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For a first playthrough, play the main Gears games in release order: Gears of War (or its remaster, Gears of War: Reloaded), Gears of War 2, Gears of War 3, Gears of War 4, and Gears 5. Then play Gears of War: E-Day. It is a prequel set 14 years before the original, but starting with the original game preserves the series’ release-era introduction to its world and characters. If you prefer events in story chronology, begin with E-Day.
What order should you play the Gears of War games?
For a newcomer, release order is the clearest way through the main narrative: it introduces the setting in the original game, follows the original trilogy, and then moves into the later-generation story. The order below leaves out spin-offs and add-on campaigns.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Gears of War 3 (Renewed) | $14.17 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Gears of War: Ultimate Edition – Xbox One | $16.50 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Gears of War Triple Pack - Xbox 360 (Bundle) (Renewed) | $42.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Gears of War 3 | $3.81 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Gears of War (2-Disc Edition) | $37.98 | Buy on Amazon |
| Play order | Game | Why it belongs here |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gears of War or Gears of War: Reloaded | Start with the original story. Xbox describes Reloaded as a faithful remaster of the original. |
| 2 | Gears of War 2 | Continue the original trilogy. |
| 3 | Gears of War 3 | Finish the trilogy before moving to the later-generation story. |
| 4 | Gears of War 4 | Begins the newer story centered on JD Fenix, Kait, and Del. |
| 5 | Gears 5 | Continues the later story, with Kait’s connection to the enemy at its center. |
| 6 | Gears of War: E-Day | Play after the main saga for release-order context; it is a prequel. |
Xbox’s Gears of War franchise page describes the roles of the characters in Gears of War 4 and Gears 5. The order recommendation is editorial guidance, rather than a required way to play.
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Gears of War: E-Day is the earliest entry in the main story sequence described here. Xbox Wire says the campaign takes place 14 years before the original Gears of War, following Marcus Fenix and Dominic Santiago as the Locust Horde first emerges and the invasion begins. The concise main-game chronology is:
#1 Best Overall
- 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.
- Gears of War: E-Day
- Gears of War
- Gears of War 2
- Gears of War 3
- Gears of War 4
- Gears 5
This sequence is useful if you want the events in chronological order, but it is not the same as the games’ release order. Since E-Day is an origin story, playing it first means encountering the series’ beginning before its original introduction.
Where does Gears of War: Judgment fit?
Gears of War: Judgment is an optional prequel spin-off, not part of the recommended main-game path above. Its exact placement relative to E-Day is not established by the cited official material, so avoid inserting it into a definitive chronological list. If you are following release order, you can consider it after the original trilogy.
Rank #2
- Includes full game of the original Gears of War remastered in 1080p.
- Play five campaign chapters never released on console.
- Experience competitive multiplayer in 60FPS with 19 maps and six game modes.
Which version of the first game should you choose?
If you want a remastered version, Xbox lists Gears of War: Reloaded for Xbox Series X|S and PC. Choose it when it is the version you can access or prefer; the recommendation is about starting with the original game’s story, not a claim that one edition performs better.
When can you play E-Day?
As of October 4, 2026, Xbox Wire listed Gears of War: E-Day for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox on PC, and Steam. Premium Edition early access began October 1, 2026, and the global launch was scheduled for October 6, 2026. Xbox said the game would be included at launch with Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass. Check the current storefront and subscription catalog for availability in your region.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Engaging and disturbing cinematic story
- Never Fight Alone
- Gears of War Extras: Map Packs 1 & 2, Theme - Emergence Day, Gamer Pics - Gears of War, Emergence Day
- Engaging and disturbing cinematic story
- Never Fight Alone
Rank #4
- 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
Rank #3
- HD Gaming's New Standard Innovative controls and unmatched intensity made Gears of War one of the best-selling Xbox 360 games ever.
- Breakthrough advances in Unreal Engine 3 raise the bar again.
- A Blockbuster Experience Use enemies as shields, fight chainsaw duels
- Explosive Xbox LIVE Play The most visceral online shooter gets even better with a new party system, more co-op modes
What is optional rather than necessary?
- Judgment is a prequel spin-off; the main sequence does not require it.
- Gears Tactics and downloadable content are outside this main-story guide; the cited material does not establish a complete chronology for those branches.
- Xbox also identifies The Art and Making of Gears of War: E-Day as a companion book. It is optional supplementary material, not a game required to follow the story.
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.
