Seven years have passed since the last entry in the Gears of War series, a period that has seen significant technological and cultural shifts. Now, The Coalition is preparing to return players to the series' origins with Gears of War: E-Day, a prequel exploring the titular Emergence Day when the Locust horde first emerged from the planet's surface. While the narrative campaign will delve into this pivotal event, a recent preview focused on the game's multiplayer offerings, specifically its reimagined Horde mode.
The preview, which lasted approximately three hours, highlighted the new Horde Siege mode. This cooperative experience supports 12-player lobbies, divided into three squads of four. Players can engage in three distinct match types: Blitz, which involves completing objectives before extraction; Siege, a more extensive version of Blitz with additional objectives; and the classic Horde, a survival-focused mode where players defend against waves of enemies. The preview session took place on a single map, Golden Quarter, a sprawling, European-inspired urban environment.
Horde Siege introduces several new elements, including the extensive map traversal required by the objective-based modes. Blitz and Siege missions often task squads with defending specific areas before an extraction sequence, culminating in a final enemy wave before boarding a chopper. The mode features four distinct classes—Assault, Breacher, Marksman, and Medic—each with 30 levels to unlock new weapons and perks, allowing for loadout customization. These customizations extend to weapon acquisition at in-match vendors.
While the 12-player lobbies can lead to moments of sheer chaos, the squad-based structure helps maintain a sense of coordination. The inclusion of seven secondary objective types, some of which can dramatically alter the flow of a match—such as the appearance of a massive Corpser or the need to track down a high-profile target—adds a layer of unpredictability. These randomized events ensure that each playthrough can offer unique challenges and opportunities.
Crucially, E-Day appears to maintain the core gameplay feel that has defined the Gears of War series for two decades. The characteristic heft in movement, from jumping to sliding into cover, is present, contributing to the franchise's signature combat weight. The preview, however, did not include access to the game's competitive multiplayer component. Questions also remain regarding the narrative's ability to offer fresh insights into the well-established lore of Emergence Day and how this prequel fits into the ongoing story following Gears 5's cliffhanger ending. Nevertheless, the preview suggests that E-Day will deliver the visceral and satisfying Gears of War action fans expect.
Gears of War: E-Day is scheduled for release on October 6 for Windows PC and Xbox Series X, with early access available up to five days prior.