Hello everyone! With Operation 7 well under way we're back with another This Week in Gears.
Versus Event: Golden Gun with mutators!
Golden Gun is a team-based event where you are given one gun, your Golden Gun, you can only blind fire it, should you hit an enemy you'll instantly kill them! Miss… and you'll have to deal with an extremely long reload time so make your shots count!
This isn't your ordinary Golden Gun event we've added some fun mutators for you to use!
Confetti Headshot – Score a headshot with your Golden Gun and you'll be rewarded with a confetti effect on the person you just killed.
Gun Sounds – The Golden Gun will make "unique" noises as it fires
Golden Hour Filter – A golden gun means a special filter, and for this, we're turning your game into a delicious golden color!
Horde Event: Horde Frenzy on 3 new maps!
Back for a final week, we'll be providing a special playlist for you to play Horde Frenzy on three new maps added exclusively for this event – Atrium, Turbine, and Command.
Reminder: You will have this last week to finish the exclusive medal group, granting you access to the Relic Weapon Skin Set, medal details below.
Frenzy Carnage – Do 3,000,000 damage in the Horde Frenzy Event
Frenzy Horder – Collect 500,000 Energy in the Horde Frenzy Event
OP6 Tour De Horde – Win 1 Match on Atrium, Turbine and Command in the Horde Frenzy Event
Warden Body Count – Get 20 Warden Eliminations in the Horde Frenzy Event
Once the event ends next week these maps will be playable in private matches!
Weekly Store
Desert Keegan – 250 Iron
Desert Lahni – 250 Iron
Desert Mac – 250 Iron
Veni Vidi Vici Banner – 200 Iron
Brass Knuckles Mark – 125 Iron
Feature Store
Desert Armor Scion – 250 Iron, 2000 Gear Coins
Desert Armor Cole – 250 Iron, 2000 Gear Coins
Tiger Legacy Weapon Set – 425 Iron, 3400 Gear Coins
Swarm Pod Bloodspray – 125 Iron, 1000 Gear Coins
Shoot Here Mark – 65 Iron, 500 Gear Coins
Gears esports
Here is what you can expect across the world of esports in Gears 5!
Gears Pro League
Challenger teams step up for the first online tournament of the new split, with a whole new ruleset to play with who knows what'll happen!
Look out for the full information on this event at gears.gg!
EGL
For another weekend the team at EGL will be running the fifth week of their EU open series!
Featuring matches of Control, Escalation and Execution 2.0 this tournament offers prize money up for grabs and the opportunity to square off against top teams in Europe & South America!
Look out for how to sign up on the @EGLGears Twitter!
Store
Black Steel Savage Kantus – 2.99 USD
Gears Glory
With a versus event recently dedicated to headshots, our Gears Glory month has been all about popping heads!
Not just any OSOK event, with the latest updates allowing us to use mutators in PvP for OP7, we are bringing to you OSOK with exploding headshots and a Movie Poster filter. Feel like an action star in this event as you pop some heads!
This event also has reinforcement spawns enabled, meaning you will be automatically respawning as close as possible to your teammates.
Horde Event: Horde Frenzy on three new maps!
To kick things off in Operation 7 for Horde, we will be providing a special playlist for you to play Horde Frenzy on three new maps added exclusively for this playlist – Atrium, Turbine and Command.
Once the event ends in two weeks these maps will be playable in private matches!
Here is what you can expect across the world of esports in Gears 5!
Gears Pro League
After a glorious Spring Major the action doesn't stop! Tune in this weekend as teams square off to take their rightful place in the Pro League qualification tournament ready for the new season!
Look out for the full information on this event at gears.gg!
EGL
This weekend the team at EGL will be running the fourth week of their EU open series!
Featuring matches of Control, Escalation and Execution 2.0 this tournament offers prize money up for grabs and the opportunity to square off against top teams in Europe!
Look out for how to sign up on the @EGLGears Twitter!
Store
Black Steel Savage Kantus – 2.99 USD
Gears Glory
Just in time for Operation 7, this Gears Glory is focused on popping heads! We've seen some fantastic clips already.
Players will now receive Gear Coins when earning unusable duplicate Skill Cards.
Unusable Skill Cards earned prior to this title update will be retroactively exchanged for coins up to a limit of 100,000 Gear Coins
Common – 5 Coins
Rare – 30 Coins
Epic – 100 Coins
Legendary – 400 Coins
For each level 6 skill card earned after this update, you'll earn the following Gear Coins for each rarity
Common – 5 Coins
Rare – 30 Coins
Epic – 100 Coins
Legendary – 400 Coins
Prescott now plays audio when retro charging and chainsawing enemies.
An issue that resulted in the size of Civilian Anya's hands being enlarged has now been addressed.
Captain Hoffman should once again no longer have Marcus' voice lines.
Harbour: A particular piece of cover should no longer allow Grenades to clip through it.
Tomb: A Level of Detail pop on some sandbags near the COG side has now been addressed.
High Tea: The Gnasher/Boltok weapon tile will now match the weapon preview.
The Simple Omen will no longer go away before a player is completely healed.
Adjusted the gib range slightly to compensate for the changes made to gib calculation in Operation 6.
A rare instance in which the Torque Bow arrow would attach outside the player.
The option to disable cross-play has now been removed.
Known Issue: The icon to distinguish if a player is playing Gears 5 on PC has now been removed. This will be re-added to lobbies as soon as possible!
The classes section in Customization will now correctly tell you the number of classes you have maxed out.
Field of View options have now been added to all Xbox One consoles.
The stats menu has been updated and will now automatically show your stats for currently active playlists in Gears 5, this has additionally fixed issues where certain modes wouldn't appear in the stats menu at all.
We've updated Quickplay to now be a 5 v 5 playlist, with this change we're also using this as an opportunity to review feedback on the modes we currently offer in Quickplay, be sure to let us know your thoughts when OP7 launches!
Competitive mode uses a points-based leaderboard system and will no longer use the rank tier system. Everyone will start from scratch.
In particular scenarios extra points are given when the following occurs in your match
Winning a match
Winning a round
If you complete a match and your team has had players quit
If you play solo (not in a party)
If you are the top player on your team
A seasonal leaderboard and all-time leaderboard can be viewed to view your progress through each mode.
Each player's stats can be individually viewed for that respective mode.
Passing certain point thresholds on the seasonal leaderboard also grants rewards
100,000 points = Mark, XP, and coins.
500,000 points = Mark, XP, and coins.
1,000,000 points = Banner (different for each mode, XP, and coins.
The top 1,000 players in each playlist at the end of a season receive a unique Heroic reward.
TDM: You can now queue up as a party of 4 in Competitive TDM
Situations that allowed players to "wrap" their shots around cover have been addressed, the wrap shot technique is now much more difficult to perform as a result.
In some instances, users were able to aim around cover without physically leaning around the cover piece, this has now been fixed.
Removed an animation that exposed players in low cover when holding the left thumbstick.
Additionally, we have fixed numerous covers that allowed shots to pass over them.
TDM: If a user joins near the end of a match the game will now consistently finish.
Players are now able to earn progression in private Versus matches.
This includes Multiplayer XP, Stars for time played, Daily and Tour of Duty Objectives, and Ribbons.
Players are now able to enable a selection of Mutators in Custom matches
Headshot explosion (both AOE damage and Confetti options)
Health Regeneration (on damage, only in cover, only in cover + damage)
Low Grav Death (gibs of dead players float)
Voiced gun sounds
Screen effects (20 options)
The following weapons as available swaps in Custom Versus:
Pipe
Snowshot
Cluckshot
Cupid's Torquebow
Golden Gun
A unique esports variant of Control has been added to the custom match selector
DBNO damage mitigation has been enabled.
Weapon respawns now work based on pickup not on use.
Reduced ammo in power weapon pickups (based on the table below)
Weapon spawn times adjusted (based on the table below)
Players can now suicide while DBNO
The initial starting hill for each map will now always be the same.
Added Lambent Drone, Lambent Grenadier and Lambent Theron to Horde and Horde Frenzy.
