With amazing new improvements, the classic cover shooter Gears of War has been reimagined for contemporary platforms and PCs. Ahead of its full release on August 26, 2025, the revamped Gears of War: Reloaded is offering a multiplayer beta across two weekends in June. Here’s everything you need to know:
- First weekend: Starts June 13 at 3 p.m. ET, ends June 15 at 3 p.m. ET.
- Second weekend: Runs June 20 to June 22, same times.
Available on Xbox Series X|S, PS5, Windows PC, Steam, Xbox Cloud Gaming, and GeForce Now, with full cross-play and cross-progression support via a Microsoft account.
Access is granted through any of the following:
- Digital preorder of Reloaded (Xbox, PS5, or PC).
- An active subscription to PC Game Pass or Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is required.
- Ownership of Gears of War: Ultimate Edition purchased digitally before May 5, 2025 Microsoft is issuing free upgrade codes.
Note: Physical copies don’t qualify only digital ownership counts .
Only competitive multiplayer modes are included:
- First Weekend features Team Deathmatch on three iconic maps: Gridlock, Raven Down, and Gold Rush.
- Weekend 2 introduces two brand-new maps, Courtyard and War Machine, available for Team Deathmatch, along with the addition of King of the Hill mode set on the Canals map.
Everyone participating receives exclusive skins for Adam Fenix and Anya Stroud, unlocked via either a preorder or Game Pass access.
- On Xbox, look for a ~13.4 GB “Reloaded Beta” in your Game Pass or library section and preload it.
- Steam codes are being issued to Ultimate Edition owners; check your Xbox messages to redeem.
- PS5 players need a digital preorder to participate no codes for physical versions.
Beyond the beta, Reloaded promises a full suite of graphical and technical upgrades:
- 4K visuals, 60 FPS campaign, 120 FPS multiplayer, HDR, Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, spatial audio, faster load times, and zero loading screens during the campaign.
- Includes all DLC from the 2015 Ultimate Edition, with support for cross-platform co-op, and marks the series’ debut on PS5 and Steam.
- Launch Date: On August 26, 2025, Gears of War: Reloaded will formally launch on all platforms and be accessible on Game Pass on launch day.
This beta gives fans both long-time veterans and newcomers a chance to sample polished multiplayer action ahead of the grand relaunch. With expansive platform support, cross-play, and breathtaking visuals, Reloaded is shaping up to be a milestone remaster for the franchise.
