Pace yourselves for an action-packed blast from the past! Gears of War: Reloaded is making a massive return with modern upgrades, and its multiplayer beta access commences this weekend. Fans of the original version will get to experience the iconic third-person shooter like never before, remastered for next-gen power.
Beta Access Starts June 13
Xbox Game Studios has officially announced that a special weekend multiplayer beta for Gears of War: Reloaded goes live from June 13 to June 15, exclusively for those who:
- Pre-order Gears of War: Reloaded digitally for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox on PC, Steam, or PlayStation 5
- Have an active Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass membership
- Own a digital copy of Gears of War: Ultimate Edition (purchased before May 5, 2025 at 16:00 UTC)
Reloaded Beta Schedule and Specifications
| Beta Weekend | Dates | Modes | Maps |
| Weekend 1 | June 13 – 15 | Social Multiplayer: Team Deathmatch | Gridlock (fan-favorite), Raven Down, Gold Rush |
| Timing | Fri, June 13 – Sun, June 15 | 7pm UTC (12pm PST) to 7pm UTC (12pm PST) | |
| Weekend 2 | June 20 – 22 | Team Deathmatch + King of the Hill | Canals (King of the Hill), Courtyard, War Machine (Team Deathmatch) |
| Timing | Fri, June 20 – Sun, June 22 | 7pm UTC (12pm PST) to 7pm UTC (12pm PST) |
Japan PS5 Launch Cancelled
Unfortunately, Gears of War: Reloaded will not be launching on PlayStation 5 in Japan. According to Xbox Wire Japan, due to regional rating decisions and platform policies, Japanese gamers won’t see a PS5 version. Instead, fans in Japan will need to play the game on Xbox Series consoles or PC via Steam or the Xbox PC app.
What’s New?
Studio Head Mike Crump and Studio Technical Director Kate Rayner revealed on the Official Xbox Podcast that this remaster is the ultimate version of the original game.
Here are some exciting details for you,
- All post-launch content from both the original and the Ultimate Edition will be included in the game.
- Coming with completely remastered visuals including 4K assets, enhanced textures, and full HDR support.
- Users can play it on everything from Xbox, PC, and even the upcoming ROG Ally handhelds
- Its built specifically to push modern hardware while keeping the soul of the 360-era classic intact
Where the original Gears of War was a technical achievement for Xbox 360, Gears of War: Reloaded is shaping up to be a triumph across all devices.
Preorder & Game Pass Bonuses
Preordering the game (digital or physical), or being a Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass subscriber, will unlock two exclusive multiplayer skins:
- Adam Fenix: Father of Marcus Fenix and creator of the “Hammer of Dawn,” now a playable character on the battlefield.
- Anya Stroud: The voice of Delta Squad turned front-line warrior, ready to stomp the Locust with style.
Mark Your Calendar
- June 13 – 15: Beta Weekend 1
- June 20 – 22: Beta Weekend 2
- Full Game Launch: August 26 (Day One on Game Pass)
Techi’s Take:
Gears of War: Reloaded isn’t just a new version, it’s a revival. It’s a chance to step into the ring for everyone from Loyal fans to newbies. The return of Team Deathmatch, upgraded visuals and iconic characters make this one of 2025’s most thrilling shooter events. So, gear up, mark your weekends, and jump back into the war!
Tech Writer