Ranking All Gears of War Games Ever Released

For nearly two decades, the Gears of War series has established itself as a vital part of Xbox’s identity, ranking as the second most popular exclusive franchise, closely following Halo. In 2023, the franchise made strides by transcending console exclusivity, launching the remastered Gears of War: Reloaded on both Xbox and PlayStation 5.

The release of Gears of War: Reloaded has introduced the franchise to a new audience, with fresh players flocking to experience the iconic series. As anticipation builds for the upcoming prequel, Gears of War: E-Day, set to launch in 2026, now is an opportune moment to revisit and evaluate every title in the Gears catalog thus far.

While not every installment is flawless, the majority of Gears games offer adrenaline-pumping action and often resonate with profound emotional experiences, positioning them among the finest third-person shooters available. This assessment ranks each game based on factors such as narrative depth, level design, additional features, multiplayer engagement, and innovative gameplay mechanics.

10 Gears Pop!

The First and Least Successful Spinoff

Developers	Mediatonic, The Coalition
Platforms	Android, iOS, Windows
Release Date	August 22, 2019

Gears Pop!, released in 2019, represents a curious departure from traditional gameplay as the franchise’s first foray into mobile gaming. This turn-based PvP RTS merges the brutal Gears universe with the whimsical Funko Pop! aesthetic, resulting in an experience that felt disjointed to many fans.

Despite its mobile appeal, Gears Pop! lacks any meaningful story, focusing solely on PvP battles reminiscent of the popular Clash Royale. This absence of depth contributed to its downfall, with servers shutting down less than two years after its debut in spring 2021, making it a notable low point in the Gears legacy.Gears Pop! is arguably the weakest entry in the franchise.

9 Gears Tactics

Enjoyable Yet Forgettable Strategy

In contrast to Gears Pop!, Gears Tactics, released in 2020, offers a more polished experience within the turn-based strategy genre. Set a year after the catastrophic Locust invasion on Emergence Day, it follows COG Sgt. Gabriel Diaz as he embarks on a high-stakes mission.

The game provides intriguing story elements, delving into the origins of the Locust and the history of the Stranded communities. However, the narrative suffers from cliches, particularly with the antagonist, Ukkon, depicted as the clichéd evil scientist. Additionally, the absence of vehicles and multiplayer features detracts from the overall gameplay experience, leaving many wishing for more depth.

8 Gears of War: Judgment

A Unique Perspective on Baird’s Story

2013’s Gears of War: Judgment marks an important pivot for the series as the first prequel and the last title developed by Epic Games in collaboration with People Can Fly. This installment takes players through Kilo Squad’s trials as they defend Halvo Bay from a relentless Locust assault.

Judgment’s mission structure, which emphasizes challenges through Declassified Missions, is entertaining but ultimately limits the campaign’s breadth, contributing to a shorter overall playtime. Although it retains the essence of Gears, the absence of classic multiplayer modes, such as Horde and playable Locust characters, led to its quick decline in popularity, with many players returning to Gears of War 3 for continued engagement.

7 Gears of War

The Birth of a Gaming Legacy

As the inaugural entry into the franchise, Gears of War is revered for revolutionizing the third-person shooter genre. Released in 2006, it played a pivotal role in the Xbox 360’s early success, dominating multiplayer gaming until the arrival of Halo 3. Its introduction of cover-based combat, innovative enemy design, and co-op multiplayer established new standards in game design.

Despite its historical significance, Gears of War experiences some limitations in terms of narrative depth and multiplayer variety, making it less appealing compared to its successors. Regardless of its shortcomings, it remains a beloved classic that many enjoy revisiting for its groundbreaking gameplay.

6 Gears of War: Ultimate Edition

A Remaster that Honors its Legacy

Gears of War Ultimate Edition Screenshot

When Epic Games moved on from the Gears series, Microsoft entrusted The Coalition with its revival, resulting in the 2015 remaster, Gears of War: Ultimate Edition. This updated version retained the essence of the original while enhancing graphics, audio, and overall game mechanics.

Ultimate Edition not only refreshed the original content but also integrated five additional single-player chapters alongside an intense boss battle against a colossal Brumak. These enhancements aimed to enrich the campaign experience, and the remaster proved to be the optimal way to experience Gears of War’s narrative during the 2010s.

5 Gears of War: Reloaded

The Latest Remaster with Modern Enhancements

The most recent addition to the franchise, Gears of War: Reloaded, serves as a remaster of the Ultimate Edition, again reviving the original Gears experience for contemporary audiences. Enhancements include improved graphics, 4K resolution, and smoother gameplay at 60 frames per second, alongside multiplayer modes at 120 FPS.

This release marks a significant moment for the series as it is the first Gears game available on PlayStation platforms, facilitating crossplay between players regardless of their console choice. Although Reloaded has encountered some minor bugs, it stands out as an accessible entry point for newcomers and a nostalgic revisit for long-time fans alike.

4 Gears 5

A Bold New Direction

Released in 2019, Gears 5 sparked varied reactions among fans due to its departure from traditional narratives, shedding the “of War”from its title and introducing Kait Diaz as the main protagonist. The story follows Kait and Del Walker as they uncover Kait’s lineage tied to the Locust and work to thwart the Swarm’s plans against humanity.

Although I appreciated the fast-paced gameplay and the introduction of the campaign expansion, Hivebusters, some story elements and contentious endings left players divided. The multiplayer experience also introduced a host of confusing mechanics that prevented it from achieving its full potential as a standout title in the series.

3 Gears of War 4

A New Chapter for the Gears Saga

2016’s Gears of War 4 marked the first original game by The Coalition following Epic Games’ departure. Set 25 years post-Emulsion Day, it features Marcus Fenix’s son, JD, along with Del and Kait. This installment not only expands the lore of the Gears universe but also introduces a novel threat emerging from the remnants of the Locust War.

With its immersive atmosphere, Gears of War 4 delivers a compelling narrative, skillfully balancing legacy character arcs with fresh faces. Its engaging multiplayer and the revamped Horde mode, Horde 3.0, further elevated my excitement for the Gears franchise, reinvigorating my interest in the series.

2 Gears of War 3

An Epic Concluding Chapter

Much like Halo 3, Gears of War 3 was anticipated as the grand finale to a groundbreaking trilogy. Set a couple of years after the Jacinto disaster, it centers around Delta Squad’s initiative to eradicate the Lambent threat while also contending with the Locust. The campaign is rich with exciting battles, emotional depth, and iconic enemies, introducing various new mechanics and pivotal story moments.

The survival-based Horde 2.0 mode alongside the innovative Beast mode and the co-op campaign expansion, RAAM’s Shadow, are among the enduring features that keep players returning to this classic installment, solidifying Gears of War 3’s status as a monumental achievement in video game history.

1 Gears of War 2

The Pinnacle of the Franchise

While Gears of War 3 is a remarkable finale, no entry can surpass the epic narrative and gameplay of Gears of War 2. This 2008 title escalated the stakes by exploring the Locust Hollow and Nexus, confronting players with fierce new adversaries like Queen Myrrah.

Gears of War 2 is celebrated for introducing crucial gameplay features, such as Horde mode and engaging creature variants that have since become franchise staples. Its masterfully balanced narrative combines action, humor, and emotional weight, gripping players with its impactful story arcs, particularly regarding beloved characters like Tai Kaliso and Benjamin Carmine.

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