Fixed an issue where Lambent death explosion did not deal damage to players or enemies.
Fixed an issue where Lambent units would frequently spawn too close to Locust or Swarm units.
Wardens that spawn in the context of being a mini boss will now display the boss locator and health bar.
Reduced base health of Wardens spawning outside of boss wave to 10,000HP from 15,000HP.
Rebalanced boss combinations in Horde Frenzy to avoid combining bosses that rapidly invalidate low cover positions (Kestrel, Sentinel, Swarmak, Flock, Predator)
Matchmaking into Horde Frenzy will no longer frequently place players in Daily Challenge lobbies.
Added the Flashbang Grenade to the Fabricator.
Users can no longer stall the time between transitioning waves by pausing their game.
Horde Classic can now be selected in custom matches as a mode. Horde Classic is similar to Gears of War 2 Horde, there will be no cards and fabricator.
You can select to play this mode with either 12 or 50 waves.
Escape
Fixed an issue on Forever where occasionally certain enemies would fail to spawn.
Fixed an issue on The Blight, The Clock, and The Trap where custom door functionality was not working correctly.
An issue that resulted in significantly increased loading times in the saferoom has now been addressed.
Brawler
Scorcher Master will now work correctly.
Soothing Warmth card will now correctly regenerate your health when near a burning enemy.
Pilot
The Silverback Scorcher card will now work correctly.
Tactician
The duration of the Tactician's ultimate has been reduced by 50% in Horde.
Demolitions
Fixed an issue where Demolition's "Gambit" Skill Card was not allowing the correct number of planted grenades.
Mechanic
Changed Ultimate ability from "Reinforce" to "Turret".
Changed the Skill Card "Bloody Shrapnel" to "Shredder Rounds". This Skill Card now causes bleeding damage for any player using the Mechanic's mounted turret.
Combat Medic
Intervention will now revive multiple downed players simultaneously.
Protector
Changed Passive from "Every 6th Headshot Drops Pilfer" to "Heal for 50% of bleeding damage dealt and resist 30% melee damage"
Lowered regeneration delay of Protector's "Regenerative Field" Skill Card to 4.25s for all levels of the card.
Increased stim gained per second on Protector's "Regenerative Field" Skill Card from 2 Stim per second to 12 Stim per second (Level 6).
Increased additional damage of Protector's "Gnasher M45 Mod" Skill Card from 30% to 60% (Level 6).
Increased bleeding damage of Protector's "Bloody Blade" Skill Card from 110% to 130% (Level 6).
Increased the multiplier of Protector's "Drop Shield Duration" Skill Card from +60% to +100% (Level 6).
Increased the range of Protector's "Close Range Recharge" Skill Card from 3m to 5m.
Increased the base duration of Drop Shield from 10s to 15.
Decreased the cooldown of Drop Shield from 300s to 200s.
Changed "Critical Damage" Perk to "Damage" Perk.
Changed "Increased Health" Perk to "Damage Resistance" Perk.
Changed "Ammo Capacity" Perk to "Increased Movement Speed" Perk.
Architect
Decreased the cooldown of Hologram from 300s to 150s.
Increased the base duration of Hologram from 5s to 7s.
Lowered regeneration delay of Architect's "Regenerative Field" Skill Card to 4.25s for all levels of the card.
Increased stim gained per second on Architect's "Regenerative Field" Skill Card from 2 Stim per second to 12 Stim per second (Level 6).
Changed the behavior of Architect's "Hologram Extend" Skill Card from "Snub damage from behind extends ultimate" to "Ballistic damage extends ultimate".
Changed the behavior of Architect's "Custom Snub" Skill Card from "Deal 60% extra damage with the Snub" to "Deal 200% extra ballistic damage from the side or behind" (Level 6).
Renamed "Custom Snub" to "Deception".
Slugger
Changed the behavior of Slugger's "Heavy Preparations" Skill Card from "115% additional heavy ammo capacity" to "Plant 6 additional grenade traps simultaneously" (Level 6).
Renamed "Heavy Preparations" to "Lethal Preparations".
Increased the amount of grenade damage on Slugger's "Modified Frag" Skill Card from 130% to 200% (Level 6).
Update the description of Slugger's "Modified Frag" Skill Card to accurately state the increased explosive radius per level.
Renamed "Modified Frag" to "Grenade Proficiency".
Changed the behavior of Slugger's "Stopping Power" Skill Card from "230% increased stopping power" to "Ballistic rounds penetrate unlimited targets and deal 60% additional damage" (Level 6).
Renamed "Stopping Power" to "Power Shot"
Changed the behavior of Slugger's "Tough Skin" Skill Card from "Resist 32% melee damage" to "Resist 32% damage within 15 meters".
Changed the behavior of Sluggers "Follow Up" Skill Card from "Successive shotgun hits recharge ultimate for 8.5s" to "Active shotgun hits within 10m stun drones for 3s" (Level 6).
Renamed "Follow Up" to "Impact Receiver".
Changed Passive from "Damage taken recharges ultimate" to "Resist 50% explosive damage".
Changed "Shotgun Damage" Perk to "Damage" Perk.
Changed "Max Health" Perk to "Damage Resistance" Perk.
Changed "Increased Movement Speed" Perk to "Grenade Resupply" Perk.
Decreased cooldown of Heavy Hitter from 300s to 200s.
Swapped loadout slots so that the Gnasher is on the right.
Striker
Decreased cooldown of Enhanced Melee from 300s to 200s.
Increased the bleeding damage of Striker's "Bloody Breaker" Skill Card from 55% to 130% (Level 6).
Increased the damage of Striker's "First Strike" Skill Card from 35% to 100% (Level 6).
Increased the amount of stim gained from Striker's "Stim Siphon" Skill Card from 23HP to 120HP (Level 6).
Changed the behavior of Striker's "Team Up" Skill Card from "Resist 32% damage near Slugger class" to "Resist 50% melee damage" (Level 6).
Renamed "Team Up" to "Melee Armor".
Changed Passive from "Damage taken recharges ultimate" to "When hit, move 50% faster for 4s"
Changed the behavior of Striker's "Melee Rush" Skill Card from "Close range damage increases passive by 210%" to "Melee or bleed kills reduce ultimate cooldown by 35s" (Level 6).
Changed "Max Health" perk to "Damage Resistance" perk.
Changed "Movement Speed" perk to "Damage" perk.
Swapped loadout slots so that the Overkill is on the right.
Tour of Duty – Daily Challenges
Arcade daily challenges have been removed
The challenge for "Assists in a single versus match" has been removed.
The challenge for "Assists in versus" has been removed.
Damage dealt challenge changes:
1 star: Increased from 15,000 to 25,000
2 star: Increased from 35,000 to 50,000
3 star: Increased from 70,000 to 75,000
Damage in Horde or Escape challenge changes:
1 star: Increased from 25,000 to 100,000
2 star: Increased from 50,000 to 200,000
3 star: Increased from 70,000 to 300,000
Damage in Versus challenge changes:
1 star: Decreased from 15,000 to 10,000
2 star: Decreased from 37,500 to 20,000
3 star: Decreased from 70,000 to 30,000
Drone Elites challenge changes:
1 star: Decreased from 7 to 5
2 star: Decreased from 15 to 10
Power in Horde challenge changes:
1 star: Increased from 10,000 to 15,000
2 star: Increased from 22,500 to 30,000
3 star: Increased from 35,000 to 40,000
Accessibility
Users can now disable camera shake in PvE going up to Advanced difficulty.
Users can now use the Target Lock feature in PvE going up to Advanced difficulty.
A new feature Navigation Ping – Escape Mode, has been added, when enabled the following changes are enabled:
This feature provides four options
Full Path Always (breadcrumb-style ping that constantly pings you to the right path),
Doorways Always (pinging on the main exit to each area of the map constantly)
Full Path on Taccom (breadcrumb-style pings that only ping when Taccom is active).
Doorways on Taccom (pinging on the main exit to each area of the map when Taccom is active).
