Gears of War: E-Day Arrives on Xbox and PC with the First Night of the Invasion

Today marks the worldwide launch of Gears of War: E-Day, available for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox on PC, Game Pass, and Steam. The game takes players back to the beginning of Emergence Day, the night the Locust emerged and forever changed Sera.

What the E-Day Launch Brings

The title arrives as a simultaneous experience on consoles and PC, allowing Game Pass subscribers to play at no additional cost thanks to the Xbox Play Anywhere program. The campaign focuses on the first three days and nights of the invasion, depicting the chaos in Kalona as Marcus Fenix, Dom Santiago, and new team members fight for survival.

How the Story of the First Night Unfolds

The narrative follows the opening hours of the Locust invasion, as monsters emerge from underground and plunge the city into destruction. Players witness the human resistance's attempt as Marcus and Dom face personal losses and discover the magnitude of the threat.

Gameplay: Cover Tactics and Melee Combat

Gears of War remains a cover-based shooter; staying behind obstacles and advancing from cover to cover is essential to avoid enemy fire. The game also introduces a melee combat tutorial, teaching the use of metal pipes and short pistols before allowing the use of the Chainsaw Lancer.

Weapons, Modifications, and Recommended Strategies

Among the available weapons, the Chainsaw Lancer offers medium range and high firepower, the Gnasher functions as a short-range shotgun, and the Longshot Sniper allows for long-range target elimination. Each weapon can be upgraded with mods found in crates scattered throughout the city, allowing for adjustments to reload speed, damage, and range. The game encourages experimentation and role-swapping among players.

Multiplayer Modes and Mission Variations

Beyond the linear campaign, Kalona features open areas with alternative paths and side missions that reward players with weapons and mods. In multiplayer, modes like Team Deathmatch, Zone Control, and the new core delivery Crucible continue the series' tradition. The Horde Siege mode combines wave defense with extraction mechanics, allowing teams to complete PvE objectives while facing the enemy.

With information from XBOX Wire, Game Informer.