Gears of War is back to squad-based gameplay: E-Day's key feature revealed

Gears of War: E-Day will bring back 4-player co-op in the campaign. The Coalition is betting on a return to the series' roots. The game can be played by four players online or by two players in split-screen mode.

Previously, similar co-op in the main series was in Gears of War 3 – 15 years ago. Now the studio wants to once again give players the opportunity to go through the story together.

Players will be able to play the campaign with four players in online co-op or with two players in split-screen mode. You can play as key characters in the story, including Marcus, Dom, Mags Carter, and Lucas Reyes. They will form Bravo Squad and experience the day Sera changes forever.

Creative Director Matt Searcy noted that bringing back four-player co-op was a serious technical challenge, but it organically fit into the series' DNA. Gears has always been about the squad, brotherhood, and fighting together, so the campaign was originally designed for both single-player and group play.

Locations were also adapted: the action takes place in one city, where arenas are designed for different numbers of players – from one to four. At the same time, single-player remains a full experience – companions will be present even without friends.

Gears of War: E-Day is scheduled for release on October 6, 2026, on Xbox Series X|S and PC.