The eagerly anticipated Gears of War: Reloaded has officially announced its release date, marking a significant moment for fans as it will launch simultaneously on PS5 and Xbox. Dive in to discover more about this multiplatform release and the exciting enhancements awaiting players.
Gears of War: Reloaded Release Date Announced
Multiplatform Release
For years, Gears of War has been synonymous with Xbox exclusivity, standing as one of Microsoft'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 this tradition by launching on all platforms, including PS5, on August 26.
This decision aligns with Xbox's ongoing commitment to making their exclusive titles available across different platforms. In a January interview with GamerTag Radio, Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer emphasized this strategy, 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 approach suggests that future titles, such as the anticipated Gears of War: E-Day, might also see a multiplatform release, although Xbox has not yet confirmed such plans. Fans will need to stay tuned for further announcements regarding Xbox's strategy for other exclusive titles.
Faithful Remaster and Natively Optimized
The announcement of Reloaded caught many by surprise, especially given that the original game had already been remastered with Gears of War: Ultimate Edition back in 2015. 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 latest 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 surpasses its 2015 predecessor. While the Ultimate Edition offered 1080p at 30fps in the campaign and 60fps in multiplayer, Reloaded elevates this to 4k resolution at 60fps for the campaign and a smooth 120fps in multiplayer. The game also boasts 4k assets, remastered textures, enhanced post-processing visual effects, improved shadows and reflections, and more.
The Xbox Wire post further elaborated that, "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. Eligible Xbox accounts will be sent a code for the upgrade before the launch.
Gears of War: Reloaded is slated 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, ensuring fans have multiple options to enjoy this enhanced gaming experience.