Gears 4: Unpacking Re-Ups & Special Edition Gear

Gears of War 4, the fifth instalment in the iconic franchise, hurled players back into the gritty, war-torn world of Sera a quarter-century after the events of Gears of War 3. With humanity rebuilding and a new, terrifying enemy known as the Swarm emerging, JD Fenix and his companions embarked on a desperate quest to save their loved ones. Beyond its compelling narrative, the game introduced a wealth of new gameplay mechanics and a robust multiplayer experience that kept players hooked, prompting many questions about its intricate progression systems and special offerings. Two of the most common queries revolved around the game's Re-Up system and whether certain editions included a controller.

Unravelling the Re-Up System in Gears of War 4

For dedicated Gears players, the progression system is paramount, and Gears of War 4 significantly expanded upon its predecessors. Unlike Gears of War 3, Gears of War: Judgment, and Gears of War: Ultimate Edition, which typically featured three Re-Ups, Gears of War 4 offered a much more extensive journey for its most committed players. In a notable upgrade, Gears of War 4 boasts a staggering 10 Re-Ups, providing ample opportunity for veterans to showcase their dedication and earn exclusive rewards.

The process for Re-Upping in Gears of War 4 followed a familiar pattern, aligning with Gears of War 3 and Ultimate Edition. Players needed to reach Level 100 before they could initiate a Re-Up, a higher threshold than Judgment's Level 50 requirement. Each successful Re-Up was more than just a cosmetic achievement; it came with tangible rewards. Players would receive bonus Gear Packs, which contained a variety of in-game items, and a unique emblem. This emblem would be proudly displayed behind their name in lobbies and on scoreboards, signifying their advanced status. Furthermore, a special icon would appear behind the player's Level number and playlist Rank, adding another layer of visual prestige.

This expanded Re-Up system was designed to give players a long-term goal, encouraging continued engagement with the game's multiplayer modes. It transformed the grind into a rewarding experience, where every level gained contributed towards a greater milestone, culminating in the ultimate recognition of reaching the maximum Re-Up status.

Here's a quick comparison of the Re-Up systems across some Gears of War titles:

Mastering the Multiplayer Arena

Gears of War 4's multiplayer was developed with as much focus as its campaign, aiming to deliver a balanced and engaging experience. The game introduced a new in-game economy centered around Credits and Scrap. Players earned Credits for their performance in online multiplayer, with better results yielding higher returns. These Credits could then be used to acquire Gear Packs from the in-game store, which contained cards offering various cosmetic changes, including character and weapon skins of different rarities. For those with unwanted or duplicate cards, the Scrap currency provided a solution. By destroying cards, players could accumulate Scrap, which could then be used to craft almost any individual card they desired, offering a direct path to specific customization items.

The multiplayer experience was further refined with the introduction of two distinct balance setups: Core and Competitive. Core settings provided a balanced and varied experience suitable for casual play with friends or solo. In contrast, the Competitive category featured different settings, carefully tuned for high-level coordination and skill, with reduced damage and toned-down aim assist to highlight individual player prowess. Modes like Escalation and Execution were exclusively placed in the Competitive category due to their emphasis on team-based strategy. For private matches, players had the flexibility to choose their preferred tuning set for any mode.

A new skill-based matchmaking system, Ranks, was also implemented. These visible skill ratings aimed to pair players with opponents of similar skill levels, ensuring more balanced matches and a better environment for skill development. Ranks were assigned on a per-playlist basis, after completing five initial placement matches, placing players into one of five tiers: Bronze, Silver, Gold, Onyx, or Diamond, each with three sub-tiers. Consistent wins led to promotions, while losses could result in demotions.

Beyond ranked play, a single unranked Social playlist offered a more relaxed experience, mixing all Core game modes. At the end of each match, players could vote for the next map and mode combination, seamlessly transitioning into the next game. Gears of War 4 launched with 10 maps, including a fresh take on the classic Gridlock, with two new downloadable maps added each month for a year, bringing the total to around 34 maps. Crucially, all DLC maps were available to play for free in public lobbies on a limited-time rotation, ensuring everyone could experience new content. For private matches, only the lobby leader needed to own the DLC maps.

The Season Pass offered a host of benefits, including a Starter Airdrop with 17 Gear Packs, a Vintage VIP Pack, permanent access to DLC maps for private play, and exclusive access to a Developer Playlist to try out upcoming content. In a fan-pleasing move, The Coalition also announced the return of Locust as playable character skins in multiplayer, further enriching the customization options.

