Gears of War: E-Day reveals its multiplayer modes — and a beta is coming in August
The first new Gears of War game since 2019 now has a full multiplayer picture. Xbox and developer The Coalition have revealed the two online modes coming to Gears of War: E-Day — Horde Siege and Versus — ahead of a beta that opens to pre-order holders on August 6. The game launches October 6 on Xbox Series X/S and PC, with day-one access on Game Pass.
Horde Siege
Horde Siege is the franchise's cooperative mode rebuilt for 12 players. Three squads of four tackle waves of Locust enemies across new maps, with each player choosing a class — Assault, Marksman, Medic, or Breacher — that brings distinct strengths and weaknesses. It's the largest co-op scale in the series' history, and the three-squad structure means squads work across a shared map toward dynamic objectives rather than simply surviving in place. For longtime fans, this is the biggest evolution the Horde format has seen.
Versus
Versus is the returning 4v4 competitive mode. It's brutal, fast, and symmetrical — exactly what the series is known for. The maps are redesigned for E-Day's updated movement, and the arsenal of weapons and executions has been expanded. Early previews from journalists who played it describe the mode as fun but uneven, with Insider Gaming noting some uncertainty about its long-term staying power against established shooters.
The beta and what it costs
The two-phase beta gives players a chance to judge for themselves before launch. Pre-order holders get early access August 6–10; the open beta runs August 13–17 for everyone, no purchase required.
Standard edition pricing is £59.99 in the UK and $69.99 in the US. A Collector's Edition is available for £249.99/$249.99 and ships October 1, five days ahead of launch. Both editions are available at retail and digitally — and if you're already on Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass, the full game is included on day one at no extra cost.
No PS5 version has been announced. E-Day remains an Xbox and PC exclusive, continuing the same platform strategy Microsoft used for Starfield and Forza Motorsport. The six-year gap since Gears 5 makes this one of the more anticipated Xbox exclusives in recent memory, and the Game Pass day-one inclusion means the subscription's value case gets another big title this autumn.
