In a move that shatters old console loyalties and celebrates two decades of one of gaming’s most brutal and beloved franchises, Gears of War: Reloaded is charging onto Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC this August 26th. Microsoft’s latest remaster of the 2006 classic isn’t just a visual overhaul—it’s a full-throttle love letter to fans, a bold step toward platform inclusivity, and a masterstroke in multiplayer mayhem.
The iconic Gears of War returns with next-gen polish and cross-platform firepower
Originally exclusive to Xbox, the fact that Gears of War is now landing on PlayStation consoles is nothing short of seismic for the industry. After years of Xbox breaking its own exclusivity walls with titles like Forza Horizon 5 and Sea of Thieves, the arrival of Gears on PS5 marks a realignment in how platform giants view their flagship franchises. And Microsoft isn’t just porting the game—they’re giving it the full modern makeover with 4K resolution, 120 FPS support, and zero loading screens between campaign levels.
“Gears of War: Reloaded is a celebration of one of gaming’s most iconic franchises,” said Mike Crump, Studio Head at The Coalition. “It’s about the stories we’ve told, the friendships we’ve built, and the unforgettable moments we’ve shared together. With Reloaded, we’re opening that door to more players than ever.”
More than a remaster: full DLC, cross-play, and free upgrades sweeten the deal
This isn’t just a prettier version of the old war machine. Reloaded includes the complete suite of content from the Gears of War: Ultimate Edition, including every multiplayer map, mode, character, and cosmetic unlock. That means from day one, players will have access to the full arsenal of Locust-bashing chaos—and all post-launch DLC is bundled in at no extra cost.
Multiplayer has been supercharged with cross-play and cross-progression across all platforms. Whether you’re mowing down enemies on a PC, an Xbox, or a PlayStation, you can squad up with friends without the usual platform barriers. And while a Microsoft account isn’t required to play, logging in unlocks the full cross-platform experience, letting you carry your progress across devices and invite friends wherever they game.
As a special nod to the loyal Gears community, anyone who purchased the digital version of Ultimate Edition before the Reloaded announcement will receive the remaster as a free upgrade. Microsoft is even delivering these codes directly via Xbox DMs. It’s a small gesture, but one that hits hard—much like a well-timed Lancer chainsaw swipe.
Local co-op, 8-player multiplayer, and no loading screens make this the definitive Gears experience
One of the most powerful elements of Gears of War: Reloaded is how it’s built for shared play. The campaign supports two-player split-screen co-op, keeping alive the living room camaraderie that defined so many gamers’ youth. Meanwhile, the Versus multiplayer mode ramps up the intensity with support for up to eight players online. Whether you’re reliving the fight against the Locust Horde with an old friend or dropping into competitive matches with new ones, Reloaded ensures the experience is smooth, fast, and relentless.
And speaking of smooth, Microsoft promises a level of performance that truly stands out. With options to run the game at 60 FPS or push it to 120 FPS if your display supports it, every bullet ricochet, explosion, and gritty dialogue moment is delivered with crisp precision. The visual fidelity has been deeply tuned—textures, lighting, and effects all upgraded to match the power of today’s hardware, without losing the gritty atmosphere that made the original so iconic.
Unlocking new doors for a legendary franchise ahead of its 20th anniversary
With Gears of War: Reloaded, Microsoft isn’t just remastering a game—they’re reshaping the legacy of a franchise that turns 20 in 2026. This isn’t about nostalgia alone. It’s about making sure the story of Marcus Fenix, Dom Santiago, and the rest of Delta Squad is accessible, relevant, and thrilling for a whole new generation of players.
And for those wondering about what’s next, Gears of War: E-Day—a prequel set 14 years before the original—still looms on the horizon, with no release date yet. But with Reloaded hitting the ground running this summer, the wait for new Gears content just became a lot more bearable.
In a gaming world obsessed with superheroes, speedsters, and dinosaurs, sometimes what you need is a heavy, chainsaw-laden shotgun blast from the past. Gears of War: Reloaded delivers that—and does it across platforms, in peak form, and with a spirit that refuses to rust. It's not just a remaster. It's a reckoning.