Gears of War: Reloaded Set to Launch on PS5 and Xbox Simultaneously

The iconic Xbox franchise, Gears of War, is expanding its reach with the announcement of Gears of War: Reloaded, which will launch on both PS5 and Xbox on August 26. This move marks a significant shift as the series ventures beyond its traditional Xbox exclusivity.

Gears of War: Reloaded Release Date Announced

Multiplatform Release

Historically an Xbox exclusive, Gears of War has been a staple of the Microsoft gaming ecosystem. However, in a recent post on Twitter (X) dated May 6, Xbox revealed that Gears of War: Reloaded will be available across all platforms, including the PS5, on the same day. This strategic decision reflects Xbox's commitment to broadening the accessibility of its titles, as articulated by Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer in a January interview with GamerTag Radio. Spencer emphasized, "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 might set a precedent for future releases, such as the anticipated Gears of War: E-Day, though Xbox has yet to confirm multiplatform plans for this title. Fans are encouraged to stay tuned for further updates on Xbox's evolving strategy regarding its exclusive titles.

Faithful Remaster and Natively Optimized

The announcement of Reloaded comes as a surprise given the 2015 remaster, Gears of War: Ultimate Edition. In a post on Xbox Wire dated May 5, The Coalition’s Studio Head Mike Crump elaborated on the vision for Reloaded. He stated, "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."

In terms of performance, Reloaded offers significant enhancements over the 2015 release. While Ultimate Edition ran at 1080p and 30fps in campaign mode, with 60fps in multiplayer, Reloaded will boast 4k resolution at 60fps for the campaign and a smooth 120fps for multiplayer. Players can also expect 4k assets, remastered textures, enhanced post-processing visual effects, improved shadows and reflections, and more.

Furthermore, Reloaded includes all post-launch downloadable content at no additional cost. This encompasses a bonus Campaign act, all multiplayer maps and modes, and a comprehensive roster of classic characters and cosmetics unlockable through progression.

For those who already own The Ultimate Edition, Reloaded offers a free upgrade. Eligible Xbox account holders will receive a code via direct message before the launch.

Gears of War: Reloaded is scheduled 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 through Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass, providing immediate access to this eagerly awaited title.