Gears of War 4 launches Oct. 11

Gears of War 4 is coming to Xbox One Oct. 11, Microsoft and developer The Coalition announced today. Previously, the game had an estimated "fall 2016" release date.

Must Read

Beauty deconstructed: The state of Gears of War

The new Gears will be the first original title in the franchise since the property moved from Epic Games to Microsoft Studios, and the first for developer The Coalition (formerly known as Black Tusk Studios). Gears of War 4 kicks off a new storyline with a fresh set of heroes, including JD Fenix, son of Gears of War's Marcus Fenix.

Gears fans can get a taste of the new game later this month in the form of a multiplayer beta. The Gears of War 4 beta will be available in "early access" on April 18 to those who have played the Windows PC or Xbox One version of Gears of War: Ultimate Edition. Xbox Gold Live subscribers can access the beta starting April 25. The multiplayer beta will run until May 1.

Here's a look at the game's box art, which was released through Entertainment Weekly.