The highly anticipated Gears of War: Reloaded is set to launch simultaneously on PS5 and Xbox, marking a significant shift for this iconic franchise. Dive into the details of its multiplatform release and discover the enhanced features fans can look forward to.

Gears of War: Reloaded Release Date Announced

Multiplatform Release

Historically an Xbox exclusive, Gears of War has been a cornerstone of the Microsoft console experience. However, in a groundbreaking move, Xbox announced via a Twitter (X) post on May 6 that Gears of War: Reloaded will be available on all platforms, including PS5, starting August 26.

This decision aligns with Xbox's ongoing strategy to expand its exclusives to other platforms. In a January interview with GamerTag Radio, Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer emphasized their commitment to accessibility, 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 suit with a simultaneous multiplatform launch. While no official confirmation has been made yet, the gaming community is eagerly watching for further announcements regarding Xbox’s other exclusives.

Faithful Remaster and Natively Optimized

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 an Xbox Wire post dated May 5, The Coalition’s Studio Head Mike Crump elaborated on what players can anticipate from this new release.

He remarked, "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 offers a significant upgrade over the 2015 release. While Ultimate Edition ran at 1080p and 30fps during campaign mode, and 60fps in multiplayer, Reloaded will boast 4k resolution at 60fps for the campaign, and an impressive 120fps for multiplayer. The game will also feature enhanced 4k assets, remastered textures, improved post-processing visual effects, better shadows and reflections, and more.

As per the announcement, "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 Reloaded as a free upgrade. A code for the upgrade will be sent to eligible Xbox accounts before the launch.

Gears of War: Reloaded is scheduled for release on August 26, priced at $39.99 for 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 more players than ever can experience the thrill of this beloved series.