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Gears of War: Reloaded Multiplayer Beta — All You Need to Know
- Screenshot of Gears of War Reloaded courtesy of Xbox Game Studios and Xbox Showcase Live 2025

The Lancer is revving once more—Gears of War: Reloaded is bringing the iconic series back into the spotlight with a modern remaster that stays true to its brutal, cover-based roots. Before the full release hits this August, fans can jump into the action early through a limited-time multiplayer beta packed with enhanced visuals, smoother mechanics, and cross-platform chaos.

1. Beta Test Windows and Schedule

The Gears of War: Reloaded beta arrives in two action-packed weekends this June 2025:

  • Weekend 1: June 13–15

  • Weekend 2: June 20–22

Both weekends kick off at:

  • 12:00 PM PT / 3:00 PM ET / 7:00 PM UTC on the first day

  • And finish at the same time on the final day.

For example, players in Eastern Time should be ready at 3 PM ET when the beta goes live.

2. Beta Content Breakdown

Weekend 1 (June 13–15)

  • Mode: Team Deathmatch

  • Maps: Gridlock, Raven Down, and Gold Rush.

Weekend 2 (June 20–22)

  • Mode: Team Deathmatch continues on the same three maps

  • New Additions:

    • King of the Hill on Canals

    • Team Deathmatch extended to Courtyard and War Machine.

This tiered approach helps players ease in before diving into competitive formats.

3. How to Get Access

Beta participants can qualify via any of these methods:

  1. Pre‑order Gears of War: Reloaded (digital) on Xbox, PC, Steam, or PS5

  2. Have an active Xbox Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass subscription

  3. Own the digital Gears of War: Ultimate Edition, purchased before May 5, 2025

No codes are needed! Once you meet the criteria, simply search for “Gears of War: Reloaded Beta in your console or Xbox app to download it (about 13.4 GB).

4. What Makes This Beta Special

Screenshot of Gears of War Reloaded courtesy of Xbox Game Studios and Xbox Showcase Live 2025
  • Cross‑Platform Play & Progression: Full cross-play and cross-save among Xbox, PC, Steam, and PS5—supported throughout the beta.

  • High Refresh Multiplayer: Targeted 120 FPS and 4K HDR visuals in multiplayer, delivering ultra-smooth action.

  • Stress Testing: Developer-hosted weekends are built to test servers, matchmaking, latency, and cross-play under load.

5. Preload, Launch Tips & Community Feedback

  • Preload Today: Users can install the beta now—just search and initiate download (13.4 GB).

  • Join Early: Log in 10–15 minutes before start time to avoid queues.

  • Community Reports: Some beta testers report intermittent instability.

6. What to Expect in Gameplay

  • Classic Feel, Modern Polish: Movement, weapon responsiveness, and overall feel have been refined toward modern shooter standards.

  • Iconic Maps, Remastered: Fan-favorites like Gridlock and Raven Down get a graphical upgrade, while additions like Canals and Courtyard return in Weekend 2.

7. Looking Ahead: Full Game Launch

Image of Gears of War Reloaded courtesy of The Coalition and Xbox Game Studios
  • Release Date: August 26, 2025, on Xbox Series X|S, Windows (Microsoft Store/Steam), and PS5.

  • Launch Day Price: Typically $39.99 USD, with Game Pass day-one access.

  • Technical Upside: 4K/60 FPS campaign, 120 FPS multiplayer, HDR, Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, VRR, and full cross-play cross-progression.

8. The Gameplay Is Nostalgic

Players diving into Gears of War: Reloaded will experience a faithful modernization of the original trilogy’s combat loop—tight, cover-based third-person shooting, brutal executions, and strategic pacing that rewards teamwork. The movement system has been overhauled for smoother animations, allowing for more responsive cover-sliding and wall-bouncing. Shotguns still dominate in close-quarters combat, but improved hit registration and 120 FPS fluidity mean fights feel more reactive and intense than ever.

The weapons roster sticks to Gears tradition, with the Lancer and Gnasher Shotgun taking center stage. Grenades are now easier to stick with improved throw mechanics, and long-range rifles like the Longshot and Hammerburst have slightly adjusted recoil patterns to match modern expectations. Enemy AI (in bots and practice modes) is smarter, flanking and forcing players out of cover.

Each map included in the beta is meticulously remastered with enhanced lighting, particle effects, and destructible cover pieces that shift moment-to-moment tactics. Whether you’re pushing Raven Down’s tight alleys or holding a sniper tower on Gridlock, the gameplay will feel familiar but sharper, faster, and more deadly.

Multiplayer is competitive but welcoming. There’s no ranking system in the beta, but matchmaking tries to group by skill, making it an ideal place to reacquaint yourself—or learn fresh.

Final Takeaways

  • Beta Dates: June 13 (12 PM PT) to June 15, then June 20 to 22 at the same times.

  • Access Methods: Pre-orders, Game Pass, or previous Ultimate Edition owners.

  • Weekend 1: Classic Team Deathmatch on Gridlock, Raven Down, Gold Rush.

  • Weekend 2: Adds King of the Hill (Canals), plus maps Courtyard & War Machine.

This beta isn’t just nostalgia—it’s a showcase of modern multiplayer tech and a chance for you to help polish the final release. Whether you’re an old-school Lancer veteran or new to the series, mark your calendar, get your preload done, and be ready.

Be sure to visit Total Apex Gaming for more game-related news and content.

This article first appeared on Total Apex Gaming and was syndicated with permission.

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