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For a first playthrough of the main story, start with Gears of War or its remaster, Gears of War: Reloaded. Then play Gears of War 2, Gears of War 3, Gears of War 4, and Gears 5. This release-era path introduces the original conflict before the sequels develop its world and characters. It is a practical recommendation, not an officially required order.
Which Gears of War game should you start with?
Choose Gears of War for the original experience, or Gears of War: Reloaded if you want a remastered version and play on a supported platform. Xbox describes Reloaded as a remaster of the original and calls it “the definitive way to experience the iconic original that started it all.” Its official games page lists Xbox Series X|S and PC. Xbox: Gears of War: Reloaded
| # | 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 |
|
Steamforged Games Gears of War The Card Game: Core Game - 2 Players, 30-60 Minutes of Gameplay... | $14.95 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Gears of War 3 (Renewed) | $14.17 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Gears of War 4 - Xbox One (Renewed) | $21.99 | Buy on Amazon |
After either version of the first game, continue through the main saga in this order:
- Gears of War or Gears of War: Reloaded
- Gears of War 2
- Gears of War 3
- Gears of War 4
- Gears 5
Xbox’s official game descriptions establish the original Marcus Fenix premise and show how the later games extend the conflicts and characters. The sequence above follows the games’ release-era introduction to the central story; it is not a publisher-mandated checklist. Xbox: Gears of War games
#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.
Should you play Judgment or E-Day first?
Play Gears of War: Judgment after the main saga’s opening
Gears of War: Judgment is a prequel set in the immediate aftermath of Emergence Day. Its earlier setting can interest players exploring the franchise’s past, but it is not the clearest starting point if you want to encounter the central saga in the order it was introduced. Xbox: Gears of War games
Save Gears of War: E-Day if you want to preserve the original introduction
Gears of War: E-Day is an origin story set fourteen years before the original, according to Xbox’s September 17, 2026 announcement. As of October 4, 2026, Xbox scheduled its launch for October 6, 2026, with Premium Edition early access scheduled to begin October 1. Because it tells an earlier part of the story, it can be appealing as a chronological entry point; starting with it, however, changes the original introduction that the release-era path preserves. Xbox Wire: Gears of War: E-Day release announcement
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.
When does Gears Tactics make sense as a starting point?
Start with Gears Tactics if turn-based strategy is what you want to play. Xbox describes it as a turn-based tactics game with customizable squads, upgradable weapons, and boss battles. Its genre differs from the central action saga, so it is a poor substitute if your goal is to begin with the mainline campaign. Xbox Wire: Gears Tactics announcement
How to pick the version and access that fit you
- Story continuity: Choose the original or Reloaded, then follow the main saga sequence. Treat Judgment and E-Day as earlier-set stories rather than required first games.
- Gameplay: Choose a main saga game for the central action-campaign route, or Gears Tactics if turn-based squad strategy is your preference.
- Platform: Check whether Reloaded is available for your platform before choosing it; Xbox lists Xbox Series X|S and PC. If it does not fit, look for the original on a platform you can use.
Xbox promotes Game Pass access to Gears titles, but catalog membership, subscription terms, and regional availability can change. Check the current catalog for your region before relying on a subscription for access. Xbox: Game Pass games
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
- 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.
Rank #3
- Listen up, soldier. The world is in ruin. The Locust Horde has risen. It’s Human vs Horde, and here’s your mission: Pick a side, build a powerful deck, and win the war. The fate of the world is in your hands!
- Experience the gritty gunplay of the video game in this official two-player card game. Take command of the COG forces or the Locust horde and seize control of the battlefield, one chapter at a time.
- Strategise your way through each chapter, bolstering your forces with classic characters like Marcus Fenix, General Raam, August “Cole Train” Cole, Dominic Santiago, and Damon Baird.
- Every battle counts. Whatever happens in each chapter will change what comes next, so you’d better be ready to dominate. The deck you build and decisions you make will change the way you play each campaign, making this a game you can reload time and time again.
- Whether you're a hardened vet or a grass-green rookie, get ready to take cover and lay down suppressive fire. Your enemies are trying to take the line, soldier. You’d better shove back hard.
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.
