Gears of War: Reloaded - Everything You Need to Know

Gears of War: Reloaded - Everything You Need to Know
Gears of War: Reloaded

If you never owned an Xbox and missed out on one of modern gaming’s most iconic franchises, now is your chance. Gears of War: Reloaded, a remaster of the original 2006 classic, is making its way to PlayStation 5 alongside its release on Xbox Series X|S and PC via Steam. For players new to the series, this is the perfect entry point before Gears of War E-Day arrives next year.

Here’s a breakdown of everything you need to know before diving in.

1. Big graphical upgrades

Reloaded isn’t just a repackage of the Ultimate Edition from 2016. It supports 4K resolution, HDR, VRR, and up to 120 FPS in multiplayer (60 FPS in campaign). Add Dolby Vision and Dolby Audio to the mix, and you’ve got a version of Gears built to shine on modern hardware.


2. A hefty install size

Be ready to clear some space. The game takes up just over 63GB on PS5. Preloading opens five days before launch on August 26, giving players with slower internet connections a head start.


3. Seamless crossplay and progression

Whether your friends are on Xbox, PlayStation, or PC, you can team up without issue. Crossplay and cross-save progression make the co-op and multiplayer modes more accessible than ever.


4. No loading screens in campaign

Thanks to the PS5’s SSD, the campaign will run seamlessly without load times. Compared to the Xbox 360 version, this makes Reloaded feel like an entirely new experience.


5. PS5 Pro enhancements and PSSR support

The Coalition has confirmed PS5 Pro enhancements, including PSSR — Sony’s AI-powered upscaling tech. While specifics are limited, it means Reloaded should be optimized for years to come.


6. A true remaster, not a remake

Reloaded preserves the original gameplay and story while updating visuals. Don’t expect new enemy designs or reworked mechanics, but do expect the most definitive version of the classic.


7. DualSense features put to use

The game takes advantage of the DualSense controller in two clever ways: comms play through the built-in speaker, and haptic feedback makes every shot feel impactful. It’s a small but meaningful step in immersion.


8. All DLC included

Every piece of content from the Ultimate Edition is here—extra maps, missions, skins, and cosmetics. New players get the full package right away.


9. Other Points

9. Updated controls (with an option for classic)

A modernized control scheme has been added, reflecting how shooters have evolved over the years. Purists can still stick to the original layout.

10. A fair price point

At $39.99, Reloaded is reasonably priced considering the amount of content and polish included.

11. Physical copies available

If you prefer discs, you can pre-order a physical edition alongside the digital version.

12. Enhanced audio experience

With support for Dolby Atmos and spatial audio, Reloaded allows you to hear the Locust swarm from every direction, complementing its visual enhancements.

13. Multiplayer options galore

The game features cross-platform multiplayer, two-player split screen, and up to eight players in versus mode. Whether online or on the couch, there’s plenty to enjoy.

14. A bonus for early adopters

Players who pre-ordered the Ultimate Edition before May 5, 2025, receive a free upgrade code for Reloaded.


Final

Thoughts

Final thoughts:

Gears of War: Reloaded is shaping up to be the definitive way to experience Marcus Fenix’s first battle against the Locust. With modern upgrades, full DLC, DualSense features, and crossplay support, it’s more than just a remaster—it’s a chance for a whole new audience to experience one of gaming’s most legendary franchises.


Check out the official trailer: