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One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchWhich Gears of War game should I play first? Start with Gears of War: Reloaded. It is a remaster of the 2006 original—not a sequel—and gives newcomers the series’ opening story in the updated release. After that, follow the main saga with Gears of War 2, Gears of War 3, Gears of War 4 and Gears 5. Gears of War: Judgment is an optional prequel detour, not a required first game.
What order should you play the Gears of War games in?
- Gears of War: Reloaded — the remastered version of the original game.
- Gears of War 2
- Gears of War 3
- Gears of War 4
- Gears 5
This is the clearest route through the central story. Xbox’s franchise lineup includes these entries, and describes Gears of War 4 as the beginning of a new saga. Gears 5 continues that later story with Kait at its center.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Gears of War: E-Day | Standard Edition | XBOX Series X | $69.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Gears of War 2 - Xbox 360 (Renewed) | $18.73 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Gears of War 3 (Renewed) | $19.73 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Gears of War: Ultimate Edition - Xbox One (Renewed) | $18.74 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Gears of War 4 - Xbox One (Renewed) | Buy on Amazon |
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Why start with Gears of War: Reloaded?
Reloaded brings the original Gears of War, first released in 2006, to newer platforms as a remaster. Xbox describes it as the original game brought forward and says it includes the breadth of content associated with Ultimate Edition, including a bonus campaign act and multiplayer additions. That makes it the most direct starting point for someone who has not played the series.
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Xbox announced Reloaded for release on August 26, 2025, on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox PC, Xbox Cloud Gaming, PlayStation 5 and Steam. It supports cross-play. A Microsoft account is required for cross-progression and cross-platform invites. Check your regional store or subscription catalog for current access and pricing, since those can change. Xbox’s announcement also listed a $39.99 suggested retail price at announcement; that is not a current-price guarantee.
#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.
Is Gears of War: Judgment required?
No. Judgment is a prequel set in the immediate aftermath of Emergence Day, according to its Xbox listing. Its earlier setting does not make it the clearest opening for a first playthrough: begin with the original story, then treat Judgment as an optional side trip after the first game if you want more context around that period.
How the main entries differ
| Game | Why play it | Placement |
|---|---|---|
| Gears of War: Reloaded | Experience the original story in its remastered release, with content associated with Ultimate Edition. | Start here; it is a remaster of the original, not a numbered sequel. Xbox announcement |
| Gears of War 2 and Gears of War 3 | Continue the original Marcus Fenix-led saga. | Play after the original; Xbox lists both in its franchise lineup. |
| Gears of War: Judgment | Visit the series’ earlier setting around Emergence Day. | Optional prequel, best treated as a detour rather than the main opening. Xbox listing |
| Gears of War 4 | Begin the later saga around JD Fenix, Kait and Del. | Play after Gears of War 3; Xbox calls it a new saga. Xbox listing |
| Gears 5 | Continue the later saga, with Kait investigating her connection to the enemy. | Play after Gears of War 4. Xbox game page |
Choosing a platform and playing co-op
Xbox announced Reloaded for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox PC, Xbox Cloud Gaming, PS5 and Steam, with cross-play across platforms. The campaign supports two-player co-op. Xbox says campaign split-screen is not available on PC or handhelds, so check the platform’s details if couch co-op is important to you.
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.
Xbox advertised 4K resolution, 60 FPS in campaign and up to 120 FPS in multiplayer, along with HDR and Dolby Vision/Atmos. These are announced capabilities, not a guarantee of identical performance on every platform; results depend on supported hardware and display. Xbox’s product listing provides platform-specific details.
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Xbox announced day-one availability through Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass. Subscription catalogs and regional availability can change, so check your current catalog before deciding whether to subscribe or buy.
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 about Gears Tactics and Gears of War: E-Day?
Both appear in Xbox’s franchise lineup, but the available official information here does not establish their complete placement in the story chronology. For a straightforward narrative run, stick to Reloaded, Gears of War 2, Gears of War 3, Gears of War 4 and Gears 5, then explore the other titles separately.
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.