There are unique pings when you need to interact with someone or move over cover
Each ping is accompanied by a high contrast visual cue
Play with TC Update
Thank you to everyone who Played with TC Devs for the Operation 6 Drop 2 initiative! This started as an opportunity to share something fun with the community, and we ended up giving away an amazing amount of Boltok Psychic Executions! With moving into Operation 7, our focus is shifting away from the event for now, but we will be taking the feedback we got about it and applying it to future community events. If you loved it, let us know!
Arcade status update
Back at the start of Operation 6 Drop 2 we temporarily disabled Arcade mode. We are continuing to investigate the issues behind this, and Arcade will remain disabled for the near future. Once we have more news to share on this, we will let you know.
Operation 7 – Drop 1 launch time
Operation 7 drop 1 arrives tomorrow! You can expect the update to launch tomorrow at 10:00am PDT!
And as always, take care and get hyped for Operation 7 Drop 1, arriving tomorrow!
Operation 7: Drop 1 - Reveal
Hello everyone!
The time has come to talk about Operation 7! This post will cover everything you can expect to see when the operation goes live on Tuesday, May 18.
Trailer
Before you dive into the full post, check out the Operation 7 trailer!
Characters
Hana Cole
Holding advanced degrees in biochemistry, toxicology and chemistry, Hana Cole is a gifted scientist who takes an unconventional approach to solving problems. Joining Colonel Hoffman in his fight against the Swarm, Hana's technological innovations are the secret behind Scorpio Squad's ability to destroy enemy hives from within.
Ukkon
The monster who creates monsters, Locust scientist Ukkon is responsible for genetically engineering many of the creatures that terrorized the people of Sera after E-day. In the early years of the Locust War, he also used Imulsion to create a new breed of biological horrors.
New Map Addition
Ephyra
The burning remains of the once-prestigious Estemont Hotel serve as the focal point of this Ephyra city block. Controlling the hotel is key, but numerous points of entry give ample opportunity to counterattack.
PvP
Some of the changes we're introducing in Operation 7 will automatically refresh existing content. Ranked is also one area where automatic refreshes will extend the experience. For Operation 7, we're introducing Competitive mode to do just that.
Competitive
Competitive is our updated ranked system for Gears 5, bringing leaderboards, more modes to compete in and more.
Gear Points have now been removed and we use a total points system for each playlist. The higher your total points, the better you have been performing. Reaching certain milestones in the leaderboards also grants special rewards, so check the section below for information on that.
Competitive – Leaderboards
As mentioned previously, Competitive will be adding leaderboards across each mode. At the start of Operation 7, we will be adding the following modes to the playlist:
Control
Team Deathmatch
2v2 Gnashers
Free for All (8 players)
Guardian
The flexibility of Competitive will mean we can add more modes over the course of the Operation. In the next two weeks, we'll be adding Execution 2.0 and Escalation.
With each mode having a leaderboard, we will shift to a placement system for each playlist. This leaderboard is seasonal which means they will reset at the start of each Operation.
Oh… and of course you can filter the leaderboard to compare yourself to your friends to see how you are faring against them!
In addition to all of this, you are also able to view each individual player's leaderboard stats and filter them by week/seasonal/lifetime!
A little more on those rewards!
[table][tr]100,000+ points [/tr]500,000+ points [/table]1,000,000+ points [tr]Passing Point Threshold: Mark (same on each playlist) + 5,000 XP +1,000 Coins [/tr]On Rank Graduation: Mark (same on each playlist) + 10,000 XP +2,000 Coins On Rank Graduation: Banner (variation per playlist) +15,000 XP +3,000 Coins
And that is not all! If you finish in the top 1,000 players in any of our Competitive playlists, at the end of a season, you will receive an exclusive Heroic weapon skin reward. Check out the full reward list below!
Power = Boomshot, Dropshot, Scorcher, Breaker Mace, Overkill
In Operation 7, the Heroic weapon set you can earn is called Heroic Obsidian. This can be earned if you are in the top 1000 players in one of the competitive playlists at the end of the season. Check below for a preview of it!
One last bit of exciting news to mention about leaderboards is that alongside the seasonal leaderboards, we will also be adding an all-time leaderboard for each mode, this will persist across Gears 5 forever, meaning the top spot is always in play!
PvP – Custom Versus Mutators & Swaps
Back in November 2020, we introduced unique mutators to the Gears 5 campaign as part of the Xbox Series X|S update. We've seen how well these were received, and we are happy to announce we are bringing some of these over to Operation 7- Drop 1 for use in your Versus custom matches!
Headshot explosion
Cause an area of effect explosive on death
Cause confetti to fly around when headshotting an enemy player
Health Regeneration modifiers
Health regens only in cover
Health regens on hit
Health regens on both hit & being in cover
Low Gravity Death – the gibs of dead players float
Voiced gun sounds – You just knew we had to bring this one in.
And over 20 screen effect options!
Alongside the mutators, we have also added the ability to weapon swap the following weapons in Custom Versus:
Pipe
Snowshot
Cluckshot
Cupid's Torque Bow
Golden Gun
We are so excited to see what custom variants you can produce! Look out for versus event playlists from us in the future featuring some of these mutators.
PvP – Custom Versus Progression
Also coming in Operation 7 Drop 1 will be the ability to gain multiplayer progression while playing through custom matches!
This includes the following:
Multiplayer XP
Stars granted for time played
Daily and Tour of Duty Objectives
Ribbons
While the progression is slightly slower than playing online matchmade matches of Gears, we feel this is still rewarding for those who like to focus on their custom matches.
PvP Tweaks & Crossplay
With Operation 7 Drop 1 we are introducing a Field of View option across all Xbox One devices, bringing console settings in line with PC.
We will be removing the crossplay option across Gears 5. Currently, we see 40% of our players disabling the crossplay option, significantly impacting the matchmaking times for our players on both PC and console.
With the field of view update coming in, the ability to plug a Mouse/Keyboard into your Xbox, plus the frame rate and input lag reduction on the new Xbox consoles we feel we are at a point where the parity between Xbox and PC is almost identical and confident enough in making this change going forward for Gears 5.
PvE
One of the most frequently asked questions we get in Gears 5 is about automatic card scrapping in PvE. We are happy to announce that in Operation 7 Drop 1 we will automatically convert your duplicated level 6 cards into Gear Coins!
If you have any acquired duplicated cards before this update, they will be converted into Gear Coins up to a total limit of 100,000 Gear Coins. Any future cards you acquire that are level 6 and duplicate will be scrapped for Gear Coins.
PvE – Mechanic ultimate change
And that is not all, we have changed the ultimate of the Mechanic. Previously they would deploy a group of electric trackers which became more of a hindrance than a benefit.
We are replacing this with a new ultimate the Mounted Turret. When activated, the engineer will deploy a turret that any player can jump on and use against the enemy.
This change also means that we will be changing the skill card "Bloody Shrapnel" to "Shredder Rounds." This skill card will now cause bleeding damage for any player using the Mechanic's mounted turret.
Note: Your "Bloody Sharpnel" card progress will carry over to "Shredder Rounds."
PvE – Promotional class tweaks
Another frequent question we often see is around the viability of the promotional classes in Gears 5, when Operation 5 released the promotional classes fell to the wayside in terms of their usefulness.
We are happy to share the following changes coming to the promotional classes in Operation 7 Drop 1.
Protector
Changed Passive from "Every 6th Headshot Drops Pilfer" to "Heal for 50% of bleeding damage dealt and resist 30% melee damage"
Lowered regeneration delay for Protector's "Regenerative Field" Skill Card to 4.25s for all levels of the card.
Increased stim gained per second on Protector's "Regenerative Field" Skill Card from 2 Stim per second to 12 Stim per second (Level 6).
Increased additional damage of Protector's "Gnasher M45 Mod" Skill Card from 30% to 60% (Level 6).
Increased bleeding damage of Protector's "Bloody Blade" Skill Card from 110% to 130% (Level 6).
Increased the multiplier of Protector's "Drop Shield Duration" Skill Card from +60% to +100% (Level 6).
