PC Gamer's work-in-progress review of Gears of War: E-Day praises the campaign's shooting mechanics but criticizes the lack of mission variety in its 20+ hour runtime, noting that continuous combat makes the experience feel increasingly repetitive. The multiplayer mode was not available for review prior to launch, and the author plans to release a scored final version after playing it.
The review author notes that character movements are more fluid, with running and climbing controls arranged to reduce accidental inputs. On higher difficulties, players need to frequently change cover and weigh the risks of long-range sniping versus close-quarters executions. The sound effects of new weapons and classic series firearms also enhance the impact of combat.
The campaign's pacing is the author's main complaint. Compared to Gears of War 5, which alternated between stealth, movement, and special scenarios, he feels that many sections of this title revolve around continuous combat, making it feel monotonous over long play sessions.
Players can obtain weapons and armor mods through side quests or exploration, but the author believes that prominent collectible chest prompts, map markers, and location features diminish the fun of finding items. Some elite enemies and bosses have high health pools, and the lack of clear hit feedback makes prolonged combat feel more exhausting.
Gears of War: E-Day will officially launch on October 6; players who pre-order the $100 Premium Edition can start playing early from October 1, and the game will also be available on Game Pass.