Who Can You Play As in Gears of War: Ultimate Edition?
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
Gears of War: Ultimate Edition, a remaster of the classic 2006 title, plunges players into a brutal war against the Locust Horde. While the core gameplay focuses on the gritty battles and tactical squad-based combat, the question of who you can actually control on the battlefield is a crucial one for many fans. In Gears of War: Ultimate Edition, you primarily embody Marcus Fenix in the campaign mode. His journey as a disgraced war hero seeking redemption forms the central narrative. However, the game also offers a selection of other characters that are playable, primarily within the game’s multiplayer modes. These characters add variety and personality to the intense online firefights. It’s important to note that the story mode gameplay will always put you in the boots of Marcus Fenix or Dominic Santiago (when playing co-op), and the additional characters are only applicable to multiplayer or custom private match settings. Let’s delve deeper into the playable characters in this iconic remake.
The Core Cast: Marcus and Dom
Marcus Fenix
As the main protagonist, Marcus Fenix is the character players will spend the majority of their time controlling in the single-player campaign. He is a hardened and battle-scarred veteran of the COG army, known for his gruff demeanor and unwavering dedication to his squad. His journey is one of redemption, as he leads Delta Squad against the relentless Locust forces. He is primarily voiced by John DiMaggio.
Dominic Santiago
Also known as “Dom,” Dominic Santiago is Marcus Fenix’s best friend and fellow squadmate. In the campaign’s co-op mode, the second player controls Dom. He is equally battle-hardened and crucial to the Delta Squad’s success. Dominic is a dedicated fighter with his own compelling backstory that adds emotional depth to the narrative. He is voiced by Carlos Ferro.
Multiplayer Character Options
While the campaign focuses squarely on Marcus and Dom, Gears of War: Ultimate Edition expands its playable roster significantly through its multiplayer component. Here, you can choose from a variety of characters, each with their unique look, voice lines, and personality. Here’s a look at some key character options in multiplayer:
Locust Characters
The locust faction in multiplayer offers players the chance to experience the conflict from the opposing side. The character options include some of the basic units as well as some of the more unique adversaries encountered within the campaign. Here are the most common Locust units you’ll find available to play:
- Locust Drone: The basic infantry unit of the Locust Horde.
- Sniper: As the name suggests, these Locust soldiers have improved aiming and sniping capabilities.
- Grenadier: These Locust units are known for their use of grenades and are devastating at close to mid range combat.
- Grenadier Elite: These are tougher and often more skilled versions of the Grenadier.
- Theron Guard: The Theron Guard are the elite forces of the Locust, and are identifiable by their helmets and heavy armor.
- Theron Elite: An advanced version of the Theron Guard that is stronger and more tactical on the battlefield.
Bonus Multiplayer Characters
Gears of War: Ultimate Edition also includes bonus multiplayer characters, many of which were not available in the original Gears of War for Xbox 360. Many of these characters were added to provide additional cosmetic variety to the multiplayer experience. These characters included:
- RAAM: A powerful Locust general, known for his heavily armored appearance and deadly Kryll-enhanced combat abilities. He is a truly formidable foe.
- Savage Grenadier Elite: This character was originally a GameStop Exclusive Pre-Order Bonus, but is often available with copies of the Ultimate Edition and is an advanced version of the basic Grenadier with a more savage look.
Additional Multiplayer Characters on Windows 10
The Windows 10 version of Gears of War: Ultimate Edition also includes a variety of 11 bonus multiplayer characters that further expand the possibilities for multiplayer customization. These characters are not playable in the campaign and were added as an exclusive reward for fans of the Windows 10 version of the game.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does Gears of War: Ultimate Edition include all the characters from the original game?
Yes, Gears of War: Ultimate Edition includes all the playable characters from the original Xbox 360 release. It also adds new characters not available in the initial game, particularly in the multiplayer modes, providing greater diversity and cosmetic options.
2. Can you play as any female characters in Gears of War: Ultimate Edition?
No, Gears of War: Ultimate Edition does not feature any female playable characters. While future Gears games would introduce female protagonists, this remake is set strictly within the context of the original 2006 release of the game. The focus remains on the COG male soldiers.
3. How do I unlock all the multiplayer characters?
Most multiplayer characters are available from the start, but some bonus characters may be tied to certain editions or pre-order bonuses. There are no challenges to unlock them, they are selected from the character selection menu.
4. Are there any unique character abilities in multiplayer?
No, characters in Gears of War: Ultimate Edition do not have unique abilities; all characters have the same movement and weapons capabilities. The differences between characters are cosmetic, relating to visual appearance and voice lines.
5. Can I play as the Locust RAAM in campaign mode?
No, RAAM is exclusive to the multiplayer modes. You cannot play as him in the campaign, which focuses solely on the experiences of Marcus Fenix and Dominic Santiago.
6. Can I play as a Locust Grenadier in co-op mode?
No, the co-op mode always requires players to control Marcus Fenix and Dominic Santiago. The Locust characters are only available in the multiplayer modes.
7. What’s the difference between the regular Theron Guard and the Theron Elite?
The Theron Elite is a more advanced version of the standard Theron Guard with better combat abilities and armor. They are generally more dangerous in multiplayer matches.
8. Does the Windows 10 version have unique characters?
Yes, the Windows 10 version includes 11 exclusive bonus multiplayer characters not found in the Xbox One version, offering additional customization for PC players.
9. How many bonus characters are in the Ultimate Edition?
There are a number of bonus characters depending on the version of the game. RAAM and the Savage Grenadier Elite are the core bonus characters, and the Windows 10 version also has an additional 11 exclusive characters.
10. Can I customize my character’s appearance?
No, character customization is limited to selecting a character model. You cannot adjust their appearance beyond choosing a different playable character.
11. Does the Savage Grenadier Elite have any special skills?
No, the Savage Grenadier Elite is primarily a cosmetic difference with slightly enhanced visual characteristics, but has the same gameplay abilities as a Grenadier.
12. Are any of the multiplayer characters based on the game’s story?
Yes, many of the Locust multiplayer characters are enemies encountered during the campaign, allowing players to take on the role of the antagonists.
13. Do any of the COG characters other than Marcus and Dom appear as playable characters?
No, in this edition of Gears of War, the COG characters are limited to Marcus and Dom in the campaign. Other COG units or characters do not appear as playable characters in this game.
14. Does character choice impact multiplayer gameplay?
No, the character you choose for multiplayer primarily influences your appearance and voice lines. The gameplay remains the same regardless of which character is selected.
15. Can I play as the Savage Grenadier Elite if I didn’t pre-order the game?
While the Savage Grenadier Elite was originally a pre-order bonus, many copies of the game sold after its initial release included the character. Check your specific version of the game to see if this character is available.