Increased the range of Protector's "Close Range Recharge" Skill Card from 3m to 5m.
Increased the base duration of Drop Shield from 10s to 15.
Decreased the cooldown of Drop Shield from 300s to 200s.
Changed "Critical Damage" Perk to "Damage" Perk.
Changed "Increased Health" Perk to "Damage Resistance" Perk.
Changed "Ammo Capacity" Perk to "Increased Movement Speed" Perk.
Architect
Decreased the cooldown of Hologram from 300s to 150s.
Increased the base duration of Hologram from 5s to 7s.
Lowered regeneration delay of Architect's "Regenerative Field" Skill Card to 4.25s for all levels of the card.
Increased stim gained per second on Architect's "Regenerative Field" Skill Card from 2 Stim per second to 12 Stim per second (Level 6).
Changed the behavior of Architect's "Hologram Extend" Skill Card from "Snub damage from behind extends ultimate" to "Ballistic damage extends ultimate".
Changed the behavior of Architect's "Custom Snub" Skill Card from "Deal 60% extra damage with the Snub" to "Deal 200% extra ballistic damage from the side or behind" (Level 6).
Renamed "Custom Snub" to "Deception".
Slugger
Changed the behavior of Slugger's "Heavy Preparations" Skill Card from "115% additional heavy ammo capacity" to "Plant 6 additional grenade traps simultaneously" (Level 6).
Renamed "Heavy Preparations" to "Lethal Preparations".
Increased the amount of grenade damage on Slugger's "Modified Frag" Skill Card from 130% to 200% (Level 6).
Update the description of Slugger's "Modified Frag" Skill Card to accurately state the increased explosive radius per level.
Renamed "Modified Frag" to "Grenade Proficiency".
Changed the behavior of Slugger's "Stopping Power" Skill Card from "230% increased stopping power" to "Ballistic rounds penetrate unlimited targets and deal 60% additional damage" (Level 6).
Renamed "Stopping Power" to "Power Shot"
Changed the behavior of Slugger's "Tough Skin" Skill Card from "Resist 32% melee damage" to "Resist 32% damage within 15 meters".
Changed the behavior of Sluggers "Follow Up" Skill Card from "Successive shotgun hits recharge ultimate for 8.5s" to "Active shotgun hits within 10m stun drones for 3s" (Level 6).
Renamed "Follow Up" to "Impact Receiver".
Changed Passive from "Damage taken recharges ultimate" to "Resist 50% explosive damage".
Changed "Shotgun Damage" Perk to "Damage" Perk.
Changed "Max Health" Perk to "Damage Resistance" Perk.
Changed "Increased Movement Speed" Perk to "Grenade Resupply" Perk.
Decreased cooldown of Heavy Hitter from 300s to 200s.
Swapped loadout slots so that the Gnasher is on the right.
Striker
Decreased cooldown of Enhanced Melee from 300s to 200s.
Increased the bleeding damage of Striker's "Bloody Breaker" Skill Card from 55% to 130% (Level 6).
Increased the damage of Striker's "First Strike" Skill Card from 35% to 100% (Level 6).
Increased the amount of stim gained from Striker's "Stim Siphon" Skill Card from 23HP to 120HP (Level 6).
Changed the behavior of Striker's "Team Up" Skill Card from "Resist 32% damage near Slugger class" to "Resist 50% melee damage" (Level 6).
Renamed "Team Up" to "Melee Armor".
Changed Passive from "Damage taken recharges ultimate" to "When hit, move 50% faster for 4s"
Changed the behavior of Striker's "Melee Rush" Skill Card from "Close range damage increases passive by 210%" to "Melee or bleed kills reduce ultimate cooldown by 35s" (Level 6).
Changed "Max Health" perk to "Damage Resistance" perk.
Changed "Movement Speed" perk to "Damage" perk.
Swapped loadout slots so that the Overkill is on the right.
PvE – Three new maps
This Operation drop also sees the release of three new maps for Horde – Atrium, Turbine, and Command. These three maps will be playable via a special Horde Frenzy event to kick off Operation 7!
PvE tweaks
And finally, we are making additional tweaks across the PvE side of the game, check out the list below:
Horde
Added Lambent Drone, Lambent Grenadier, and Lambent Theron to Horde and Horde Frenzy.
Fixed an issue where Lambent death explosion did not deal damage to players or enemies.
Fixed an issue where Lambent units would frequently spawn too close to Locust or Swarm units.
Wardens that spawn in the context of being a mini-boss will now display the boss locator and health bar.
Reduced base health of Wardens spawning outside of boss wave to 10,000HP from 15,000HP.
Rebalanced boss combinations in Horde Frenzy to avoid combining bosses that rapidly invalidate low cover positions (Kestrel, Sentinel, Swarmak, Flock, Wakaatu)
Matchmaking into Horde Frenzy will no longer frequently place players in Daily Challenge lobbies.
Added the Flashbang Grenade to the Fabricator.
Escape
Fixed an issue on Forever where occasionally certain enemies would fail to spawn.
Fixed an issue on The Blight, The Clock, and The Trap where custom door functionality was not working correctly.
Tactician
Tactician's ultimate no longer has +50% increased duration in Horde.
Demolitions
Fixed an issue where Demolition's "Gambit" Skill Card was not allowing the correct number of planted grenades.
Combat Medic
Intervention will now revive multiple downed players simultaneously.
Tour of Duty
A new Operation means a new Tour of Duty! Before we dive into the reward for each category, we wanted to let you know that we have changed a few daily challenges across Gears 5.
Arcade daily challenges have been removed
The challenge for "Assists in a single versus match" has been removed.
The challenge for "Assists in versus" has been removed.
Damage dealt challenge changes:
1 star: Increased from 15,000 to 25,000
2 star: Increased from 35,000 to 50,000
3 star: Increased from 70,000 to 75,000
Damage in Horde or Escape challenge changes:
1 star: Increased from 25,000 to 100,000
2 star: Increased from 50,000 to 200,000
3 star: Increased from 70,000 to 300,000
Damage in Versus challenge changes:
1 star: Decreased from 15,000 to 10,000
2 star: Decreased from 37,500 to 20,000
3 star: Decreased from 70,000 to 30,000
Drone Elites challenge changes:
1 star: Decreased from 7 to 5
2 star: Decreased from 15 to 10
Power in Horde challenge changes:
1 star: Increased from 10,000 to 15,000
2 star: Increased from 22,500 to 30,000
3 star: Increased from 35,000 to 40,000
We of course have the medal categories returning for another Tour with new challenges to take on, see the full list below!
