Gears of War: Reloaded is set to launch on PS5 simultaneously with Xbox, marking a significant shift for this iconic franchise. Dive into the details of its multiplatform release and the exciting enhancements awaiting fans.
Gears of War: Reloaded Release Date Announced
Multiplatform Release
Gears of War, traditionally an Xbox exclusive and a cornerstone of Microsoft's gaming lineup, is breaking new ground. On May 6, Xbox announced via a Twitter (X) post that Gears of War: Reloaded will launch across all platforms on August 26, including the PS5.
This move aligns with Xbox's strategy to expand its exclusives to other platforms. In a January interview with GamerTag Radio, Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer emphasized their commitment to this approach, stating, "We love our platform and our hardware but we're not going to put walls up where people can engage with the great games our studios are building."
This strategy hints at the possibility that the upcoming Gears of War: E-Day might also see a multiplatform release on the same day as PS5. However, Xbox has not yet confirmed this, leaving fans eager for more news on potential shifts in Xbox's exclusive lineup.
Faithful Remaster and Natively Optimized
The announcement of Gears of War: Reloaded came as a surprise, especially since the original game was already remastered in 2015 with Gears of War: Ultimate Edition. In a May 5 Xbox Wire post, The Coalition’s Studio Head Mike Crump elaborated on what players can anticipate from this new release.
Crump stated, "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. With Gears of War: Reloaded, we’re opening that door to more players than ever."
Performance-wise, Gears of War: Reloaded significantly enhances the experience over the 2015 release. While the Ultimate Edition ran at 1080p and 30fps in campaign mode, with 60fps in multiplayer, Reloaded will offer 4k resolution at 60fps for the campaign and an impressive 120fps for multiplayer. The game also features 4k assets, remastered textures, enhanced post-processing visual effects, improved shadows and reflections, and more.
The Xbox Wire post further detailed, "Players will gain immediate access to all post-launch downloadable content at no additional cost — this includes the bonus Campaign act, all multiplayer maps and modes, and a full roster of classic characters and cosmetics unlockable through progression."
Additionally, owners of The Ultimate Edition prior to the announcement will receive a free upgrade to Reloaded. Eligible Xbox accounts will be sent a code for the upgrade before the game's launch.
Gears of War: Reloaded is scheduled for release on August 26, priced at $39.99 across Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC. It will also be available on day one with Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass.
