Almost 20 years after the release of Gears of War, a game that created a franchise that would become a pillar of the Xbox brand, is again about to be remastered. Today, Xbox has announced via an Xbox Wire post that Gears of War: Reloaded is coming out later this year, almost exactly 10 years after the first remaster of this classic Gears of War Ultimate Edition which released in 2015.
Regarding today’s announcement, here’s what Xbox had to say:
Gears of War: Reloaded is a celebration of one of gaming’s most iconic franchises. Featuring 4K resolution, 120 FPS support, and the ultimate multiplayer experience with cross-progression and cross-play, across all platforms, this is the definitive way to experience the game that started it all.
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.
Yes, you read that right “…more players than ever.” which means exactly what you think. Gears of War: Reloaded is also coming to PlayStation 5, meaning that for the first time, PlayStation players will be able to experience the start of this incredible franchise.
That is sure to upset some gamers, as we all know what the Gears franchise means to the Xbox platform, but as we have seen, exclusive content is no longer part of Microsoft’s gaming plans. Time will tell if that is truly the right decision, but I, for one, will never complain about more people getting to experience an incredible game. Let’s just hope that we get to see the rest of the original Gears trilogy receive this same reloaded treatment.
Oh, there is some good news for long-time Gears of War fans. Gears of War: Reloaded will be a free upgrade for players who purchased the digital version of Gears of War: Ultimate Edition prior to today’s announcement. (Must have purchased a digital version of Gears of War: Ultimate Edition prior to 16:00 UTC on May 5, 2025. A code for Gears of War: Reloaded will be delivered prior to the launch of the game via a direct message to eligible Xbox accounts.)
Thankfully, Gears of War: Reloaded will also support cross-play, which for me, is a must for any multiplatform game with a multiplayer component in 2025. Regarding cross-play, here’s what Xbox says about how it will work:
Gears of War: Reloaded is built for shared play — whether you’re teaming up in split-screen or jumping online. The Campaign supports two-player co-op, and Versus Multiplayer allows up to 8 players. With cross-play across all platforms, you and your friends can squad up no matter where you play — no Microsoft account required.
However, signing in with a Microsoft account unlocks full cross-platform functionality. It enables cross-progression, so your Campaign and multiplayer progress carries across devices. It also allows you to send invites and play with friends across platforms — like Xbox to PlayStation or Steam to Xbox.
So, thankfully, no Microsoft account is required for cross-play support. That being said, the advantage of having a Microsoft/Xbox account is cross-progression between all platforms. Allowing you to pick up and play your campaign save or progress your multiplayer account on any device. For more on what to expect from Gears of War: Reloaded, be sure to check out the official Xbox post.
Gears of War: Reloaded launches August 26, 2025, for $39.99 SRP on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox PC, Steam, and PlayStation 5, and arrives day one with Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass.
