The Coalition has revealed the multiplayer experience for Gears of War: E-Day, including a larger cooperative Horde mode, classic competitive Versus and a progression system designed to reward players for spending time in the game.

The largest new addition is Horde Siege, a 12-player evolution of the franchise’s wave-based cooperative mode.

Three separate squads of four players enter large maps set throughout the city of Kalona. Each squad begins with its own mission while sharing the wider battlefield with the other teams.

The squads can cross paths, assist one another, complete shared objectives and face large-scale encounters before reaching a final battle and extraction.

Players can choose between four classes: Assault, Marksman, Medic and Breacher.

Each class provides a different role within the squad, while completed matches allow players to unlock customization items and improve their loadouts for future battles.

The larger environments are intended to make Horde Siege less predictable than a traditional match played in one fixed location.

The Coalition is also bringing back classic Versus multiplayer with refined 4v4 matches.

Versus will include new maps set in and around Kalona alongside returning fan-favorite modes.

The competitive experience retains the cover-based movement, close-range Gnasher battles and symmetrical map design associated with earlier Gears games.

Modernized movement allows players to jump, vault, slide and use vertical routes while preserving the tactical positioning and weapon control expected from the series.

Ranked playlists will support players seeking more competitive matches, while Social playlists will offer a more relaxed alternative.

The Coalition has also outlined an old-school approach to multiplayer progression and customization.

Gears of War: E-Day will not use a traditional Battle Pass or Tour of Duty system.

Nearly every customization item can be earned by playing, completing challenges, finishing events, unlocking achievements or earning medals.

Players will also receive Coins by completing matches. Those Coins can be spent directly on selected character skins, weapon skins, poses and other items through the Barracks.

Some paid-only items will still exist, including content contained in the Premium Edition and its five seasonal customization packs.

However, most of the multiplayer collection will remain available through normal gameplay rather than disappearing behind limited-time progression tracks.

The Coalition has also said that future multiplayer maps will not be sold through traditional paid map packs.

That approach should help prevent the multiplayer community from being divided between players who own different map collections.

Players will be able to try E-Day multiplayer before launch through Open Beta weekends beginning in August.

Early access to the first Beta period begins August 6 for players who pre-order any edition of the game or subscribe to Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass.

The first early-access period is expected to continue through August 10, although exact times and platform availability may vary.

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

The game will support Xbox Play Anywhere, Steam and day-one access through Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass.