What Order Should I Play Gears of War?
Gears of War is an action-packed third-person shooter franchise with a rich storyline and complex characters. If you’re new to the series or returning after a hiatus, you might be wondering which game to play first or which order to play them in. In this article, we’ll guide you through the best order to play the Gears of War games and provide some essential information to get you started.
The Chronological Order:
Before we dive into the recommended play order, let’s look at the chronological order of the games in the series:
| Game | Release Year | Story Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Gears of War: Judgment | 2013 | 15 years before Gears of War |
| Gears of War 3 | 2011 | Directly after Gears of War 2 |
| Gears of War: Aspho Fields (novel) | 2009 | Between Gears of War 1 and 2 |
| Gears of War 2 | 2008 | Immediately after Gears of War 1 |
| Gears of War | 2006 | The original game |
Recommended Play Order:
While the chronological order is the most accurate way to experience the story, it’s not necessarily the best way to play the games. Here’s a recommended play order to get the most out of your Gears of War experience:
- Gears of War
- Gears of War 2
- Gears of War: Aspho Fields (novel)
- Gears of War 3
- Gears of War: Judgment
The first three games (Gears of War, Gears of War 2, and Gears of War 3) form a trilogy, while Gears of War: Judgment serves as a prequel. This order provides a clear narrative progression while introducing new characters and plot twists.
Key Story Points:
Before you start playing, here are some key story points to keep in mind:
- The Pendulum Wars: The war between humanity and the Locust Horde is ongoing throughout the series.
- The Adam Fenix: The protagonist of the series, Adam Fenix, plays a crucial role in the story, and his character development is significant.
- The Lambent: A subspecies of the Locust Horde that becomes a major threat in the latter games.
- The COG: The Coalition of Ordered Governments is the human resistance fighting against the Locust.
Additional Tips:
Before you start playing, consider the following tips:
- Play with a team: Gears of War is a co-op game at heart, so play with a friend or online teammate to enhance the experience.
- Adjust difficulty: Start with a lower difficulty setting and gradually increase it as you get used to the gameplay.
- Pay attention to the story: Gears of War has a complex and engaging storyline, so be sure to pay attention to the cutscenes and dialogue.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Is it necessary to play the games in order?
A: While the chronological order provides the most accurate story experience, the recommended play order is designed to provide a better gameplay experience and character development.
Q: What are the differences between the Gears of War games?
A: Each game introduces new characters, plot twists, and gameplay mechanics, while maintaining the core shooting and co-op gameplay.
Q: Can I play Gears of War without playing the other games?
A: While it’s possible to play each game standalone, you’ll miss out on the character development and story progression that comes with playing the series in order.
Q: Are the Gears of War games suitable for beginners?
A: Yes, the games are designed to be accessible to new players, with tutorials and controls that ease you into the gameplay.
Q: Can I play Gears of War with a controller or keyboard and mouse?
A: Both options are available, and many players prefer keyboard and mouse for the added precision and speed.
Q: Are the Gears of War games part of the same universe as the Gears Tactics games?
A: Yes, both Gears of War and Gears Tactics are set in the same universe and share some characters and plot elements, although Gears Tactics is a separate game with its own story.
Q: Are the Gears of War games worth playing even if I’m not a fan of shooter games?
A: While Gears of War is a shooter at its core, the series has a strong focus on storytelling, characters, and co-op gameplay, making it an excellent choice for players who enjoy action-packed games with a strong narrative.
Q: Will playing the Gears of War games prepare me for the upcoming Gears of War 5?
A: Yes, playing the previous games in the series will provide a solid understanding of the characters, world, and story, making it easier to dive into the new game.