[table][tr][td]Name [/td][td]Description [/td][td]Mode [/td][td]Stars [/td][/tr][tr][td]Dropshot Body Count [/td][td]Get 100 Eliminations with the Dropshot [/td][td]All [/td][td]4 [/td][/tr][tr][td]Gnasher Carnage [/td][td]Deal 200000 Damage with the Gnasher [/td][td]All [/td][td]5 [/td][/tr][tr][td]Lancer Body Count [/td][td]Get 250 Eliminations with the Lancer [/td][td]All [/td][td]5 [/td][/tr][tr][td]Hammerburst Carnage [/td][td]Deal 100000 Damage with the Hammerburst [/td][td]All [/td][td]6 [/td][/tr][tr][td]Torque Bow Body Count [/td][td]Get 100 Eliminations with the Torque Bow [/td][td]All [/td][td]5 [/td][/tr][tr][td]Boltok Body Count [/td][td]Get 50 Eliminations with Boltok [/td][td]All [/td][td]4 [/td][/tr][/table]
Into the Jungle – 3,000 Gear Coins on completion
[table][tr][td]Name [/td][td]Description [/td][td]Mode [/td][td]Stars [/td][/tr][tr][td]Into the Jungle [/td][td]Complete 200 Rounds of Versus, Waves of Horde or Acts of Escape [/td][td]All [/td][td]5 [/td][/tr][tr][td]Wear Em Out [/td][td]Get 50 Downs [/td][td]All [/td][td]4 [/td][/tr][tr][td]Up Close & Gnashty [/td][td]Get 25 Executions with the Gnasher [/td][td]All [/td][td]5 [/td][/tr][tr][td]Head of the Herd [/td][td]Get 15 Kills as the Leader in Versus Guardian Matches [/td][td]Versus [/td][td]4 [/td][/tr][tr][td]Pack Mentality [/td][td]Get 100 Assists in Versus Matches [/td][td]Versus [/td][td]5 [/td][/tr][tr][td]Stalk Your Prey [/td][td]Get 20 Kills with the Longshot [/td][td]All [/td][td]4 [/td][/tr][tr][td]Tip of the Spear [/td][td]Get the First kill 10 times in Versus Matches [/td][td]Versus [/td][td]6 [/td][/tr][/table]
Top of the Food Chain – 5,000 Gear Coins on completion
[table][tr][td]Name [/td][td]Description [/td][td]Mode [/td][td]Stars [/td][/tr][tr][td]Efficient [/td][td]Get 20 Double Kills in Versus Matches [/td][td]All [/td][td]5 [/td][/tr][tr][td]Relentless [/td][td]Get 15 Kills or more in 3 Versus matches [/td][td]Versus [/td][td]5 [/td][/tr][tr][td]Determined [/td][td]Get 75 Ring Breaks in Competitive Matches [/td][td]Versus [/td][td]5 [/td][/tr][tr][td]Explosive [/td][td]Get 50 Kills with Explosive Weapons [/td][td]All [/td][td]5 [/td][/tr][tr][td]Ruthless [/td][td]Get 25 Executions in Versus Matches [/td][td]Versus [/td][td]5 [/td][/tr][tr][td]Elite [/td][td]Score 5000 Points or more in 25 Competitive Versus Matches [/td][td]Versus [/td][td]6 [/td][/tr][tr][td]Dominant [/td][td]Win 1 FFA Matches [/td][td]Versus [/td][td]5 [/td][/tr][tr][td]Ferocious (Hidden) [/td][td]Get 3 kills in a single round in Competitive Execution [/td][td]Versus [/td][td]6 [/td][/tr][/table]
Escape – 5,000 Gear Coins on completion
[table][tr][td]Name [/td][td]Description [/td][td]Mode [/td][td]Stars [/td][/tr][tr][td]Escape Attempts [/td][td]Survive 50 Acts of Escape [/td][td]Escape [/td][td]4 [/td][/tr][tr][td]Escape Body Count [/td][td]Get 1000 Eliminations in Escape [/td][td]Escape [/td][td]5 [/td][/tr][tr][td]Superior Tactics [/td][td]Complete 10 Acts of Escape as Gabe, Sid, or Mikayla [/td][td]Escape [/td][td]4 [/td][/tr][tr][td]Relentless Support [/td][td]Survive 30 Acts of Escape as Combat Medic, Mechanic, Robotics Expert, or Tactician classes [/td][td]Escape [/td][td]5 [/td][/tr][tr][td]Boss Hunter [/td][td]Get 30 Boss Eliminations in Escape [/td][td]Escape [/td][td]6 [/td][/tr][tr][td]Quick, Deadly, Accurate [/td][td]Get 100 Headshot Kills in Escape [/td][td]Escape [/td][td]5 [/td][/tr][tr][td]Escape Master 7 [/td][td]Escape 10 Hives on Master Difficulty in Operation 7 [/td][td]Escape [/td][td]5 [/td][/tr][/table]
Horde – 5,000 Gear Coins on Completion
[table][tr][td]Name[/td][td]Description[/td][td]Mode[/td][td]Stars[/td][/tr][tr][td]Wave Survivor [/td][td]Survive 150 Waves of Horde [/td][td]Horde [/td][td]4 [/td][/tr][tr][td]Horde Carnage [/td][td]Do 6000000 Damage in Horde [/td][td]Horde [/td][td]5 [/td][/tr][tr][td]Assault Body Count [/td][td]Get 200 Eliminations in Horde as Blade Master, Demolitions, Infiltrator, Marksman, or Nomad classes [/td][td]Horde [/td][td]4 [/td][/tr][tr][td]Cole Trains Run on Whole Grains [/td][td]Survive 60 Waves of Horde as Hana or Cole [/td][td]Horde [/td][td]4 [/td][/tr][tr][td]Against All Odds [/td][td]Survive 50 Waves of Horde on Insane Difficulty or higher on Atrium, Command or Turbine [/td][td]Horde [/td][td]5 [/td][/tr][tr][td]Locust Hunter [/td][td]Get 200 Locust Eliminations in Horde [/td][td]Horde [/td][td]5 [/td][/tr][tr][td]Boss Hunter [/td][td]Get 30 Boss Eliminations in Horde [/td][td]Horde [/td][td]6 [/td][/tr][tr][td]Horde Body Count [/td][td]Get 3000 Eliminations in Horde [/td][td]Horde [/td][td]5 [/td][/tr][/table]
Versus Basics – 3,000 Gear Coins on Completion
[table][tr][td]Name [/td][td]Description [/td][td]Mode [/td][td]Stars [/td][/tr][tr][td]Quickplay Veteran [/td][td]Win 10 Classic Quickplay matches [/td][td]Versus [/td][td]4 [/td][/tr][tr][td]Versus Medic [/td][td]Revive 50 Teammates in Versus Matches [/td][td]Versus [/td][td]4 [/td][/tr][tr][td]COG Victories [/td][td]Win 25 Versus Matches as COG [/td][td]Versus [/td][td]5 [/td][/tr][tr][td]Swarm Victories [/td][td]Win 25 Versus Matches as Swarm [/td][td]Versus [/td][td]5 [/td][/tr][tr][td]Ring Master [/td][td]Capture 100 Rings in Versus King of the Hill or Control Matches [/td][td]Versus [/td][td]5 [/td][/tr][tr][td]Season Slaughter [/td][td]Get 5000 Eliminations in Versus [/td][td]Versus [/td][td]6 [/td][/tr][tr][td]Versus Carnage [/td][td]Do 1500000 Damage in Versus matches [/td][td]Versus [/td][td]6 [/td][/tr][/table]
Competitive – 3,000 Gear Coins on Completion
[table][tr][td]Name[/td][td]Description[/td][td]Mode[/td][td]Stars[/td][/tr][tr][td]Competitive Veteran [/td][td]Win 20 Competitive Versus Matches [/td][td]Versus [/td][td]6 [/td][/tr][tr][td]Team Deathmatch Veteran [/td][td]Get 200 Eliminations in Competitive Matches [/td][td]Versus [/td][td]4 [/td][/tr][tr][td]2v2 Gnasher Veteran [/td][td]Win 15 Rounds of Versus Competitive 2v2 Gnasher Matches [/td][td]Versus [/td][td]5 [/td][/tr][tr][td]Free-For-All Veteran [/td][td]Get 100 Eliminations in Competitive Free-For-All Matches [/td][td]Versus [/td][td]4 [/td][/tr][tr][td]King of the Hill Veteran [/td][td]Win 10 Rounds in Competitive King of the Hill matches [/td][td]Versus [/td][td]5 [/td][/tr][tr][td]Guardian Veteran [/td][td]Win 20 Rounds of Competitive Guardian Matches [/td][td]Versus [/td][td]5 [/td][/tr][tr][td]Execution Veteran (Hidden) [/td][td]Win 5 Matches of Competitive Execution 2.0 [/td][td]Versus [/td][td]5 [/td][/tr][/table]
Versus Events – 3,000 Gear Coins on completion
[table][tr][td]Name[/td][td]Description[/td][td]Mode[/td][td]Stars[/td][/tr][tr][td]Event Champion [/td][td]Win 50 Rounds of Versus Weekly Events [/td][td]Versus [/td][td]5 [/td][/tr][tr][td]Event Victories [/td][td]Win 10 Matches across any Versus Weekly Events [/td][td]Versus [/td][td]5 [/td][/tr][tr][td]Event Eliminator [/td][td]Get 250 Eliminations across any Versus Weekly Events [/td][td]Versus [/td][td]5 [/td][/tr][tr][td]Event Veteran [/td][td]Complete 100 Rounds of Versus Weekly Events Matches [/td][td]Versus [/td][td]4 [/td][/tr][tr][td]Event Executioner [/td][td]Get 10 Executions across any Versus Weekly Events [/td][td]Versus [/td][td]4 [/td][/tr][tr][td]Event Marksman [/td][td]Get 30 Headshots across any Versus Weekly Events [/td][td]Versus [/td][td]4 [/td][/tr][/table]
