One of the greatest Xbox games ever made is now free-to-play on Game Pass

One of the greatest games ever to grace the Xbox is now available to play on Game Pass at no extra cost.

Over the years, dating back to as early as 2001, Microsoft’s Xbox consoles have treated us to some of the best video games of all time. Games such as Halo: Combat Evolved, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, and, more recently, Forza Horizon 6, will all continue to provide countless memories for generations to come.

One other game that is just as important as those mentioned above is Gears of War, originally released on the Xbox 360 in 2006. This instantly became one of Xbox’s most beloved and exclusive franchises, and now, you can play its latest remaster at no extra cost on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, and the Premium tier. Namely, Gears of War: Reloaded.

Following the release of the original game in 2006, it received a solid remaster on Xbox One and PC in 2015 with Gears of War: Ultimate Edition. However, in August 2025, it received a definitive remaster, Gears of War: Reloaded, on PC, PlayStation 5 (yes, really) and Xbox Series X/S, with enhanced visuals and performance.

How Gears of War Changed Third-Person Shooters

READ MORE: Gears of War E-Day Pre-Order Guide: Everything Included In Each Version

While Gears of War was far from the first third-person shooter, it pretty much perfected the cover-based system, with players very satisfyingly snapping in and out of cover, moving from one area of cover to another, all while slaying hordes of the Locust scum.

Gears of War’s “snap-to-cover” system was later adopted by other games outside of the franchise, including Mass Effect and Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune. Its influence is comparable to how the original Resident Evil 4 set the standard for the over-the-shoulder camera perspective, which we’ve even seen implemented in 2018’s God of War.

Gears of War: Reloaded, Xbox Game Studios

What’s the story of Gears of War?

“14 years after an invasion of ruthless subterranean monsters, the planet lies in ruin,” reads the synopsis of the game.

“An inmate named Marcus Fenix – once left to die – is freed by his best friend and former squad mate, Dominic Santiago. Outnumbered and outgunned, Marcus and Dom must work together with the other members of Delta squad to defeat the Locust threat and save humanity from utter extinction.”

Gears of War Goes Back to Its Roots with a New Prequel

Later this year, the original game in the series is getting a prequel with Gears of War: E-Day, starring a young Marcus Fenix and Dom Santiago, taking place on the very day that the Locust invaded their home planet, Sera. It will then lead up to the events of the original Gears of War that resulted in Marcus being imprisoned for 40 years.

Gears of War: E-Day will be released on 6 October 2026 on PC and Xbox Series X/S. It will also launch day one on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass.

READ MORE: Ranking The Top 13 Games of All Time on Xbox