Innovative Gameplay Mechanics

Gears of War 4 wasn't just about new enemies; it evolved the core gameplay with several innovative mechanics that kept combat fresh and dynamic.

• Windflares: These environmental hazards were more than just visual flair; they acted as 'mini boss battles'. Windflares dramatically affected weapon trajectories, causing grenades and projectiles to veer off course or even fly back at players. Enemies caught in the wind would stumble, and when killed, could be violently ripped apart and carried away. Environmental objects could also be dislodged and used as improvised projectiles, adding an unpredictable element to engagements.
• Dynamic Cover: Building on the series' iconic cover system, Gears of War 4 introduced new dynamic cover elements. Pods could be shot and destroyed, altering the battlefield. These pods might contain nothing, or surprise players with a Juvie or a Screamer, the latter capable of popping all nearby pods. The 'vault kick' allowed players to slide over cover and kick an opponent, stunning them for an easy execution.
• Close Cover Combat (CCC) & Combat Knife: Melee combat received a significant overhaul. The CCC system enabled a series of close-quarters takedowns that could also be countered by opponents, adding a layer of depth to hand-to-hand encounters. The new Combat Knife introduced a variety of brutal executions, with animations varying based on the player's position relative to the enemy. A standout move was the 'yank-and-shank', where players could pull an opponent over cover and perform a swift knife execution.

Does Your Gears of War 4 Come with a Controller? Decoding the Bundles

One of the most exciting aspects of a major game launch is often the special edition hardware that accompanies it. For Gears of War 4, the question of whether the game came with a controller specifically pointed towards the highly anticipated Xbox One S bundles. While standard editions of Gears of War 4, whether digital or physical, did not include a controller on their own, a particular limited edition bundle certainly did.

The Gears of War 4 Limited Edition Xbox One S Bundle, which launched alongside the game's early access period, was a truly magnificent package for fans. This bundle included the Gears of War 4: Ultimate Edition game, a custom-designed Xbox One S console, and, most notably, a Crimson Omen Limited Edition controller. This wasn't just any controller; it was a bespoke piece of hardware designed to complement the console's unique aesthetic.

The console itself was a visual marvel, departing from the standard white Xbox One S. It featured a striking crimson red finish with darker blood splatters across its face, referencing the new threat in Gears of War 4. Aggressive scratches were etched into the console's left side, a physical design change that added to its rugged, battle-hardened appearance. The improved venting system, a holed grate, intricately wove in the iconic Crimson Omen logo, which glowed, further enhancing its appeal. Unique sound effects for turning on, disc ejection, and turning off the console – including the sound of the enemy horde – completed the immersive experience.

The included Crimson Omen Limited Edition controller mirrored the console's design, featuring the same dark red pattern and physical scratches across the A, B, X, and Y buttons. These buttons were redesigned with a dark grey and a gothic style text. The Crimson Omen logo was branded just below the left thumb stick, and the D-Pad received a darkened fingerprint texture over its metallic red look. As one of Microsoft's newer controllers, it integrated the Xbox Guide button into the main shell, offered Bluetooth connectivity for extended range, and included the now-standard 3.5mm jack for headsets. The battery cover on the back proudly displayed the Phoenix medal logo and featured a slightly textured grip, ensuring a firm hold even during intense gameplay sessions on Insane difficulty.

So, to clarify, if you purchased the standalone game, regardless of edition (Standard, Ultimate, Loot Crate, or Collector's Statue), a controller was not included. However, the exclusive Xbox One S bundle was indeed a comprehensive package designed for the ultimate Gears of War enthusiast, complete with a custom console and the highly desirable Crimson Omen controller.

The Evolution of Visuals and Performance

Gears of War 4 was a technical showcase, leveraging the power of modern hardware. On the Xbox One, the campaign and Horde modes ran at 1080p, 30 frames per second (fps), while the versus multiplayer offered a dynamic resolution up to 1080p, 60fps (though 30fps in split-screen).

With the advent of the Xbox One X, Gears of War 4 received significant enhancements, taking full advantage of the console's extra power. Players could choose between two distinct rendering methods:

• Visuals Mode: Provided a stunning 4K image running at 30fps for campaign and Horde, boasting additional visual enhancements such as high-resolution 4K textures.
• Performance Mode: Operated with the same visual settings as the base Xbox One hardware at 1080p, but significantly boosted the frame rate to 60fps for campaign and Horde, prioritising smooth gameplay.

