Are you ready to try Gears of War: E-Day?

Dust off the Lancer and prepare for plenty of chainsaw duels; Gears of War: E-Day is almost ready to throw players back into the blood-soaked battlefields of Sera. Before the full game arrives this October, developer The Coalition is inviting fans to put the upcoming shooter through its paces with a two-stage multiplayer beta packed with competitive matches, co-op survival, and a handful of exclusive rewards.

An exciting event

The action kicks off with an Early Access Beta running from August 6 at 12 PM PT through August 10 at 10 AM PT. This first wave is reserved for players who have pre-ordered the game on Xbox Series X/S or Steam, as well as members of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass. Think of it as getting first dibs on the battlefield before the rest of the world arrives.

If patience isn't your strongest stat, don't worry—the wait is short. The Open Beta begins on August 13 at 12 PM PT and continues until August 17 at 10 AM PT, giving everyone the chance to jump in for free, regardless of whether they've pre-ordered the game or subscribed to Game Pass.

One of the biggest attractions during the beta is Horde Siege, a fresh spin on the series' beloved Horde mode. Instead of simply surviving endless waves, players will have to work together against increasingly overwhelming Locust assaults while tackling new objectives that promise to make every firefight a little more chaotic. It's the kind of co-op experience where clever teamwork usually beats panicked screaming—usually.

Competitive players won't be left out either. During the Open Beta weekend, The Coalition is also opening the doors to 4v4 Versus multiplayer, giving fans an early taste of the franchise's signature cover-based firefights. Expect plenty of Gnasher shotgun showdowns, perfectly timed active reloads, and enough wall-bouncing to make newcomers wonder if gravity has quietly taken the weekend off.

Playing the beta isn't just about bragging rights. Participants will be able to unlock a collection of exclusive cosmetics that carry over into the full release. By completing specific in-game objectives, players can earn the "Crush the Bug" reward set, alongside exclusive weapon skins, banners, emblems, and profile customization items that will serve as proof they were there before launch day.

Interestingly, Gears of War: E-Day is also taking a more old-school approach to multiplayer progression. The Coalition has confirmed that the game won't feature battle passes or the familiar "Tour of Duty" seasonal grind. Instead, the focus is on rewarding players through gameplay while continuing to expand the experience with new maps, characters, modes, and Horde Siege content after launch.

With Gears of War: E-Day set to launch on October 6, 2026, for Xbox Series X/S and PC, the beta is the first real chance for players to see how the next chapter of the legendary shooter is shaping up, while helping The Coalition put its servers to the test. Whether you're a veteran who still instinctively reloads with perfect timing or a newcomer curious to see what all the chainsaw fuss is about, August looks like the perfect time to suit up. Just remember that our comparator safely provides you with access to the lowest prices for Gears of War: E-Day.