All the stars earned from the dailies and medals will go towards earning the following rewards in the Tour:
[table][tr][td]Rank Name [/td][td]Reward Name [/td][/tr][tr][td]Recruit I [/td][td]2000 Gear Coins [/td][/tr][tr][td]Recruit II [/td][td]Bone Engraving Loadout Set [/td][/tr][tr][td]Recruit III [/td][td]750 Gear Coins [/td][/tr][tr][td]Recruit IV [/td][td]Submerged Precision Set [/td][/tr][tr][td]Recruit V [/td][td]Hivebuster Gabe [/td][/tr][tr][td]Private I [/td][td]1000 Gear Coins [/td][/tr][tr][td]Private II [/td][td]1000 Gear Coins [/td][/tr][tr][td]Private III [/td][td]Bone Engraving Power Set [/td][/tr][tr][td]Private IV [/td][td]1000 Gear Coins [/td][/tr][tr][td]Private V [/td][td]Drill Master Clayton [/td][/tr][tr][td]Corporal I [/td][td]1000 Gear Coins [/td][/tr][tr][td]Corporal II [/td][td]Bone Engraving Assault Set [/td][/tr][tr][td]Corporal III [/td][td]1000 Gear Coins [/td][/tr][tr][td]Corporal IV [/td][td]100 Iron [/td][/tr][tr][td]Corporal V [/td][td]Submerged Power Set [/td][/tr][tr][td]Sergeant I [/td][td]1250 Gear Coins [/td][/tr][tr][td]Sergeant II [/td][td]100 Iron [/td][/tr][tr][td]Sergeant III [/td][td]1250 Gear Coins [/td][/tr][tr][td]Sergeant IV [/td][td]Bone Engraving Precision Set [/td][/tr][tr][td]Sergeant V [/td][td]Hollow Storm Sam [/td][/tr][tr][td]Officer I [/td][td]1500 Gear Coins [/td][/tr][tr][td]Officer II [/td][td]Submerged Assault Set [/td][/tr][tr][td]Officer III [/td][td]1500 Gear Coins [/td][/tr][tr][td]Officer IV [/td][td]On Swords Bloodspray [/td][/tr][tr][td]Officer V [/td][td]Submerged Loadout Set [/td][/tr][tr][td]Lieutenant I [/td][td]1750 Gear Coins [/td][/tr][tr][td]Lieutenant II [/td][td]100 Iron [/td][/tr][tr][td]Lieutenant III [/td][td]1750 Gear Coins [/td][/tr][tr][td]Lieutenant IV [/td][td]Venom Burn Precision Set [/td][/tr][tr][td]Lieutenant V [/td][td]Loser Expression [/td][/tr][tr][td]Captain I [/td][td]2000 Gear Coins [/td][/tr][tr][td]Captain II [/td][td]2000 Gear Coins [/td][/tr][tr][td]Captain III [/td][td]Venom Burn Power Set [/td][/tr][tr][td]Captain IV [/td][td]2000 Gear Coins [/td][/tr][tr][td]Captain V [/td][td]LOL Mark [/td][/tr][tr][td]Major I [/td][td]2250 Gear Coins [/td][/tr][tr][td]Major II [/td][td]2250 Gear Coins [/td][/tr][tr][td]Major III [/td][td]100 Iron [/td][/tr][tr][td]Major IV [/td][td]2250 Gear Coins [/td][/tr][tr][td]Major V [/td][td]Crimson Skorge [/td][/tr][tr][td]Colonel I [/td][td]2500 Gear Coins [/td][/tr][tr][td]Colonel II [/td][td]2500 Gear Coins [/td][/tr][tr][td]Colonel III [/td][td]Venom Burn Assault Set [/td][/tr][tr][td]Colonel IV [/td][td]2500 Gear Coins [/td][/tr][tr][td]Colonel V [/td][td]Finger Wag Expression [/td][/tr][tr][td]Major General I [/td][td]2750 Gear Coins [/td][/tr][tr][td]Major General II [/td][td]3000 Gear Coins [/td][/tr][tr][td]Major General III [/td][td]Venom Burn Loadout Set [/td][/tr][tr][td]Major General IV [/td][td]3500 Gear Coins [/td][/tr][tr][td]Major General V [/td][td]100 Iron [/td][/tr][tr][td]General [/td][td]Regenerating Ukkon [/td][/tr][/table]
Operation 7 drops May 18, and we are looking forward to it! See you there – in the meantime, have a great week everyone, and watch our socials for more.
TC
The Coalition Moving to Next-Gen Development, Unreal Engine 5
At The Coalition, we pride ourselves on delivering the best possible Gears of War games and the best possible game performance using cutting-edge tools like Unreal Engine. We wanted to update our fans on both of those things.
Thank you to all the fans out there who have been on this journey with us. During a worldwide pandemic and working from home, the team launched a first strategy title,Gears Tactics; re-launched Gears 5 and Tactics on Xbox Series X|S hardware with performance upgrades and features; revamped Gears 5 multiplayer with a ton of content and updates; and capped the year with the first mainline campaign expansion – Gears 5: Hivebusters – in almost a decade.
As we look to future games, we're excited to start shifting our resources to next-gen development using Unreal Engine 5. Gears of War has always been at the front of Unreal Engine development – as a breakout 720p title for Xbox 360 through last year's 120FPS multiplayer update for Xbox Series X|S – and we're excited to continue that tradition by developing on UE5 for multiple new projects in the coming years.
What does this mean for our current titles?
Gears 5 has content on the way, and we'll continue to release new operations through Operations 7 and 8. Each Operation will have two drops including new characters, new maps, and special events. Through the end of the year, we will have store updates with exciting new content as well as featured playlists.
Shifting to a new engine is a big undertaking, so we want to be clear that we will not be announcing any new projects or titles for some time.
Last, our amazing team needs more exceptional professionals to help us continue to push the envelope, so, we're hiring!
Thanks again to all of our fans. We're eager to get to work and show you what we're working on when the time is right.
The Coalition
Operation 6 Drop 2 is live!
Hello everyone, Operation 6 Drop 2 is now live!
Operation 6 Drop 2
Jump into Gears 5 now and honor the heroes of Gears in the latest update. In case you missed last week's posts, we outlined the main changes and updates coming to Operation 6 Drop 2. Check them out below:
While this is the last major update for Operation 6, we're well on the road to Operation 7. Look out for news on that Operation closer to the time!
Get Going!
The update is ready to download. Grab it, jump in, and experience Operation 6 Drop 2!
This Week in Gears - Operation 6 Drop 2!
Hello everyone!
It's time for our special drop 2 This Week in Gears!
Versus Event: Execution 2.0
A new variant of the classic Execution game mode, Execution 2.0 adds an objective ring after 2 minutes to decrease stalemates. If a team captures the ring or eliminates the enemy team, they win the round!
This Versus weekly event will run for two weeks and alongside a special medal group.
Well done soldier! – Deal 25,000 damage in the Execution Versus Event
Do as I say, and die! – Get 50 eliminations in the Execution Versus Event
Onward and Upward! – Complete 15 rounds in the Execution Versus Event
Now our time is done – Perform 10 Executions in the Execution Versus Event
Completing the medal group will grant you 4,000 Gear Coins!
The Locust are back, and they are here to bring the pain! Drones, Bolters, you name it, they are all here and you will encounter a truly one-of-a-kind experience in Horde.
Every wave will see Locust enemies attacking you, each with unique stats and AI., You may even encounter Locust enemies foraging for weapons across the map to use against you.
