If you’re new to Gears of War, play the main games in release order: Gears of War (or the remaster Gears of War: Reloaded), Gears of War 2, Gears of War 3, Gears of War 4, then Gears 5. Gears of War: E-Day is a prequel set fourteen years before the original, but starting with the first released game gives you the series’ original introduction before its new origin story. Xbox Wire describes E-Day’s setting, and Xbox calls Reloaded a remaster of the original.
What order should you play the Gears of War games before E-Day?
For a first playthrough, use release order for the main narrative:
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Gears of War 3 (Renewed) | Buy on Amazon | |
| 2 |
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Gears of War: Ultimate Edition – Xbox One | $16.43 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Gears of War Triple Pack - Xbox 360 (Bundle) (Renewed) | $42.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Gears of War 3 | $9.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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Gears of War (2-Disc Edition) | $37.98 | Buy on Amazon |
- Gears of War or Gears of War: Reloaded
- Gears of War 2
- Gears of War 3
- Gears of War 4
- Gears 5
- Gears of War: E-Day, after the saga if you want to follow release context, or first if you prefer the story’s chronology
This path introduces the original setup, completes the first trilogy, and then moves into the later-generation story before returning to the franchise’s beginnings in E-Day. Xbox describes Gears of War 4 as centered on JD Fenix, Kait, and Del, while Gears 5 continues the story with Kait’s connection to the enemy at its center: Xbox’s Gears of War franchise page.
How does E-Day fit into the story chronology?
Gears of War: E-Day takes place fourteen years before the original game. Its campaign follows Marcus Fenix and Dominic Santiago as the Locust Horde emerges and the invasion begins. That makes it the earliest entry in the main story sequence described here:
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#1 Best Overall
- 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
- Gears of War
- Gears of War 2
- Gears of War 3
- Gears of War 4
- Gears 5
Choose this order if you specifically want events in story-time sequence. For a first encounter with the series, the release-order recommendation above remains a useful editorial choice: it lets the original game establish the world before the prequel revisits its earliest crisis. Xbox Wire’s E-Day announcement identifies the fourteen-year gap and the origin-story premise.
Where does Gears of War: Judgment fit?
Gears of War: Judgment is an optional prequel spin-off, rather than a necessary stop on the main narrative path. Its exact position relative to E-Day is not established by the official sources cited here, so there is no reliable definitive chronology to interleave it into. If you want to play it, one practical release-oriented option is to do so after the original trilogy.
Rank #2
- 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.
Which version of the first Gears of War should you play?
Play the original version if that is the edition you can access or prefer. If you want a remastered edition, Gears of War: Reloaded is Xbox’s faithful remaster of the first game and is listed for Xbox Series X|S and PC: Xbox Store: Gears of War: Reloaded. The order does not change with the edition.
E-Day launch timing and platforms
As of October 4, 2026, Premium Edition early access had begun on October 1, while the global launch was scheduled for October 6, 2026. Xbox Wire listed the game for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox on PC, and Steam, and said it was included at launch with Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass. Dates and catalog availability can change, so check the current Xbox Wire launch details and your storefront or subscription catalog.
Rank #3
- HD Gaming's New Standard Innovative controls and unmatched intensity made Gears of War one of the best-selling Xbox 360 games ever.
- Breakthrough advances in Unreal Engine 3 raise the bar again.
- A Blockbuster Experience Use enemies as shields, fight chainsaw duels
- Explosive Xbox LIVE Play The most visceral online shooter gets even better with a new party system, more co-op modes
Optional collector items
Collectors may be interested in the official Gears of War: E-Day Collector’s Edition, which includes physical collectibles and an Xbox Series X disc version. Xbox says availability varies by region and quantities are limited; it is not needed to follow the story: Xbox Store: E-Day Collector’s Edition. Xbox Wire has also identified The Art and Making of Gears of War: E-Day from Insight Editions as an official companion book: Xbox Wire announcement.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Engaging and disturbing cinematic story
- Never Fight Alone
- Gears of War Extras: Map Packs 1 & 2, Theme - Emergence Day, Gamer Pics - Gears of War, Emergence Day
- Engaging and disturbing cinematic story
- Never Fight Alone
Rank #4
- 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
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