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Gears of War: E-Day is a mainline origin story set fourteen years before the original Gears of War. It follows younger Marcus Fenix and Dominic Santiago as the Locust Horde emerges beneath the planet Sera and launches its first assault on humanity. “E-Day” means Emergence Day—the disaster that begins the Locust War. Xbox lists the game as released on October 6, 2026, for Xbox Series X|S and PC.
What does E-Day mean?
E-Day is short for Emergence Day. It marks the moment the Locust Horde erupts from beneath Sera and begins its devastating attack on humanity. The game focuses on the first days of that invasion, when people are caught by surprise and the Locust are still unfamiliar and frightening to those confronting them.
| # | 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) | $14.17 | 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 | $3.81 | Buy on Amazon |
That point in the war makes the story different from one set amid an established conflict: the characters are facing the sudden beginning of a catastrophe, not simply another battle in a war they already understand. Xbox’s game description and a 2024 Xbox Wire interview with the developers frame it as a survival story during the invasion’s opening days.
When is the game set?
Xbox places Gears of War: E-Day fourteen years before the original Gears of War. The story follows younger versions of Marcus Fenix and Dominic Santiago at the beginning of the Locust assault, making the game an origin story for both the characters and the conflict that shapes the series.
#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.
Who are the characters?
Marcus Fenix and Dominic Santiago
Marcus and Dom are the central familiar faces. They are young soldiers trying to survive the invasion’s opening days. The developers have described the game as an origin story for the pair and for the bond that becomes central to the franchise.
Mags Carter and Lucas Reyes
The wider squad includes two additional playable characters, according to Xbox Wire’s 2026 interview with The Coalition:
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.
- Mags Carter is a former Gear working at Kalona’s Imulsion Refinery.
- Lucas Reyes is a young cadet and communications officer.
The interview identifies Marcus, Dom, Mags, and Lucas as members of Bravo Squad. These details describe the announced cast and roles; they should not be taken as a complete account of the game’s story or every character’s arc.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteIs E-Day a spin-off or a mainline Gears game?
It is a mainline entry set earlier in the series timeline, not a spin-off. The Coalition described it as an origin story that adds context to later Gears stories. Studio Brand Director Nicole Fawcette also said the project does not mean the studio is abandoning the storylines of Gears 4 and Gears 5.
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.
In practical terms, you can understand E-Day as a prequel: it moves back to the start of the Locust War while remaining part of the main series. It provides earlier context rather than replacing the events or continuing directly from the later games.
What platforms is it on, and when did it release?
As of October 7, 2026, the Xbox product page lists Gears of War: E-Day as released on October 6, 2026, for Xbox Series X|S and PC. Xbox lists it as included with Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass at launch. Availability and subscription terms can change, so check the current listing for the platform and plan you use.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What is in the Collector’s Edition?
The official Collector’s Edition announcement lists a 15-inch Marcus and Dom statue, replica Carlos Santiago COG tags, an art print, an in-game photo, and a custom SteelBook. Its platform formats differ: the Xbox Series X version includes a physical disc, while the Steam version includes a digital token. The announcement describes availability as limited and region-dependent, so check the listing in your region for current stock and format.
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
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