Nexus Siege will run for two weeks and alongside a special medal group, completing this medal group will grant you the Palace Guard Weapon Set.
Hollow Stormed – Win 1 match in the Nexus Siege Horde Event
Heroes of Nexus – Get 15 Locust Boss Eliminations in the Nexus Siege Horde Event
Lambent Pandemonium – Get 30 Lambent Eliminations in the Nexus Siege Horde Event
The Queen's Guard – Get 50 Palace Guard Eliminations in the Nexus Siege Horde Event
You can no longer Roadie Run while stunned when swat turning.
Your character will no longer lift their head over cover while holding up on the left thumb-stick.
Some of Anthony Carmine's voice lines will no longer use a robotic voice.
The Extras menu no longer shows the OP5 trailer.
12 Spectators are now allowed to watch a game of Control in custom lobbies (previously 8).
Restart Round has been added to Execution, Control, KOTH, Arcade Blitz, and Escalation in custom matches.
PvE:
Players are no longer able to earn Master difficulty rewards by playing on Beginner difficulty using an exploit
The Wakaatu will no longer burrow underground and never come back.
New Mutator: Cheap fortifications "Fortification build cost reduced by 30%."
New Mutator: Stim Drones "Drones gain stim on damage done to players."
Decreased Elite Drone base damage from 35 to 34.
Increase base Juvie execution delay from 10s to 14s.
Decreased Guardian/Sentinel shield health from 1200 to 1000.
Increased Guardian/Sentinel shield reset time from 9.5s to 15s.
Replaced "Execution Rules" with "Aggressive Enemies" in the default Horde mutator list.
Fixed an issue where the "Freezing Hammerbursts" and "Freezing Grenadiers" mutators weren't dealing the correct amount of freezing damage.
Fixed an issue where the Wakaatu would sometimes fail to appear.
Anchor
Added +30% Pistol Damage to Anchor Passive.
Excluded Heavy Weapons from Anchor's Bullet Chain Skill Card.
Infiltrator
Infiltrator Passive no longer triggers using non-ballistic weapons.
Demolitions
Demolitions Passive now correctly doubles the duration of marks.
Combat Medic
Added +30% Rifle Damage to Combat Medic Passive.
Increased radius of Combat Medic's Intervention Skill Card from 10m to 20m. (Level 6)
Increased stim healing per headshot of Combat Medic's Helpful Headshots Card from 12HP to 30HP. (Level 6)
Decreased Team Revive recharge time from 300s to 250s.
Brawler
The Brawler's Soothing Warmth card will now apply to the Scorcher.
Protector
Big Knife Skill Card now correctly deals 130% damage at Level 6.
Arcade – Temporary removal
At the start of Operation 6 Drop 2, we'll be temporarily removing Arcade mode from Gears 5. This is to address multiple issues with the mode itself, which may also be impacting versus matches in general across the game.
While we have no ETA to provide as to when Arcade will return, we'll be sure to let you know when it's back as soon as we can.
Play with TC – Earn a reward!
Starting from the beginning of Operation 6 Drop 2, you can be granted an exclusive reward if you happen to be matched up against any of the TC gamertags below!
TC Shauny
TC MichaelAOS
TC ArmoredJP
TC Sera
Snakecombat
If you happen to play with or against any of these Gamertags, you will be granted an exclusive Boltok execution – the Psychic Execution.
Richard Prescott served as Chairman of the COG through most of the Locust War. Infamous for commanding wartime measures such as the Hammer of Dawn strikes – firing orbital weapons on the COG's own cities to try to stop the Locust advance – Prescott has made controversial choices to steer humanity from certain doom.
Disciple Drone
Locust Disciples are enhanced Drones that form the powerful front-line of Ukkon's army. Ferocious survivors of Ukkon's experiments on Locust troops, the Disciples wear an injection harness that delivers Imulsion directly into their bloodstream.
New Map Addition
Tomb
The Tomb of the Unknowns was the final resting place of brave Gears who fought and died for the COG. This section of the restored tomb features a raised corridor overlooking the open courtyard below.
PvP
We know it, you know it, there is always an appeal for single-life modes in Gears. In early 2020 we introduced Gridiron, a single-life mode intended to address the void left by the removal of Execution and Warzone. Gridiron was popular for a brief time, but we continued to see players asking for Execution. So, without further ado, we would like to introduce Execution 2.0.
Execution 2.0
In the original version of Execution, the goal was simple: eliminate the enemy team in a single round. However, this often created stalemate situations, which slowed the pace of the game.
With Execution 2.0 we are adding "Overtime," a stalemate-breaking element.
Overtime begins after a standard two-minute round, at which point a ring appears on the map. Teams then have 30 seconds to capture the ring or eliminate the other team to win the round. If the ring is being contested at the end of the first 30 seconds, then "Overtime" continues until the ring is cleared or captured, or a team is eliminated. The ring capture time is a standard 5 seconds.
If neither team captures the ring (or is in the process of capturing the ring) after 30 seconds, then the team with the most players alive wins the round. If both teams have the same number of players alive at the end of the 30 seconds, then the round ends in a stalemate.
Much like Gridiron, the ring location will move to different spots along the map's centerline in a set-order. The ring location will also be clearly outlined at the start of each round so teams will have time to set up their approach.
As in prior versions of Execution, each round win counts as 1 point, and the first team to 5 points wins the match.
This Versus weekly event will run for two weeks and runs alongside a special medal group.
Well done soldier! – Deal 25,000 damage in the Execution Versus Event
Do as I say, and die! – Get 50 eliminations in the Execution Versus Event
Onward and Upward! – Complete 15 rounds in the Execution Versus Event
Now our time is done – Perform 10 Executions in the Execution Versus Event
Completing the medal group will grant you 4,000 Gear Coins!
We had some time to catch up with Jonathan Taylor to talk about Execution 2.0 and PvP in general. Check it out below.
PvP tweaks
In drop 2 we'll be adding Control to Quickplay, this will replace King of the Hill. To accommodate this change, we've also fixed the Control ring locations on many of the maps across Gears 5 which should provide a more polished experience across the game. Additionally, you can now expect to play Control on over 20 maps in the game, many of these were originally not playable when Control was a Versus event.
If you missed the news, we recently updated our OP6 ranked reward list with this update we'll be adding rewards so that players can complete their Masters weapon sets.
Hammerburst
Retro Lancer
Boomshot
EMBAR
Dropshot
Markza
Claw
Talon
PvE
At the start of Operation 6, we introduced a special Horde event 'Escape from Kadar.' This was a special moment for us as we brought the Locust back to Gears 5 PvE modes for the first time since Gears of War 3.
Drop 2 takes that one step further with the new event, 'Nexus Siege.'
Horde: Nexus Siege
The Locust are back and they are here to bring the pain! Drones, Bolters, you name it, they are all here and you will encounter a truly one-of-a-kind experience in Horde.
Every wave will see Locust enemies attacking you, each with unique stats and AI. You may even encounter Locust enemies foraging for weapons across the map to use against you.
Oh… and boss waves? Expect to see a unique Locust boss every two waves… however instead of telling you which bosses to expect, each wave will be a surprise.
Check out the video with Michael Shannon where we show you some exclusive gameplay of this epic event!
Nexus Siege will run for two weeks and runs alongside a special medal group, completing this medal group will grant you the Palace Guard Weapon Set.
Hollow Stormed – Win 1 match in the Nexus Siege Horde Event
Heroes of Nexus – Get 15 Locust Boss Eliminations in the Nexus Siege Horde Event
Lambent Pandemonium – Get 30 Lambent Eliminations in the Nexus Siege Horde Event
The Queen's Guard – Get 50 Palace Guard Eliminations in the Nexus Siege Horde Event
PvE Tweaks
In addition to Nexus Siege, we have the following changes coming to PvE for drop 2, details below:
General
Decreased Elite Drone base damage from 35 to 34.
Increase base Juvie execution delay from 10s to 14s.
