Play Gears of War: Reloaded first: it is the remastered original campaign and the closest match for getting back into the series before Gears of War: E-Day. If you would rather try a later entry, choose Gears 5. Xbox lists E-Day for Xbox Series X|S and PC with an October 6, 2026 release date; at the time of Xbox’s listing, it was still upcoming.
Which Gears game should you play first?
Gears of War: Reloaded for the closest connection
Gears of War: Reloaded is the best starting point for this particular wait. It remasters the original game, includes its campaign, and Xbox classifies it as a third-person cover-shooter. That makes it the most direct way to revisit the series’ roots before E-Day.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition - Xbox One | $19.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Star Wars The Force Unleashed Ii Action/Adventure Game Standard Retail Xbox 360 (Renewed) | $24.19 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Just Cause 4 - Xbox One | $9.95 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Grand Theft Auto V - Xbox 360 | $34.27 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Sniper Ghost Warrior Contracts Xbox One - Xbox One | $19.97 | Buy on Amazon |
You can play its campaign in split-screen or online co-op. It is optimized for Xbox Series X|S, so it is the straightforward choice if you want the original story and a campaign you can share locally or online.
Gears 5 for a later campaign and three-player co-op
Gears 5 is the alternative if you prefer a later series entry. Xbox lists it as optimized for Series X|S and supports three-player online or split-screen campaign co-op. Pick it when that player count or a newer campaign is more important to you than starting with the original.
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How these games connect to E-Day
E-Day is set at the beginning of the conflict: Xbox Wire’s June 9, 2026 showcase description calls it “the moment the world fell and the bond between Marcus Fenix and Dominic Santiago began.” That framing helps explain why Reloaded is the closer preparation—the remaster returns to the original campaign—while Gears 5 offers a later point in the series rather than the same starting moment.
Neither official product listing establishes that either older game plays identically to E-Day. Treat them as ways to revisit the series and its characters, not as a confirmed gameplay preview of the new release.
Rank #2
- Star Wars
- The Force Unleashed 2 for XBOX 360
Quick comparison
| Game | Why choose it | Campaign co-op | Xbox availability notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gears of War: Reloaded | Remastered original campaign; Xbox identifies it as a third-person cover-shooter. | Split-screen or online; player count not stated on the cited Xbox product page. | Optimized for Xbox Series X|S. Xbox advertises Game Pass access; check the local catalog and plan terms. |
| Gears 5 | A later series campaign. | Three-player online or split-screen. | Optimized for Xbox Series X|S. Xbox advertises Game Pass access; check the local catalog and plan terms. |
Check access before you start
Xbox advertises Game Pass access for Reloaded, Gears 5, and E-Day, but catalog availability can vary by region, date, and plan. Check the game’s local Xbox listing before subscribing or assuming it is included. The listing for Gears of War: E-Day gives October 6, 2026 as its release date and lists Xbox Series X|S and PC; release information can change, so verify its current status on the official page.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Play as a paid contractor, an assassin for hire and defeat your rivals.
- Enhanced Scope Mode offers the most realistic experience of intense sniping with a wide range of targets and hundreds ways to kill.
- Redesigned in-game HUD and UI with tactical tagging system to mark your enemies for death.
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Rank #4
- The biggest, most Dynamic and most diverse open world ever created and now packed with layers of new detail
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Rank #3
- Day One Edition includes Neon Racer Pack with these DLC items: Neon Racer Super car, Neon Racer Wing suit, Neon Racer Parachute; see description for full details
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Choose based on what you want from the wait
- Want the closest series connection? Start with Gears of War: Reloaded and its original campaign.
- Want a later entry with three-player campaign co-op? Choose Gears 5.
- Want to play with someone locally or online? Both games list split-screen and online campaign co-op; Gears 5 specifically lists three players.
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.
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