Gears of War: E-Day is finally here. The prequel launched today, October 6, on Xbox Series X|S and PC, and it takes the series back to the day the Locust Horde first broke through.
If you plan to play it this week, there is one detail worth knowing first. Not every Game Pass tier includes Gears of War E-Day, so check your plan before you hit download.
Release Date and Platforms
The game is out now on Xbox Series X|S and on PC through the Xbox app. It does not come to PlayStation 5 or Steam at launch. In addition, Xbox Play Anywhere lets you continue the same save on console and PC.
Players who bought the Premium Edition Upgrade have been playing since October 1. Today, however, the standard launch opens it to everyone.
Is Gears of War E-Day on Game Pass
Yes, but only on the top plans. Gears of War E-Day is part of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass from day one. By contrast, the Essential and Premium tiers do not include it, so those subscribers need to upgrade to Ultimate first.
That makes Ultimate the cheapest way to try the full game on launch day. It also covers online multiplayer, so you can jump straight into co-op and versus.
What Is New in E-Day
The story is set 14 years before the original Gears of War, during Emergence Day. You play as a young Marcus Fenix and Dominic Santiago, together with Mags Carter and Lucas Reyes, in the city of Kalona.
The Coalition and People Can Fly built the game on Unreal Engine 5. The campaign supports 4-player online co-op and 2-player split-screen. Meanwhile, multiplayer brings 4v4 modes and Horde Siege, a 12-player PvE mode with four classes.
How to Start Playing Today
First, check which Game Pass plan you have. If it says Ultimate or PC Game Pass, the game is ready to install. If not, a Game Pass Ultimate code is the quickest fix. Simply redeem it on your Microsoft account and download the game.
Just make sure the code matches your Microsoft account region. A US code works on a US account, while a German code needs a German account.
Prefer to buy the game outright later? An Xbox Gift Card adds balance to your Microsoft account, which you can spend on Gears of War E-Day or any other game in the store.