Decreased Guardian/Sentinel shield health from 1200 to 1000.
Increased Guardian/Sentinel shield reset time from 9.5s to 15s.
Replaced "Execution Rules" with "Aggressive Enemies" in the default Horde mutator list.
Fixed an issue where the "Freezing Hammerbursts" and "Freezing Grenadiers" mutators weren't dealing the correct amount of freezing damage.
Fixed an issue where the Wakaatu would sometimes fail to appear.
Anchor
Added +30% Pistol Damage to Anchor Passive.
Excluded Heavy Weapons from Anchor's Bullet Chain Skill Card.
Infiltrator
Infiltrator Passive no longer triggers using non-ballistic weapons.
Demolitions
Demolitions Passive now correctly doubles the duration of marks.
Protector
"Big Knife" Skill Card now correctly deals 130% damage at Level 6.
Combat Medic
Added +30% Rifle Damage to Combat Medic Passive.
Increased radius of Combat Medic's Intervention Skill Card from 10m to 20m. (Level 6)
Increased stim healing per headshot of Combat Medic's Helpful Headshots Card from 12HP to 30HP. (Level 6)
Decreased Team Revive recharge time from 300s to 250s.
TCA Lancers
When we created The Coalition Army, we wanted to provide a platform for upcoming creators to share content and build their following from Gears. To celebrate those players who have joined the TCA program before April 27th we'll be granting your account the TCA Recruit Lancer.
If you haven't joined the program by April 27th – fear not! We'll be granting the Recruit Lancer again at a later date.
And for those that have reached the ultimate goal of becoming a Partner, we'll also be granting the TCA Commendation Lancer.
Conclusion
And that is about it for Drop 2! Look out for our full patch notes and the dedicated TWIG next Monday!
This week in Gears - April 6 - 12
Hello everyone!
It's a very exciting week here at TC, so let's dive right in!
Versus Event: Bunny Hunt
Bunny Hunt continues this week! A reminder, as a variant of Guardian, you'll spawn in with Longshots and will have one objective, kill the enemy bunny leader!
To celebrate this event, we have a special Medal group you can complete, which will grant you an appropriately themed Easter skin, the Rabid Grenadier.
Big Bunny Energy – Get 5 kills as the Leader in the Bunny Hunt Versus Event
Bunny Hunt Body Count – Get 50 Eliminations in the Bunny Hunt Versus Event
Veteran Bunny Hunter – Complete 10 Rounds in the Bunny Hunt Versus Event
The event concludes on Tuesday, April 13 so, make sure to get it done!
Escape: The Mist
Enemies ambush you through the dense fog. In The Mist, you and your squad must navigate your way to the exit through a dense fog. This isn't the time for trick or treating. as the enemies will use the lack of visibility to their advantage and ambush you any chance they get.
Weekly Store
UIR Sandswept Duo – 375 Iron
UIR Sandswept Male – 250 Iron
UIR Sandswept Female – 250 Iron
Pegasus Mark – 125 Iron
Enlist Banner – 100 Iron
Feature Store
Calling all wrestling fans, get Batista as Marcus for free this week and use him across all multiplayer modes, alongside some wrestling- styled executions!
Batista as Marcus – Free!
Liquid Metal Legacy Set – 425 Iron, 3,400 Gear Coins
Batista Bomb Execution – Free!
Piledriver Execution – Free!
Let's Go! Expression – 30% off!
Gears esports
Chrome Steel Baird- $9.99 USD
Chrome Steel Marcus – $9.99 USD
Chrome Steel Onyx Guard Casan – $9.99 USD
Chrome Steel Onyx Guard Vermelo – $9.99 USD
Chrome Steel Paduk – $9.99 USD
Gears Glory
We are seeing amazing collections from our fans, but we want more! Send us images of your coolest Gears Collection on Instagram or Twitter using the #GearsGlory hashtag.
Legacy Gears titles playable on mobile!
If you haven't read it already, you can now play Gears of War 2, 3, and Judgment on your mobile via the power of the cloud!
Operation 6 Drop 2 is right around the corner! We're finishing the trailer and blog post for the drop, so expect more information starting this Wednesday.
And as always, take care and have a wonderful week!
TC
This Week in Gears - March 30 - April 5
Hello everyone! New week, new this week in Gears, let's get going!
Versus Event: Bunny Hunt
With Easter being very close, we have a special Versus event for you, Bunny Hunt. A variant of Guardian, You'll spawn in with Longshots and will have one objective, kill the enemy bunny leader!
To celebrate this event, we have a special Medal group you can complete, which will grant you an appropriately themed Easter skin, the Rabid Grenadier.
Big Bunny Energy – Get 5 kills as the Leader in the Bunny Hunt Versus Event
Bunny Hunt Body Count – Get 50 Eliminations in the Bunny Hunt Versus Event
Veteran Bunny Hunter – Complete 10 Rounds in the Bunny Hunt Versus Event
The event will run for two weeks, giving you plenty of time to grab the skin and check out the mode!
Escape: The Labyrinth
Which way to go? Which way is forward?
Weekly Store
Winter Scion – 250 Iron
Rune Script Full Set – 1,500 Iron
Commendation Banner – 200 Iron
Gnasher Hit Bloodspray – 250 Iron
Dizzy's Hat Mark – 65 Iron
Feature Store
Recon Gabe – 500 Iron, 4,000 Gear Coins
Hardboiled Loadout Set – 500 Iron, 4,000 Gear Coins
Easter Bloodspray – Free!
Easter Mark – Free!
Easter 2020 Banner – Free!
Gears esports
Chrome Steel Baird- $9.99 USD
Chrome Steel Marcus – $9.99 USD
Chrome Steel Onyx Guard Casan – $9.99 USD
Chrome Steel Onyx Guard Vermelo – $9.99 USD
Chrome Steel Paduk – $9.99 USD
Gears Glory
As we move into April we're focusing our Gears Glory efforts on Collections, we're looking out for those of you who have gathered huge collections of Gears merchandise!
Remember to post your collections with the hashtag GearsGlory on Instagram and Twitter, we'll be watching!
And as always, Take care and have a wonderful week!
TC
This Week in Gears - March 23 - 29
Hello everyone!
A new week means we have a new This Week in Gears!
Versus Event: Hyper Dodgeball
Hyper Dodgeball returns! Eliminate the opposing team to win. Every kill brings back a dead teammate.
Remember as its hyper that means respawn times are 2 seconds, so expect fast and frenetic action with each respawn in the mode!
To celebrate this event, we have a special Medal group you can complete, which will grant you 3,000 Coins.
Good Work – Deal 50,000 Damage in the Hyper Dodgeball Versus Event
Oh Sweet Oblivion – Get 50 eliminations in the Hyper Dodgeball Versus Event
More than soldiers – Complete 10 Rounds in the Hyper Dodgeball Versus Event
You are the Support – Score 1,000 Points or more in 3 Hyper Dodgeball matches.
Good luck!
Escape: The Hive
A throwback to one of the very first Hives ever released, The Hive is an epic journey. Be prepared!
Weekly Store
Collector's Benjamin – 250 Iron
Juggler Expression – 300 Iron
Gator Full Set – 425 Iron
CHUNKED! Bloodspray – 250 Iron
Wolf Howl Mark – 65 Iron
Feature Store
Farmer Dom – 500 Iron, 4,000 Gear Coins
Maria Legacy Weapon Set – 298 Iron, 2,380 Gear Coins (30% off)
For Gears Glory this week, we will be hosting a roundtable discussion featuring ESG KittyCapz (@EnemyKitty), UYU Violet (@VioletCapz), Official LoD Gaming (@LadiesOfDior) and moderated by TC Sera (@tc_sera).
They will be discussing all things Gears including modes, what got them into Gears, and more!
The stream will be on live.gearsofwar.com on March 25th at 1 pm PDT!
Title Update – 13.0.1
We'll be releasing a title update this Wednesday which addresses numerous sound issues with Escalation. This means that the season finals should go ahead without any issue!
The update should deploy at 10 am PDT, keep an eye out for it then!
