For a first playthrough of the main story, start with Gears of War or its remaster, Gears of War: Reloaded. Then play Gears of War 2, Gears of War 3, Gears of War 4 and Gears 5. That release-era order introduces the original conflict before the sequels develop its world and characters. It is a recommended route, not an official required order.
Which game should you start with?
Choose the original Gears of War if you want to begin with the game that introduced the series. If you want a modernized version of that same starting point and have a supported platform, choose Gears of War: Reloaded. Xbox describes Reloaded as a remaster of the original and calls it “the definitive way to experience the iconic original that started it all.” Its Xbox page identifies Xbox Series X|S and PC as supported platforms.
| # | 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) | $18.74 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Gears of War 3 (Renewed) | Buy on Amazon | |
| 4 |
|
Gears of War: Ultimate Edition - Xbox One (Renewed) | $19.98 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Gears of War 4 - Xbox One (Renewed) | $24.53 | Buy on Amazon |
What order should you play the main Gears of War games in?
- Gears of War or Gears of War: Reloaded
- Gears of War 2
- Gears of War 3
- Gears of War 4
- Gears 5
This order follows the central saga as it was introduced. Xbox’s Gears of War games page describes the original’s Marcus Fenix premise and the conflicts and characters developed in later entries. If you choose Reloaded, treat it as your first-game version, not as an additional chapter to play before the sequels.
Should you play Judgment or Gears of War: E-Day first?
Gears of War: Judgment
Judgment is a prequel set in the immediate aftermath of Emergence Day, according to Xbox’s series descriptions. Its earlier setting can make it appealing after you know the main saga, but it is not the clearest first choice if you want to follow the central story in the order players originally encountered it.
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#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.
Gears of War: E-Day
E-Day is an origin story set fourteen years before the original game, according to Xbox’s September 17, 2026 announcement. As of October 4, 2026, Xbox had scheduled its launch for October 6, 2026, with Premium Edition early access scheduled to begin October 1. Its earlier chronology does not change the recommendation to start with the original or Reloaded if preserving the series’ original introduction is your priority.
Is Gears Tactics a good starting point?
Pick Gears Tactics first if turn-based strategy is what interests you most. Xbox describes it as a turn-based tactics game built around customizable squads, upgradable weapons and boss battles. That makes it a different gameplay genre from the central action saga; it is not the closest match for someone looking for a standard Gears campaign.
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.
How to choose based on what you want
- Story continuity: Start with the original or Reloaded for the main saga; save prequels and spin-offs for when their different place in the series appeals to you.
- Gameplay: Choose one of the main saga’s action campaigns for that experience, or choose Gears Tactics for turn-based squad strategy.
- Platform: Check whether the original or Reloaded is available in the format you can play. Xbox identifies Reloaded for Xbox Series X|S and PC.
Xbox promotes Game Pass access to Gears titles, but catalog membership and regional availability can change. Check the current catalog for your region before relying on a subscription for a particular game.
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.
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.
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.
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