. Its description says these modes support two-player split-screen and four-player online play. Check the game’s current in-game or store details for any mode-specific updates.
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 or access route makes sense?
Choose based on how you want to play, not on an assumption that a costlier edition gives a competitive advantage. The US Xbox listing checked for this article showed these options; prices are market- and date-sensitive, so confirm the checkout price in your region.
| Option | What it offers | Best fit |
|---|---|---|
| Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass | Game access is included, according to Xbox’s listing; subscription terms and regional catalog availability apply. | Players who already subscribe or prefer subscription access. |
| Standard Edition | $69.99 on the US Xbox listing at the time checked. | Players who want a one-time purchase without the Premium Edition’s extra digital items. |
| Premium Edition | $99.99 on the US Xbox listing at the time checked; adds in-game weapon and customization content and currency. | Players who specifically want the listed digital extras. |
| Premium upgrade | $30 on the US Xbox listing at the time checked for Standard owners. | Players who already own Standard and decide they want the Premium extras. |
| Collector’s Edition | Physical collectibles; the Xbox Series X version includes a disc, while the Steam version provides a digital code. | Fans who value display pieces and physical memorabilia. |
The Premium listing describes digital extras, not a gameplay-performance benefit. For any purchase, first match the edition to the platform you own and compare the one-time purchase against your subscription access.
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.
What comes in the Collector’s Edition?
The official Collector’s Edition announcements list a 15-inch Marcus-and-Dom diorama statue, replica COG tags, a SteelBook, an in-game photo, a lithograph or art print, and keepsake packaging. The format differs by platform: the Xbox Series X package has a physical disc, while the Steam edition includes a digital code. See The Coalition’s announcement and the Xbox Game Studios Shop listing for package details. Availability depends on region and stock.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What tone is the game aiming for?
The official game page describes E-Day as darker and grittier, with reimagined enemies intended to bring back fear and dread. That is the studio’s stated creative direction, not an independent assessment of how the finished game feels.
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
- 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.
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.
