The Coalition has detailed its post-launch strategy for the upcoming prequel, Gears of War: E-Day, emphasizing robust support for its multiplayer offerings, including a revamped Horde mode and extensive customization options.
Central to the post-launch vision is a seasonal roadmap, which will be revealed closer to the game's release. This roadmap will guide the ongoing development and content additions for the game's online modes. A significant focus will be placed on Horde Siege, a new iteration of the classic Horde mode. This mode will pit up to 12 players, divided into three squads, against waves of Locust forces while pursuing objectives. The Coalition plans to continuously update Horde Siege with new classes, maps, missions, modifiers, and seasonal content, including limited-time events such as a Halloween-themed Trick or Treat mode.
Player customization is another key pillar of E-Day's multiplayer experience. The developers aim to offer a wide array of "gritty and imaginative designs" that players can unlock simply by playing the game. While some premium cosmetic items, such as character and weapon skins, will be available for purchase using the in-game currency, Iron, The Coalition stated these will be limited. Senior production manager Noah Benesch clarified that most customization items can be earned through gameplay, including seasonal and event challenges, achievements, and a Classic Medal System. Coins earned from completing matches can also unlock items in the Barracks.
"Everything else can be obtained by completing matches and earning coins, which unlock items in the Barracks. We'll have a few things that are pay-only, but they're limited to our Premium Edition items and charity or partner content like the Ride the Lightning Weapon Skin set we've created in partnership with Metallica. Every season will grow our lineup of Cog and Locust characters, as well as adding new weapon skins, poses, customization elements, challenges, medals, and events. All of this is to say there's no battle pass. No pay-to-win. No bulls**t," Benesch stated.
Players can expect to unlock a variety of cosmetic items, including character skins, weapon skin sets, poses, banners, emblems, icons, titles, and menu music. The game will launch with several multiplayer modes, all featuring 4v4 Versus matches with no weapon mods to ensure balance.
These modes include Team Deathmatch, which features an improved dynamic respawn system that moves spawn locations closer to active combat areas. Conquest offers a King of the Hill-style objective, requiring teams to capture and defend specific zones. Demolition tasks teams with capturing a bomb and planting it at enemy sites while defending their own. Finally, Crucible involves teams fighting to control a Power Core within a designated zone that shifts and shrinks over time. The Power Core itself can be used offensively, unleashing an electrical charge.