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Gears of War: E-Day has three main ways to play with others: campaign co-op for up to four online players, the 12-player cooperative PvE mode Horde Siege, and competitive 4v4 Versus. On console, the campaign also supports two-player split-screen. Premium Edition early access began October 1, 2026; Xbox lists October 6, 2026, as the worldwide launch date.
Which multiplayer modes does E-Day have?
Xbox and The Coalition describe three distinct multiplayer options: story co-op, Horde Siege, and Versus. The first two are cooperative; Versus is competitive player-versus-player (PvP).
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Gears of War: E-Day | Standard Edition | XBOX Series X | $69.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Gears of War E-Day | Premium Edition | XBOX Series X|S and Windows Digital | $99.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Gears of War 3 (Renewed) | Buy on Amazon | |
| 4 |
![Xbox One - Gears Of War 5 - [PAL EU - NO NTSC]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51duB8cYpdL._SL160_.jpg)
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Xbox One - Gears Of War 5 - [PAL EU - NO NTSC] | $16.97 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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Gears of War 3 | $7.98 | Buy on Amazon |
| Mode | Group format | What it offers |
|---|---|---|
| Campaign online co-op | Up to four players | Play through the story together. |
| Campaign split-screen | Two players | Local campaign co-op on console. |
| Horde Siege | 12 players in three squads of four | Cooperative PvE wave survival, with squads taking individual missions across the same large stage. |
| Versus | 4v4 | Competitive matches; Xbox says the game launches with four Versus modes and six new maps. |
How does campaign co-op work?
Online campaign
Online campaign co-op supports up to four players. Xbox’s store listing says online campaign play requires a Game Pass subscription that includes online multiplayer; the subscription is sold separately.
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Local split-screen
Two players can play the campaign together using split-screen on console. Xbox describes split-screen as console-only; the announcement does not establish a PC split-screen option.
#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.
What is Horde Siege?
Horde Siege is E-Day’s cooperative PvE wave-survival mode. Xbox Wire describes 12 players divided into three squads of four, with each squad carrying out its own missions across the same large stage. Launch descriptions also advertise shared objectives, world bosses, classes, rewards, and loadout progression.
Those details describe the announced design, not how well its balance, pacing, matchmaking, or progression work in live play.
Rank #2
- PREMIUM EDITION — Includes Bravo Squad Signature Weapon Pack, five Seasonal Customization Packs starting with the Emergence Pack, plus 1,000 Iron to unlock additional in‑game content.
- 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.
Is E-Day Versus 4v4?
Yes. The announced Versus format is 4v4 competitive PvP. Xbox and The Coalition describe four modes and six new maps at launch, with modernized movement while cover-based combat remains central. The announcements establish the format and headline features, but not match quality or post-launch performance.
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Xbox says online campaign co-op, Horde Siege, Versus, and other online multiplayer features require a Game Pass subscription that includes online multiplayer. It is sold separately. Subscription terms and availability can vary by platform and region, so check the current Xbox listing for your location before subscribing.
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.
E-Day is identified for Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, and Steam in Xbox materials. Xbox also says Play Anywhere supports play across Xbox Series X|S and PC with shared progression and achievements. The reviewed announcements do not establish cross-play rules for every platform and mode.
When can you play?
Premium Edition early access began worldwide on October 1, 2026. Xbox Wire lists October 6, 2026, as the worldwide launch date. These dates distinguish early access from the general release; availability and current product details should be checked against the official listing.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What is confirmed—and what is not?
The official announcements establish the available modes and their advertised player formats. They do not establish matchmaking speed, server quality, cross-play specifics across every mode, live balance, progression pace, player population, or long-term seasonal plans. Those depend on the released game and ongoing service, rather than the feature descriptions alone.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 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
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.
