Incase you have not already watched the new trailer, Gears of War: E-Day is adding an official collaboration with Metallica, giving players both a new menu music track and a Legendary weapon skin set tied to the band. Check out the new multiplayer trailer with it below:
The most immediately noticeable part of the partnership is the inclusion of an instrumental version of "For Whom the Bell Tolls." This track is one of four equippable menu music options available at launch. Once selected, it plays in the main menu as well as in the Horde Siege and Versus lobbies. Additional menu music tracks are planned to arrive after launch.
Alongside the music, The Coalition and Metallica have created a Legendary “Ride the Lightning” Weapon Skin Set. In E-Day, weapon skins come as complete sets, meaning once unlocked or purchased, the design can be applied to any compatible weapon rather than requiring separate unlocks for each gun. The Ride the Lightning set is designated as a partnership item, placing it among the small number of cosmetics that are not earnable through regular gameplay.
How the Metallica Items Fit Into E-Day’s Cosmetics System
Gears of War: E-Day takes a notably player-friendly approach to most of its customization. The vast majority of character skins, weapon skins, poses, banners, emblems, icons, titles, and other cosmetics can be unlocked by playing the game, completing challenges, earning medals, or spending the free currency (Coins) in the Barracks. There is no traditional battle pass.
Partnership items sit outside that system. The Ride the Lightning Weapon Skin Set must be acquired either through the collaboration offer or by purchasing it directly with the premium currency, Iron. It will not be available as a challenge reward or through the standard Coin grind.
This limited approach to brand collaborations matches the broader design philosophy outlined by the team. Most cosmetics in E-Day are meant to feel grounded in the Gears universe. When external partnerships do appear, the goal has been to make them feel deliberate rather than frequent or overwhelming. The Metallica collaboration is one of the clearer examples of that selective approach.
Availability
Both the instrumental "For Whom the Bell Tolls" menu track and the Ride the Lightning Weapon Skin Set will be available when Gears of War: E-Day launches on October 6, 2026. The multiplayer beta, which begins August 6 for pre-order customers and Game Pass members, may offer an early chance to see or equip some of the cosmetic systems, though full details on beta availability for the Metallica items have not been specified.
The collaboration adds a distinct audio and visual option for players who want their menus and loadouts to carry a heavier metal edge while still fitting within the gritty tone of the Gears franchise. For everyone else, the rest of the cosmetics system remains largely earnable through normal play, keeping the Metallica items as an optional premium addition rather than a core part of progression.
Looking For More Gears Of War E-Day content? Here are our other articles covering it:
Gears of War: E-Day Multiplayer Preview: The Horde Siege And Versus Modes Are Looking Very Impressive
Gears Of War: E-Day Horde Siege Deep Dive: How The New 12-Player Mode Reinvents A Classic
Here Is Your Deep Dive Into Gears Of War: E-Day's Versus Modes And Cosmetics