The latest entry in the Gears of War series feels like an evolution of the franchise. In addition to officially dropping the “of War” from the title, Gears 5 adds some open world RPG elements to the classic third-person shooter format. And the campaign zags in a completely unexpected direction after the first few hours. But don’t worry — there’s still plenty of the high-octane hacking and slashing that you’d expect from a Gears of War game.
Gears 5 officially launches on Sept. 10, but Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers and those who buy the Gears 5 Ultimate Edition started playing on Sept. 6. Below, we break down what’s included in each edition, as well as pre-order bonuses, Xbox One bundles, and a bunch of tie-in hardware.
Gears 5 pre-order bonuses
Rather than including one DLC pack in all Gears 5 pre-orders, Microsoft is spreading the love. While all pre-orders will grant seven days of “Boost” to speed up level progression, each retailer offers a different exclusive weapon skin.
- Amazon: NCOG Marine Lancer weapon skin
- Best Buy: COG Air Lancer weapon skin
- Walmart: Carmine Tattoo Lancer weapon skin
- GameStop: Marcus Tattoo Lancer weapon skin
- Xbox Store: Vector Lancer weapon skin
Plus, those who pre-order a digital edition, play on Xbox Game Pass, or purchase select physical editions (look for the themed packing) will get a character pack based on the upcoming Terminator: Dark Fate with Sarah Connor and the T-800. Just make sure you start playing before Sept. 16 to redeem the characters.
Gears 5 on Xbox Game Pass
Gears 5 is an Xbox One console exclusive, which means it will be available on Xbox Game Pass as soon as it launches. But Microsoft also confirmed that subscribers to its new Xbox Game Pass Ultimate service, which bundles Xbox Game Pass and Xbox Live Gold, can start playing Gears 5 on Sept. 6.
Microsoft is still offering an introductory deal on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, allowing new subscribers to buy two months of the service for $2 (usually $14.99/month.)
Gears 5 Standard Edition
The standard edition of Gears 5 will be released on Sept. 10 on Xbox One and Windows PC. Both Amazon and Walmart are taking $10 off pre-orders, bringing it down to $49.94.
Buy on Xbox One here: Amazon | Best Buy | Walmart | GameStop | Xbox Store
Buy on Windows PC here: Xbox Store | Steam
Gears 5 Ultimate Edition
In addition to an extra 30 days of Boost, the Gears 5 Ultimate Edition grants access to the game on Sept. 6, the same day as Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers. Physical editions also include a steelbook case and exclusive sticker. It retails for $79.99, but again Amazon and Walmart are both lowering prices by $10, bringing the Ultimate Edition down to $69.88.
Buy on Xbox One here: Amazon | Best Buy | Walmart | GameStop | Xbox Store
Buy on Windows PC here: Xbox Store | Steam
Gears 5 Xbox One X bundle
To celebrate the launch of Gears 5, Microsoft and Gears co-creator Rod Fergusson designed a limited edition Xbox One X console. It features a “dark translucent casing that makes the Crimson Omen appear submerged in snow and ice.” Along with the console, the Gears 5 bundle includes a special edition controller, the Ultimate Edition of the game, and the entire Gears of War back catalogue. It retails for the standard Xbox One X price of $499.
Microsoft is also bundling Gears 5 with a standard Xbox One X or Xbox One S console. Plus, the limited edition controller is sold separately, as is a matching charging stand and a 2 TB Seagate hard drive with the submerged Crimson Omen design.
The Limited Edition bundle will ship on Sept. 6 alongside the early release, while the standard bundles will be released on Gears 5’s official launch day, Sept. 10.
Buy Limited Edition bundle here: Amazon | Best Buy | Walmart | GameStop | Xbox Store
Buy Xbox One X bundle here: Amazon | Best Buy | GameStop | Xbox Store
Buy Xbox One S bundle here: Amazon | Best Buy | Walmart