The much-anticipated release date for Gears of War: Reloaded is finally here, and fans are thrilled to learn that it will launch on PS5 simultaneously with Xbox. This marks a significant milestone for the franchise, traditionally an Xbox exclusive, as it ventures into multiplatform territory. Dive into the details to discover more about this exciting release and the enhancements awaiting fans.
Historically, Gears of War has been synonymous with Xbox, standing as one of the console's most iconic franchises. However, in a groundbreaking move announced via a Twitter (X) post on May 6, Xbox revealed that Gears of War: Reloaded will break the mold by launching across all platforms, including PS5, on August 26.
This strategic shift underscores Xbox's commitment to broadening the accessibility of its exclusive titles across different platforms. In a January interview with GamerTag Radio, Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer emphasized 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 move could set a precedent for future releases, such as the upcoming Gears of War: E-Day, potentially following Reloaded's multiplatform path. While Xbox has not yet confirmed this, the gaming community eagerly awaits further announcements regarding the future of Xbox exclusives.
The announcement of Reloaded came as a surprise to many, especially since the original game was already remastered in 2015 with Gears of War: Ultimate Edition. In a detailed Xbox Wire post on May 5, The Coalition’s Studio Head Mike Crump shed light on what players can expect from this new release.
Crump shared, "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, Reloaded significantly enhances the experience over its 2015 counterpart. While the Ultimate Edition offered 1080p at 30fps in campaign mode and 60fps in multiplayer, Reloaded ups the ante with 4k resolution at 60fps for the campaign and a staggering 120fps for multiplayer. The game also boasts 4k assets, remastered textures, enhanced post-processing visual effects, improved shadows and reflections, and more.
According to the post, "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 of Reloaded will receive a free upgrade. Eligible Xbox accounts will be sent a code for the upgrade before the game's launch.
Gears of War: Reloaded is set to launch 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, ensuring that fans can dive into the action without delay.