Key information
Developer The Coalition announced that Gears of War: E-Day will launch without several classic features, including human shields and Lancer chainsaw duels. According to a blog post by the studio, building the prequel from the ground up instead of reusing code from previous games made it impossible to include these mechanics for the release.
The studio explained that starting with a clean slate allowed for innovations in cover, combat, and enemy systems across the Campaign, PvE, and PvP modes. However, the compromise means classic features, private lobbies, and leaderboards could not make the launch window, though the developer is working to add them post-launch or in a future title.
The game's first season begins with Early Access and runs for eight weeks until December 1st, featuring launch maps, modes, cosmetics, and seasonal events like Halloween, Gears 20th Anniversary, and Thanksgibbing. Ranked competitive modes are scheduled to arrive later on October 13th.
Changes are also coming to the Gnasher shotgun. Hip-firing the weapon will now combine camera aiming with the barrel's position to give players greater control over snap shots, replacing the previous system that simply fired in the direction the character was facing.
