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Gears of War: E-Day launches worldwide on October 6, 2026, for Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC. It is included at launch with Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass. You can play its campaign solo, in two-player split-screen on console, or online with up to four players—but online co-op requires a Game Pass subscription tier that includes online multiplayer.

When does Gears of War: E-Day come out?

The worldwide launch is October 6, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. PT (15:00 UTC), according to Xbox Wire’s October 1 launch announcement. Premium Edition Early Access began October 1, five days before launch.

E-Day is an origin-story campaign set fourteen years before the original Gears of War. It follows Marcus Fenix and Dominic Santiago as the Locust Horde first emerges. Xbox describes it as a third-person cover-shooter.

Which platforms can you play it on?

Xbox lists Xbox Series X|S and Windows 10/11 as platforms. On PC, the listed storefronts are the Microsoft Store and Steam. Xbox Wire also names cloud gaming through Game Pass Ultimate and GeForce NOW. The official listings reviewed do not include a PlayStation version.

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#1 Best Overall
Gears of War: E-Day | Standard Edition | XBOX Series X
  • 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.
  • Console: Xbox Series X|S.
  • PC: Windows 10/11 through the Microsoft Store or Steam.
  • Cloud: Xbox Wire lists Game Pass Ultimate and GeForce NOW. Cloud availability and requirements depend on the service and account.

Xbox Play Anywhere supports shared progression and achievements between Xbox Series X|S and PC. That feature does not itself confirm online cross-platform co-op: the official materials reviewed do not explicitly state whether Xbox and PC players can join the same campaign session.

Is Gears of War: E-Day included with Game Pass?

Yes. Xbox says E-Day is included at launch, October 6, with Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass. Premium Edition Early Access is a separate purchase benefit that began October 1; do not assume Game Pass access includes that early window.

Rank #2
Gears of War E-Day | Premium Edition | XBOX Series X|S and Windows Digital
  • PRE‑ORDER BONUS CONTENT — Pre‑order to get early access to the Open Beta and unlock the Exfil Dom Character Skin and Exfil Weapon Skin Set at launch.
  • PREMIUM EDITION — Play up to 5 days early and receive the 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.

There is an important distinction between access to the game and access to online multiplayer. The product page says online campaign co-op, Horde Siege, Versus, and other online multiplayer features require a Game Pass subscription tier that includes online multiplayer. Check the benefits of your specific subscription before relying on it for online play.

What campaign co-op options are available?

Xbox lists three campaign options: play solo, use two-player split-screen on console, or play online co-op with up to four players. Split-screen is console-only. Online campaign co-op requires a subscription tier that includes online multiplayer.

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Rank #3
Gears of War 3 (Renewed)
  • 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.
  • Solo: Play the campaign alone.
  • Local: Two players can share a console in split-screen.
  • Online: Up to four players can play the campaign together.

Shared Xbox-and-PC progression is established, but that is separate from whether those platforms can play co-op together. The official sources reviewed leave cross-platform online sessions unconfirmed.

What other multiplayer modes are there?

The official developer overview describes all Versus modes as 4v4. Xbox Wire describes Horde Siege as a four-player PvE squad mode. These formats are distinct from the campaign’s online co-op, which supports up to four players.

Horde Siege, Versus, and other online multiplayer features require a Game Pass tier that includes online multiplayer, according to the Xbox product page.

Should you buy Standard or Premium?

The US Xbox FAQ lists Standard at $69.99 and Premium at $99.99, plus a $30 Premium upgrade for Standard owners. These are US-listed prices; check the Xbox listing for current pricing and availability in your region.

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Best Value
Gears of War 3
  • 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
Option US price listed by Xbox What it includes
Standard Edition $69.99 The game.
Premium Edition $99.99 Up to five days’ Early Access, Bravo Squad Signature Weapon Pack, five seasonal customization packs, and 1,000 Iron.
Standard-to-Premium upgrade $30 Upgrade for owners of Standard; Xbox’s FAQ lists the same Premium additions.

Premium’s Early Access began October 1, while the worldwide launch is October 6. If you are choosing between editions at or after launch, the early-access window has already passed; compare the remaining digital bonuses against the price difference.

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What is in the Collector’s Edition?

The Coalition describes an optional physical Collector’s Edition with a 15-inch statue, SteelBook, replica COG tags, photograph, and art print. The Xbox Series X version includes a physical disc. The announcement says quantities are limited and availability varies by region, so the listing does not establish current stock.

For the official edition details, see The Coalition’s Collector’s Edition announcement.

Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 3
Gears of War 3 (Renewed)
Gears of War 3 (Renewed)
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.
$16.20
Bestseller No. 5
Gears of War 3
Gears of War 3
Enthralling cinematic story. Experience the epic finale to the Gears of War trilogy; Unparalleled gameplay
$9.99

How to choose your way to play

  • Want to play on launch day without buying the game separately? The launch inclusion applies to Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass from October 6.
  • Want local couch co-op? Use Xbox Series X|S split-screen; the two-player split-screen option is console-only.
  • Want a larger online campaign group? The campaign supports up to four players online, subject to a subscription tier with online multiplayer.
  • Switch between Xbox and PC? Xbox Play Anywhere shares progression and achievements. Do not treat that as confirmation of cross-platform co-op.
  • Considering Premium? Its early-access period began before the standard launch; after October 6, decide based on its listed digital bonuses and regional price.

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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