Gears of War: Reloaded is set to launch simultaneously on PS5 and Xbox, marking a significant moment for fans eager to dive into this iconic franchise across multiple platforms. Here’s everything you need to know about its release and the enhancements it brings.
Gears of War: Reloaded Release Date Announced
Multiplatform Release
Gears of War, traditionally an Xbox exclusive and a cornerstone of Microsoft’s gaming catalog, is expanding its reach. On May 6, Xbox took to Twitter (X) to announce that Gears of War: Reloaded will be available on all platforms, including PS5, on August 26. This move aligns with Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer's vision, as shared in a January interview with GamerTag Radio. Spencer emphasized a commitment to inclusivity, stating, "We love our platform and our hardware but we're not going to put walls up where people can engage with the great games our studios are building."
This strategy might set the stage for future releases like Gears of War: E-Day to also be multiplatform, though Xbox has yet to confirm such plans. Fans will need to stay tuned for any updates regarding Xbox’s other exclusive titles.
Faithful Remaster and Natively Optimized
The announcement of Reloaded caught many by surprise, especially since the original game was already remastered in 2015 with Gears of War: Ultimate Edition. In a detailed Xbox Wire post on May 5, The Coalition’s Studio Head Mike Crump outlined what players can look forward to with this new release.
As the franchise nears its 20th anniversary in 2026, Crump shared, "As we approach the 20th anniversary of Gears of War in 2026, we’re reflecting on what this franchise means. It’s about the stories we’ve told, the friendships we’ve built, and the unforgettable moments we’ve shared together. With Gears of War: Reloaded, we’re opening that door to more players than ever."
Reloaded promises a significant leap in performance from its 2015 counterpart. While the Ultimate Edition ran at 1080p and 30fps during campaign mode and 60fps in multiplayer, Reloaded will boast 4k resolution at 60fps in campaign, and an impressive 120fps in multiplayer. The game will also feature 4k assets, remastered textures, enhanced visual effects, improved shadows and reflections, and more.
The Xbox Wire post further detailed, "Players will gain immediate access to all post-launch downloadable content at no additional cost — this includes the bonus Campaign act, all multiplayer maps and modes, and a full roster of classic characters and cosmetics unlockable through progression."
For those who already own The Ultimate Edition, Reloaded offers a free upgrade. Eligible Xbox account holders will receive a code for the upgrade via direct message before the game's launch.
Gears of War: Reloaded is slated for release on August 26, priced at $39.99 across Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC. It will also be available on day one with Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass, ensuring fans have multiple ways to experience this enhanced version of a beloved classic.