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If you want to know the Gears of War world and its main characters before starting Gears of War: E-Day, play the mainline games in this order: Gears of War (or Gears of War: Reloaded), Gears of War 2, Gears of War 3, Gears of War 4, then Gears 5. E-Day is a prequel set fourteen years before the original, so it comes first in story chronology—but it need not be your first game.
Recommended order for a first playthrough
- Gears of War — Start with the original story, or choose Gears of War: Reloaded, which Xbox presents as a remastered version of the original.
- Gears of War 2
- Gears of War 3
- Gears of War 4
- Gears 5
This release-era sequence follows the established mainline saga before its new prequel. It is an editorial recommendation for newcomers, not a play order prescribed by Xbox. Xbox’s franchise catalog provides summaries of the games, including the shift to JD Fenix, Kait, and Del in Gears 4 and Kait’s connection to the enemy in Gears 5.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Gears of War 3 (Renewed) | Buy on Amazon | |
| 2 |
|
Gears of War: Ultimate Edition – Xbox One | $16.43 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Gears of War Triple Pack - Xbox 360 (Bundle) (Renewed) | $42.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Gears of War 3 | $7.98 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Gears of War (2-Disc Edition) | $37.98 | Buy on Amazon |
Where E-Day fits in the story
Gears of War: E-Day takes place fourteen years before the original Gears of War, according to its Xbox product page. If you want events in in-universe chronological order, E-Day comes before the original and its numbered sequels. Playing it after the mainline games instead lets you meet the world through the established saga before seeing an earlier chapter.
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As of October 4, 2026, early access had begun on October 1, and Xbox listed October 6, 2026, as the worldwide launch date. The launch date was still ahead at that point; check the Xbox E-Day page for current availability. Xbox lists Xbox Series X|S and Windows among the platforms and Game Pass availability; catalog access and subscription terms can vary by region.
#1 Best Overall
- 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.
Are Judgment and Gears Tactics required?
No. You can follow the five-game mainline route without either. Gears of War: Judgment is an optional prequel entry: Xbox describes it as taking place in the immediate aftermath of Emergence Day. Gears Tactics is an optional squad strategy game, rather than a numbered mainline installment. The official Xbox material reviewed does not establish a definitive order between Judgment and Tactics.
If your priority is chronology, put E-Day first and treat Judgment as early-war material, then continue with the original and the numbered sequels. The cited official descriptions do not settle exactly where Gears Tactics belongs relative to Judgment, so it is better to leave its precise placement open than present a speculative timeline as definitive.
Rank #2
- 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.
Quick route by what you want
| Goal | Suggested order |
|---|---|
| Meet the saga before its prequel | Gears of War or Reloaded → Gears of War 2 → Gears of War 3 → Gears of War 4 → Gears 5 → E-Day |
| Start with in-universe chronology | E-Day → early-war material such as Judgment → Gears of War → Gears of War 2 → Gears of War 3 → Gears of War 4 → Gears 5. The exact placement of Gears Tactics is not established by the cited official descriptions. |
| Play only the mainline arc | Gears of War or Reloaded → Gears of War 2 → Gears of War 3 → Gears of War 4 → Gears 5 |
Optional further reading
Xbox Wire identifies The Art and Making of Gears of War: E-Day as an official companion book. It is optional reading, not a game you need to add to either play order. See the Xbox Wire announcement for the announcement and launch details.
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Quick Recap
Best Value
- Engaging and disturbing cinematic story
- Never Fight Alone
- Gears of War Extras: Map Packs 1 & 2, Theme - Emergence Day, Gamer Pics - Gears of War, Emergence Day
- Engaging and disturbing cinematic story
- Never Fight Alone
Rank #4
- This item does not work outside US. We cannot guarantee compatibility. You can contact the call center for more information on compatibility.
- Enthralling cinematic story. Experience the epic finale to the Gears of War trilogy
- Unparalleled gameplay
- One of the definitive multiplayer experiences on Xbox LIVE
- Gears of War 3 pushes the envelope for stunning visuals on Xbox 360
Rank #3
- HD Gaming's New Standard Innovative controls and unmatched intensity made Gears of War one of the best-selling Xbox 360 games ever.
- Breakthrough advances in Unreal Engine 3 raise the bar again.
- A Blockbuster Experience Use enemies as shields, fight chainsaw duels
- Explosive Xbox LIVE Play The most visceral online shooter gets even better with a new party system, more co-op 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.
