At the 2024 Xbox Game Showcase, The Coalition revealed its next step in the Gears franchise, Gears of War E-Day. E-Day is a prequel that not only aims to take us back into its story but also returns to classic gameplay while adding some modern features. The team has already shown us many elements of the story and gameplay, but today they shared how that gameplay flows into the multiplayer side, which has been as important in the series as its stories.
Multiplayer doesn’t only mean competitiveness in Gears, since the games have been known for their Horde modes too, which are an additional round-based PvE mode. For E-Day, this mode is more than just surviving waves; Horde Siege brings new elements and objectives across a large, dynamic map. The mode will take 12 players divided into three squads through different objectives and challenges until the final extraction. Each player will need to select a class, which are:
- Assault: Focused on midrange weapons and flexibility in many situations, the Assault Class can deploy a Sonic Disruptor to stun waves of incoming enemies, particularly useful when defending an objective. This class also receives a damage boost when in cover.
- Breacher: Built to push hard into the frontline, the Breacher’s loadout focuses on close-range damage, paired with an Adrenaline Injector to refill health and reduce damage, allowing them to rush into high-risk areas for a clutch play. The Breacher Class also gets improved resistance to status effects and melee damage.
- Marksman: Able to take advantage of Horde Siege’s longer sightlines, this class is built around precision damage, using a Pulse Drone to tag Locust units for you and your squad. The Marksman Class also gets improved damage on critical hits.
- Medic: A mid-range revive specialist, the Medic Class is versatile and can hold its own in a fight, while deploying a Stim Vaporizer to heal and revive any Gear within range, even downed soldiers from other squads. This class also benefits from a faster health regen.
For the first time in the franchise, weapons can be modded, and the team promises a classic progression system with no battle passes. Almost everything will be unlockable through gameplay, with the exception of Premium Edition Content, Charity Offers, and Partnership Items. There are also different types of missions that can be found on Horde Siege:
- Blitz: Short, intense missions that feature 1-2 objectives, perfect for when you only have time for a quick run, usually around 15 – 20 minutes in length
- Siege: Standard-length missions that can contain multiple objectives with more opportunity to traverse across the map. Missions range from 20 – 40 minutes
- Horde: For when you want a tougher grind, these missions will ask your squad to hunker down in one spot, setting up defenses against 10 grueling waves with limited support. These missions can last up to 50 – 60 minutes
On the PvP side, Versus returns, now with the additions of the new cover and movement mechanics to keep that gameplay flow. Versus modes will be 4v4 and include Team Deathmatch, Conquest, Demolition, and Crucible, and new limited-time modes will be added after launch. The title will bring six new maps, set in and around the war-torn city of Kalona. These are “rooted in classic Gears map design, with symmetrical structure and a focus on cover positions, fronts and lanes.” A ranked mode will be available as well for those players looking for a more competitive experience.
You can find additional details on the blog and videos from the team, and for more Gears of War news, stay tuned to GameObserver.
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