Crucially, due to fewer resources being used in versus multiplayer, it was always locked at 4K, 60fps, regardless of the player's rendering preference, ensuring the most competitive and visually crisp experience for online battles.

The game also embraced the Xbox Play Anywhere program, allowing players to purchase the digital version once and own it on both Windows 10 and Xbox One, with shared achievements and progression. Cross-play was supported across both platforms for co-op Campaign, Horde, and Versus Multiplayer against bots, fostering a connected community.

The Windows 10 version offered exclusive PC-centric features, including:

• Ability to fully rebind and customize controls, with options for separate keys for actions like evading and taking cover.
• Unlockable frame-rate and refresh rate, catering to high-refresh-rate monitors.
• Resolution and dynamic scaling options for up to 4K.
• Individual texture settings for characters, vehicles, effects, lighting, and world detail, allowing for granular graphical control.
• An in-game text chat channel for PC players.

Here are the system requirements for the Windows 10 version:

Editions and Exclusive Bonuses

Gears of War 4 was launched with various retail editions and enticing pre-order bonuses to cater to every type of fan.

• Standard Edition: Included the base game and digital purchases came with Xbox Play Anywhere. Pre-orders often bundled the Vintage Del Gear Pack.
• Ultimate Edition: Released four days early, this edition included the base game, the Season Pass, a steelbook case (physical exclusive), and Xbox Play Anywhere (digital exclusive).
• Loot Crate Edition: A unique offering that included a digital copy of the game, a 7-inch Lancer replica, and Gears of War-themed hoodie and glassware.
• Collector's Statue: Bundled with a statue of JD Fenix on a COG Bike, a lithograph, and a Frag Grenade keychain. Variants included JD in COG Armor or Outsider clothing.

Notable pre-order bonuses included the Vintage Del Gear Pack and the Brothers to the End Elite Gear Pack. The latter paid homage to beloved characters, offering unique skins such as "Tomorrow Anya" (based on JD's mother), "Old Man Marcus" (featuring an older, civilian Marcus Fenix), and "Zombie Dom" (a tribute to Dominic Santiago). These packs also included updated gold weapon skins, a tradition for day-one players.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions about Gears of War 4 and its features:

Q: What are Re-Ups in Gears of War 4?
A: Re-Ups are a prestige system in Gears of War 4's multiplayer, allowing players to reset their level progression after reaching the maximum level (Level 100). This grants them new cosmetic rewards and a badge of honour, signifying their dedication.

Q: How many Re-Ups can I achieve in Gears of War 4?
A: Gears of War 4 features a total of 10 Re-Ups, significantly more than previous titles in the series. Each Re-Up unlocks bonus Gear Packs, a unique emblem, and a special icon.

Q: Do all Gears of War 4 editions include a controller?
A: No, only the special Gears of War 4 Limited Edition Xbox One S Bundle came with a controller – specifically, the custom Crimson Omen Limited Edition controller. Standard game editions did not include a controller.

Q: What is the Xbox One S Gears of War 4 Limited Edition controller like?
A: It's a custom-designed controller with a dark red finish, blood splatter effects, etched scratches, the Crimson Omen logo, redesigned buttons, and a textured grip. It also features Bluetooth connectivity and a 3.5mm headset jack.

Q: Can I play Gears of War 4 on PC and Xbox with one purchase?
A: Yes, through the Xbox Play Anywhere program, if you purchased a digital copy of Gears of War 4, you gained instant access to the game on both Windows 10 and Xbox One at no additional cost, with shared progression and achievements.

Q: What are Gear Packs and how do I get them?
A: Gear Packs are in-game crates containing cards that offer cosmetic items like character and weapon skins. You can acquire them by earning Credits through online multiplayer performance and then purchasing them in the in-game store.

Conclusion

Gears of War 4 delivered a potent blend of compelling narrative, innovative gameplay, and a deep, rewarding multiplayer experience. From its expanded 10 Re-Ups that offered veteran players a long-term progression path to the meticulously designed Xbox One S Limited Edition bundle that delighted collectors with its unique console and Crimson Omen controller, the game provided a rich and engaging package. Its technical advancements on both Xbox One and Windows 10, coupled with its dynamic new combat mechanics, cemented its place as a pivotal title in the Gears of War saga, proving that humanity's fight for survival was far from over, and the thrill of the battle was as intense as ever.

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