Every Gears of War game ranked from worst to best

Preparing for the launch of Gears of War: Reloaded, let’s take a look at each mainline Gears of War game, listed in order from least favorite to most enjoyed.

Or, if you prefer:

Before diving into Gears of War: Reloaded, here’s a rundown of the mainline Gears of War games, arranged from what some might consider least preferred to ultimate fan-favorite.

To begin with, it’s a bit unjust to label any Gears of War game as the “worst.” In truth, each game in the series is exceptional, albeit some may be considered superior to others when comparing them. When we use the term “worst,” we are not implying that any specific entry falls short or is poorly crafted.

With the highly anticipated release of Gears of War: Reloaded on PS5 set for August 26, 2025, we thought it would be exciting to rank the core games in the series. We’ll exclude spin-offs like Gears Tactics from this list since they don’t factor into our main series ranking. So, here’s how we stack up each main game from least impressive to top-notch!

6. Gears of War: Judgement

Judgment” is a story that happens before the first “Gears of War,” set just weeks following the tragic “Emergence Day.” This time, you play as Damon Baird, a beloved character, who’s on trial for disregarding commands.

The game is often criticized for being brief and unoriginal, primarily delivering familiar Gears gameplay that fans have come to expect. Yet, with its feel reminiscent of downloadable content rather than a full sequel, this can be excused. Consequently, despite these limitations, the game remains a vital installment in the Gears of War series.

Since Gears of War 3 was released a few years prior, it was delightful to revisit these characters again with the arrival of Judgement in 2013, which stood out as the most visually impressive game in the series at that time. However, it’s important to note that Judgement is considered the weakest title in the Gears of War series. If you’re planning on playing Gears of War: Reloaded, I highly recommend playing Judgement beforehand.

5. Gears of War 4

In a new breath for the Gears series, Gears of War 4 served as a refreshing restart in many aspects. Debuting in 2016 on Xbox One, it showcased some of the most advanced technology since Judgement. The game is set 25 years post the grand finale in Gears 3, where characters like Marcus Fenix have aged into battle-hardened veterans. Alongside them are newcomers such as Kait and Marcus’s son, J.D., who add a fresh dynamic to the storyline.

The game was an enjoyable and innovative start for the series’ fresh chapter, yet regrettably, viewers found it difficult to embrace J.D. and Kait as they did Marcus and his crew. Sharing their victories and setbacks made us feel connected with them, so transitioning to a new generation seemed incongruous.

As a die-hard Gears fan, I’m thrilled to share some exciting news! Gears 4 primarily served as a prelude to a brand new chapter in the Gears saga. The real action picks up in the sequel where we can truly delve back into the heart of the series once more.

4. Gears 5

Currently, we’re discussing. Gears 5 marked the debut on the Xbox Series X|S, serving almost like a main course following the appetizer that was Gears of War 4. The dramatic ending of the previous game set the stage for players to assume control over Kait, who emerged as a captivating protagonist, ready to shoulder the responsibility from Marcus Fenix.

In this latest venture, J.D.’s character became more captivating, and notably, the game successfully struck a balance by allowing the new characters to shine while still honoring the iconic figures from the initial trilogy. Surprisingly, even the aged Marcus proved to be more entertaining than his younger counterpart in this iteration.

In Gears 5, the multiplayer has been significantly improved, providing a gameplay experience reminiscent of the classic moments from earlier installments. Some traditionalists have raised concerns about the open-world approach to the campaign, but we believe they found a satisfying balance between exploration and intense shooting sequences.

3. Gears of War 3

In simpler terms, Gears of War 3 experienced what’s often referred to as “third-in-a-series slump” to some extent, following the impactful climax presented in Gears of War 2. However, it still managed to shine as a remarkable continuation and an emotionally charged conclusion to the initial trilogy. The game wrapped up the Gears of War narrative elegantly, while also hinting at potential future installments, which indeed materialized later on.

In simpler terms, the game allowed Marcus and his remaining Gears to confront the entity that had long tormented them, providing them with well-deserved revenge. However, there were unexpected turns in the storyline. The third installment of Gears did justice as a final chapter, featuring an exciting campaign and the most immersive multiplayer experience the series had ever provided up to that point.

2. Gears of War

In 2006, when the Xbox 360 was in dire need of marquee games, Gears of War emerged, joining titles such as Mass Effect to provide the console with a strong identity. This action-packed third-person shooter drew inspiration from games like Resident Evil 4 and the science fiction universe of Warhammer 40,000. Instead of focusing on an external alien invasion, Gears of War took players deep inside a planet under siege.

In simpler terms, an enormous group of Locusts emerged from beneath the earth, posing a significant threat akin to that of The Reapers, The Covenant, and entities like the Tyrnaids. Gamers assume command over Marcus Fenix and his team as they valiantly engage in combat against The Reapers, suffering heavy losses in the process.

In no time, Gears of War established itself as one of the most acclaimed games for Xbox 360, eventually leading to multiple sequels and additional content. As we stand in 2025, the series remains robust and ready to launch its remastered version, titled Gears of War: Reloaded, in August.

1. Gears of War 2

Following the unexpected hit of the initial game, a natural progression led to the release of a sequel in 2008, which turned out to be the most cherished and acclaimed installment in the series. In Gears 2, Marcus Fenix and his team uncovered startling truths about the Locusts and the cost of vanquishing them, earning widespread admiration and praise.

In a simpler and more conversational manner: Gears of War 2 served as a significant leap from its predecessor, Gears of War 1, in terms of scale, action, and intensity. It was like going from the original Alien movie to Aliens – bigger, more explosive, filled with drama, and featuring an addictive barrage of gunfights. A standout feature was the introduction of Horde Mode for players who had completed the main campaign. The most exciting aspect? If Gears of War 3 is like the climax of a symphony, then Gears of War 2 is the stirring build-up that leads to it – always the best and most thrilling part!

One significant triumph of Gears of War 2 lies within its multiplayer aspect, which significantly bolstered the Xbox 360’s reputation as a prime destination for online gaming with friends. Although Sony consoles now offer comparable features today, during the Xbox 360 and PS3 era, Gears of War 2 played a pivotal role in establishing this difference.

During your visit, feel free to explore the special offers for pre-ordering Gears of War: Remastered, learn about what’s included in the Ultimate Edition, and find out the launch times for each region.

2025-08-17 12:20