Gears of War: Reloaded - Everything You Need to Know
If you never had an Xbox and you missed one of modern gaming’s indelible series, now is your time. Gears of War: Reloaded the remastered 2006 classic is coming to PlayStation 5 as well when it comes out on Xbox Series X|S and Steam. This would be a great starting point for people new to the series, especially with Gears of War E-Day coming out next year.
Here’s a guide to everything you need to know before plunging into it.
1. Big graphical upgrades
Reloaded is not simply a repackaging of the Ultimate Edition from 2016. It's 4K, with HDR, VRR - and it can hit up to 120FPS in multiplayer (60 FPS in campaign). Throw in some Dolby Vision and Dolby Audio, and it’s a version of Gears built to shine on current hardware.
2. A hefty install size
Be ready to clear some space. The game occupies slightly above 63GB on PS5. Preloading, in which players can download the game ahead of time and run it as soon as X-day starts will be available 5 days before launch, on August 26th, so people with slower connections have a headstart.
3. Seamless crossplay and progression
It doesn’t matter if your friends are on Xbox, PlayStation or PC — you can play together without worrying about compatibility issues. Crossplay (letting you play against friends on any platform), and cross-save progression make the already fun co-op and multiplayer modes even more accessible.
4. No loading screens in campaign
With the power of the PS5’s SSD, the campaign will be presented seamlessly with no load times. By contrast, this makes Reloaded something of a whole new experience compared to the Xbox 360 counterpart.
5. PS5 Pro enhancements and PSSR support
The Coalition has confirmed PS5 Pro enhancements, such as PSSR — the AI-driven upscaling tech from Sony. Details are scare, but that implies Reloaded should be well optimized for the coming years.
6. A true remaster, not a remake
Reloaded maintains the original gameplay and story but updates visuals. Don’t anticipate new enemy designs or reworked mechanics; however, do count on the most definitive version of a classic.
7. DualSense features put to use
The game uses the DualSense controller in two pretty smart ways: comms come through the built-in speaker, and haptic feedback makes every shot good. It’s a modest but meaningful step in immersion.
8. All DLC included
All the stuff you had in the Ultimate Edition is here — bonus maps, missions, skins and cosmetics. New players receive the whole shebang immediately.
9. Other Points
Redone controls (there is a classic option)
A new control system has also been included to adapt with the changes of shooters over time. The pure can still adhere to the original arrangement.
A fair price point
Considering how much substance and gloss along for the ride, $39.99 is a fair price for Reloaded.
Physical copies available
And if you’re a fan of discs, you can today pre-order a physical edition for it as well as its digital form.
Enhanced audio experience
Now with support for Dolby Atmos and spatial audio, Reloaded will let you hear the Locust swarm as if it is surrounding you to match your visual upgrades.
Multiplayer options galore
The game offers cross-platform multiplayer, 2-player split screen & up to 8 players online in versus mode! Whether streaming or on the couch, there’s lots to see.
A bonus for early adopters
Players who pre-ordered the Ultimate Edition prior to May 5, 2025 will be given a free upgrade code for Reloaded.
Final
Thoughts
Final thoughts:
Gears of War: Reloaded is due to be the go-to option for playing Marcus Fenix’s initial encounter with the Locust. Now updated for modern hardware, with all DLC included and support for the advanced new functions of the DualSense controller added in, as well as crossplay support — it’s more than a remaster at this point, but instead an opportunity to introduce a whole new generation to what is perhaps gaming’s most iconic franchise.
Check out the official trailer:
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