The Coalition has finally raised the curtain on the multiplayer sector of Gears of War: E-Day, offering us an insight into what we can expect from the online experience. At the center of the entire offer we have always found the concept of team and cooperation on the battlefield, elements that in this new chapter are pushed to the maximum. From the revamped large-scale PvE Horde mode to the various competitive 4v4 clashes, the developers have packaged an ecosystem designed for both veterans of the brand and newcomers, enriched by deep customization and a classic progression model.

The biggest novelty of the cooperative sector is represented by Horde Siege, a spectacular evolution of the classic Horde mode designed for twelve participants divided into three teams of four elements. We will find ourselves fighting within the largest and most immersive multiplayer maps ever created for the series, set in the city of Colonna. The three teams will have to complete their objectives by often crossing their paths, facing dynamic, cinematic and unpredictable battles against the waves of the Locusts.

Before taking the field in this mode, we will be able to choose our class and equip ourselves properly, progressing to unlock new weapons, armor mods and tactical equipment capable of adapting to our style of play. Each class plays a fundamental strategic role: the Assault controls the battlefield at medium range and stuns enemy waves thanks to the Sonic Dissipator; the Marksman focuses on long-range precision damage and uses the Pulsating Drome to hack Locust units; The Breacher is a frontline fighter who takes risks himself by restoring his health and reducing damage through an adrenaline injector; finally, the Medic guarantees constant support and revives teammates even from a distance, being able to revive members of any team within range with the Stim Vaporizer.

During the missions we will be called upon to carry out main objectives of various kinds, which will force us both to move continuously in the map and to entrench ourselves to defend strategic positions, such as the protection of the Rigs. The latter are large COG reconnaissance devices scattered around Colonna to map the network of enemy underground tunnels; their activation, although essential, will inevitably attract the attention of the enemy hordes due to the loud noise emitted. We will also find timed secondary objectives, such as eliminating high-value targets, deactivating explosives or retrieving power cables. By completing these optional tasks and shooting down enemies we will accumulate energy to spend at the supply crates to buy turrets, wire mines, grenades or modify our equipment on the fly.

The simultaneous presence of three teams creates moments of great cooperation: we can cross paths with other teams to help them contain a wave, create joint killing zones or run to the rescue of comrades who have ended up on the ground for a providential revival. The command will also send contested supply crates, where the fastest team will earn the best rewards. In addition, sudden Invasions can occur during the missions: huge monsters and bosses of large size will take the field applying bonuses to Locusts or blocking certain actions until they are defeated. Taking down these massive creatures will require the joint effort of multiple teams, rewarding all participants.

At the end of the main objectives, the command will send the Raven helicopter for extraction: we will have to defend the landing zone during a last and intense enemy wave. Bringing your entire team to safety will maximize the experience points and weapon components earned. For the first time in a main chapter of Gears of War: E-Day, we will be able to modify our favorite weapons in a capillary way. By spending the collected components we will be able to make minor changes to handling, such as altering the effects of the perfect active recharge.

For those looking for the classic Horde experience, there will be the ten-wave mode of pure stationary survival, while random difficulty modifiers such as friendly fire or drone explosions will guarantee infinite replayability.

Moving on to the competitive PvP sector, Gears of War: E-Day offers 4v4 clashes between COG and Locust driven by the new movement mechanics. The Versus represents the test of pure skill: here no mods or upgrades will be allowed, and we will all take the field with the same starting equipment on symmetrical maps, contending for the special weapons placed on the ground. Six maps will be available at launch: Park, Battleship, Outpost, Precinct, Market, and Skyward, all designed around the use of cover and tactical passes.

The Versus offering at launch includes four main modes. Alongside the welcome returns of Team Deathmatch and Conquest (updated version of King of the Hill), two new modes debut. In Demolition, the two teams will compete for a neutral bomb to be triggered in one of the two opposing bases, constantly alternating between attack and defense. In Crucible, the action revolves around the possession of the energy core: the team that holds it earns points, but the scoring zone shrinks and moves continuously throughout the round. In addition, the core can fire a charged shot that can disintegrate an enemy, making defensive plays decisive for victory.

To welcome both historical players and those approaching the saga for the first time, the developers have included a Boot Camp tutorial and a combat training area in which to test weapons, movements and small clashes with the Locusts. There will be preset and fully customizable control schemes. The Versus will offer both Social playlists (with the possibility of also playing against bots to train) and Ranked playlists for those looking for the competitive challenge at the highest levels with exclusive rewards.

On the customization front, Gears of War: E-Day takes a classic approach: almost all the aesthetic elements of the COG and Locust character skins (inspired by the game's lore and settings) will be unlocked simply by playing. By carrying out seasonal challenges, unlocking achievements, earning medals in the classic system or accumulating coins at the end of the game, we will be able to access the barracks catalog. The developers have firmly confirmed the absence of Battle Pass and pay-to-win mechanics. The only paid content will be limited to the Premium Edition and special collaborations, such as the Ride the Lightning weapon set made in partnership with Metallica.

The road test of Gears of War: E-Day is not far away: early access to the open beta will kick off on August 6. We now leave you with the long video that shows us all the methods described above.