iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
If you want the closest match to Gears of War on PC, choose Gears 5—but it is still part of the series. For games outside the franchise, Remnant II is the stronger fit for challenging co-op shooting and character builds, while Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 offers large-scale sci-fi action with PvE and PvP modes.
Which Gears of War alternative should you choose?
| Game | Best fit | Co-op and multiplayer | How it differs from Gears |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gears 5 — Steam listing | The closest franchise and squad-action match | Steam lists single-player, online co-op, and shared-screen co-op. | It is a Gears game, not an alternative series. |
| Remnant II — Steam listing | Challenging co-op shooting, bosses, and RPG-style builds | Play solo or team up with two friends. | Souls-like difficulty, melee combat, and RPG progression change the combat rhythm. |
| Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 — Steam listing | Large-scale sci-fi action and multiplayer | Steam describes solo and multiplayer play, including replayable PvE and PvP modes; player counts for each mode are not stated in the listing. | Its description emphasizes fighting enemy swarms, not cover-shooter play. |
Gears 5: the closest match, but not a separate series
If your priority is familiar third-person squad action and co-op options, Gears 5 is the most direct choice. Steam lists single-player, online co-op, and shared-screen co-op, giving it a particularly familiar setup for people who want to play with a friend. The important distinction is that this is another entry in Gears of War, not a game from a different franchise.
| # | 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) | $14.17 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Gears of War: Ultimate Edition - Xbox One (Renewed) | $25.40 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Gears of War 4 - Xbox One (Renewed) | $21.99 | Buy on Amazon |
If you want the original game rather than a newer Gears entry, Gears of War: Reloaded is also listed for PC on Steam. It is a remaster, not an alternative series; its Steam page lists a release date of August 26, 2025, and describes campaign co-op and versus modes. See the Steam listing for Gears of War: Reloaded.
Remnant II: co-op shooting with bosses and builds
Remnant II is the best fit here if you want a third-person shooter to play solo or with a small co-op group, and you enjoy a harder fight than a straightforward action shooter may offer. Steam describes ranged and melee combat, large boss battles, gear optimization, archetypes, upgrades, and dynamically generated dungeons and areas. You can play alone or team up with two other friends.
#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.
Those systems are also what make it different from Gears. Remnant II adds Souls-like difficulty and RPG progression, so expect gear choices, character builds, and demanding bosses to shape the experience—not just squad combat. See Remnant II on Steam.
Space Marine 2: large-scale sci-fi action and multiplayer
Choose Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 if you want a cinematic-feeling sci-fi setting and fights against large enemy swarms. Steam describes third-person action in solo or multiplayer modes, with replayable PvE and PvP. Its listing also highlights classes and perks, giving multiplayer progression a role.
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.
This is a broader action recommendation rather than a close cover-shooter substitute: the store description centers on intense combat against swarms, not a Gears-like cover system. Steam’s listing does not establish player counts for each multiplayer mode. See Space Marine 2 on Steam.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →How to pick based on what you liked about Gears
- Familiar Gears co-op and squad action: Pick Gears 5, understanding that you are staying in the franchise.
- Co-op, bosses, and build choices: Pick Remnant II if you welcome Souls-like difficulty and RPG systems.
- Big sci-fi battles and replayable modes: Pick Space Marine 2 for swarm-focused action with PvE and PvP.
- The original campaign on PC: Look at Gears of War: Reloaded; it is a remaster, not a new alternative franchise.
All four games are listed on Steam for PC. Store availability, prices, and review figures can change, so check each current listing for up-to-date details. The word “cinematic” describes the kind of experience you may be seeking; it is a preference, not a guarantee that any of these games will feel identical to Gears.
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.
