Released in 2006, Gears of War was a groundbreaking third-person shooter from Epic Games that helped establish the Xbox gaming brand during the Xbox 360 era. Over the years, the Gears of War series has blossomed into one of Xbox's flagship franchises, although none of the sequels have truly managed to capture the magic of that original title.
As the first Gears of War game prepares to celebrate its 20th anniversary, Microsoft has announced plans to re-release a remastered version of it later this summer.
"Faithfully remastered and natively optimized for more platforms than ever before," Gears of War: Reloaded is launching on August 26, 2025 for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox PC, Xbox Cloud Gaming, PlayStation 5 and Steam. It will be priced at $39.99, but also free day one with Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass. The game will also support cros-play and cross-progression across all platforms.
"As we approach the 20th anniversary of Gears of War in 2026, we’re reflecting on what this franchise means. It’s about the stories we’ve told, the friendships we’ve built, and the unforgettable moments we’ve shared together," said The Coalition Studio Head Mike Crump. "With Gears of War: Reloaded, we’re opening that door to more players than ever."
Gears of War: Reloaded is being developed by The Coalition in partnership with Sumo Interactive. It will feature all of the content from the Gears of War: Ultimate Edition, playable in 4K resolution and 120 FPS support. All post-launch DLC, including the bonsu Campaign act, all multiplayer maps and modes, and the full roster of classic characters and cosmetics, will be available at no additional cost.
Here is the full gamut for what players can expect with Gears of War: Reloaded:
- 4K resolution
- 60 FPS in Campaign
- 120 FPS in Multiplayer
- High Dynamic Range (HDR)
- Dolby Vision & 7.1.4 Dolby Atmos
- 7.1.4 3D Spatial Audio
- Variable Refresh Rate (VRR)
- 4K assets and remastered textures
- Enhanced post-processing visual effects
- Improved shadows and reflections
- Super resolution with improved anti-aliasing
- Zero loading screens during Campaign
Gears of War: Reloaded is Microsoft's continued effort to bring Xbox titles to as many players as possible, including those on PlayStation. The campaign will support two-player co-op and up to 8-player Versus Multiplayer with cross-play and across all platforms. No Microsoft account is required to enjoy the online multiplayer; however, signing in with a Microsoft account will unlock full cross-platform functionality, including cross-progression. It also allows you to send invites and play with friends across platforms more easily.
Gears of War: Reloaded will also be a free upgrade for anyone who purchased the digital version fo Gears of War: Ultimate Edition prior to today.