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

The iconic Xbox franchise, Gears of War, is breaking new ground with the announcement of Gears of War: Reloaded, set to launch on August 26 across multiple platforms, including the PlayStation 5. This marks a significant shift for the series, traditionally an Xbox exclusive, and reflects Microsoft's broader strategy to make their games more accessible to a wider audience.

Multiplatform Release

In a move that surprised many fans, Xbox announced via a Twitter (X) post on May 6 that Gears of War: Reloaded will be available on all platforms on the same day. This decision aligns with Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer's comments in a January interview with GamerTag Radio, where he emphasized the company's commitment to multiplatform releases. Spencer stated, "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 strategy could potentially pave the way for future titles like the upcoming Gears of War: E-Day to also launch across all platforms simultaneously. However, Xbox has not yet confirmed any plans for other exclusives, leaving fans eager for more information.

Faithful Remaster and Natively Optimized

While the original game was remastered in 2015 with Gears of War: Ultimate Edition, Reloaded promises to take the experience to new heights. In an Xbox Wire post on May 5, The Coalition’s Studio Head Mike Crump shared insights into what players can expect. He said, "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 enhances the experience over the 2015 release. While the Ultimate Edition ran at 1080p and 30fps in campaign mode, with 60fps in multiplayer, Reloaded will offer 4k resolution at 60fps for the campaign and an impressive 120fps for multiplayer. The game will also feature 4k assets, remastered textures, enhanced post-processing visual effects, improved shadows and reflections, and more.

Additionally, players will have immediate access to all post-launch downloadable content at no extra cost. This includes a bonus Campaign act, all multiplayer maps and modes, and a full roster of classic characters and cosmetics unlockable through progression.

For those who already own The Ultimate Edition, Reloaded will be available as a free upgrade. Eligible Xbox account holders will receive a code for the upgrade via direct message before the game's launch.

Gears of War: Reloaded is priced at $39.99 and will be available on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC. It will also be accessible on day one through Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass, ensuring that fans across different platforms can enjoy this enhanced experience.