Gears of War: E-Day was revealed at the Xbox Games Showcase on June 9, 2024, with an in-engine trailer introducing a younger Marcus Fenix and Dom Santiago as the Locust emerge on Sera. The Coalition described it as a mainline origin story set 14 years before the original Gears of War. The game has since launched: Xbox lists an October 6, 2026 release for Xbox Series X|S and PC.
When and where was Gears of War: E-Day revealed?
Xbox announced Gears of War: E-Day during the Xbox Games Showcase on June 9, 2024. The surprise reveal was presented through an in-engine trailer, rather than as a release-date announcement. The Xbox Wire reveal interview introduced the game and explained The Coalition’s choice to tell the story of the Locust invasion’s beginning.
| # | 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) | $14.17 | 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 | $3.81 | Buy on Amazon |
What did the reveal trailer show?
The trailer follows younger Marcus Fenix and Dom Santiago in the moments the Locust emerge from beneath the surface of Sera. Its focus is the shock and danger of the invasion’s arrival, grounding the reveal in the series’ familiar themes of survival and the bond between its central characters.
The Coalition framed the project as a return to the franchise’s horror, brutality, brotherhood and character-led storytelling. It is a third-person cover-shooter rebuilt using Unreal Engine 5. Studio Technical Director Kate Rayner said the engine enabled “over 100 times more environment and character details than Gears 5.” That figure is the developer’s own comparison, not an independent benchmark.
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- 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.
What does E-Day mean in Gears of War?
E-Day means Emergence Day: the day the Locust first emerge and begin their assault on humanity. The Coalition places the game 14 years before the events of the original Gears of War, making it an origin story for the invasion and for the characters’ shared history, rather than a continuation set later in the series timeline.
Creative Director Matt Searcy explained the choice in Xbox’s reveal interview: “We realized that a lot of the words we use to describe the franchise were what our fans also use, phrases like brotherhood, brutality, pathos, awe,” says Searcy. “Why E-Day? That’s the moment it all comes together. It’s the heart of the Gears universe. Everything that happens is shaped by this day.”
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.
What was confirmed after the 2024 reveal?
The original announcement did not give a release date or lay out the later multiplayer details. Those were established in subsequent official updates, so they should not be mistaken for information contained in the 2024 trailer.
Release date and platforms
Xbox lists October 6, 2026 as the release date, with versions for Xbox Series X|S and Windows 10/11 PC. Xbox says PC players can get it through the Microsoft Store or Steam. The Coalition’s launch announcement also lists cloud gaming through Game Pass Ultimate and GeForce NOW. Xbox Play Anywhere supports shared progression and achievements across Xbox Series X|S and PC.
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- 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.
Campaign and multiplayer
At the June 7, 2026 E-Day Direct, Xbox showed an extended look at the campaign, combat, characters and setting. It described Horde Siege as a reimagined PvE mode and Versus as refined PvP. At launch, The Coalition said Campaign, Horde Siege and Versus support two-player split-screen or up to four players online.
How can you play Gears of War: E-Day?
As of October 8, 2026, Xbox says the game is available as a purchase or through eligible Game Pass subscriptions. The prices below are the US figures shown on Xbox’s page in 2026; storefront and regional prices can differ.
| Access option | What Xbox lists | Useful distinction |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Edition | $69.99 — Xbox, 2026 | One-time edition purchase; check the local Xbox or Steam listing for current regional pricing. |
| Premium Edition | $99.99 — Xbox, 2026 | Includes the Bravo Squad Signature Weapon Pack, five seasonal customization packs and 1,000 Iron. |
| Premium upgrade | $30 — Xbox, 2026 | Listed for owners of the Standard Edition; confirm eligibility and local price in the relevant store. |
| Game Pass | Included with Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass | Subscription access rather than a standalone edition purchase; availability depends on the listed plan. |
For Xbox Series X|S and PC players who use both, Play Anywhere is the relevant cross-device feature: Xbox says it carries progression and achievements between those platforms.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What physical extras and companion releases are available?
For readers interested in the game’s production, Xbox’s launch post names The Art and Making of Gears of War: E-Day as the official companion book, with developer interviews about art, story, sound and design. The same post says the E-Day original soundtrack by Adam Lastiwka launched on digital music services on October 6, 2026.
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
Xbox also describes a Collector’s Edition with a 15-inch statue, SteelBook, replica COG tags, photograph and art print. The publisher says quantities are limited and availability varies by region, so check the local listing for current stock and format. The E-Day Limited Edition Xbox Wireless Controller is another themed option; availability can also vary by retailer and region.
Quick Recap
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.
