The Lost Legacy: What Happened to Earth in Gears of War?
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The fate of Earth in the Gears of War universe is a dark and definitive one: it is believed to be extinct. According to in-universe lore, a cataclysmic event known as the Great War of the 6th Millennium obliterated all life on Earth. This tragic event is the primary reason humanity’s presence in the series is solely focused on Sera and other colonized planets. The destruction of Earth serves as a stark backdrop to the intense conflicts faced by the characters on Sera, emphasizing the desperate struggle for survival in a universe where the cradle of humanity has been lost.
A Brief Overview of the Gears of War Universe
Before delving into the specifics of Earth’s demise, it’s important to understand the context. Gears of War is set on the fictional, Earth-like planet of Sera, not Earth itself. Humans originated on Sera and established a civilization there after thousands of years, which is completely separate from Earth’s history. This civilization ultimately becomes locked in a devastating war with the subterranean Locust Horde. The series primarily revolves around this brutal conflict and humanity’s fight for survival on Sera. The fact that Earth is gone creates a powerful sense of isolation and precariousness for the characters, and provides a motivation for humanity’s ruthless defense of their adopted home.
The Great War of the 6th Millennium
The Great War of the 6th Millennium is the catastrophic event mentioned in the lore responsible for the annihilation of all life on Earth. Details regarding the exact nature of this war are scarce. However, it is clear that it was a conflict so severe, that it rendered the planet uninhabitable and resulted in the complete extinction of life on Earth. The reference to colony ships suggests that humanity had already begun space travel prior to this event and had settled on planets like Sera, which is what spared a portion of the human species.
The Importance of Sera
With Earth rendered a wasteland, Sera became the new battleground for humanity’s survival. The inhabitants of Sera built their civilization dependent on the planet’s biosphere and natural resources. However, human activity has also significantly impacted the planet’s environment. The war between the humans and the Locust, then later the Swarm, adds to the constant struggle on Sera, constantly reminding the citizens of humanity’s vulnerable position.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
To offer a comprehensive understanding of the Earth’s place in the Gears of War universe, here are some frequently asked questions:
1. Did Humans Colonize Sera?
No, according to the canon lore, humans originated on Sera and did not colonize it from Earth. They emerged on the planet and developed a planet-wide civilization after thousands of years. This is a critical distinction to the narrative, as it emphasizes Sera’s role as the primary home of humanity in the Gears universe, rather than a secondary colonization effort.
2. Is the Gears of War Universe Connected to Our Earth?
No, the Gears of War universe is a separate fictional universe entirely, set on the planet Sera. The narrative does not align with the history of our Earth in any way. The destruction of Earth in their lore only serves to highlight the desperation and dire circumstances humanity faces within the game world.
3. How Many Humans Survived the Locust War?
In the aftermath of the Locust War on Sera, only hundreds of thousands of humans remained out of a population originally in the billions. The conflict with the Locust resulted in a devastating loss of life. It is believed that 99% of the human population died by the end of the Locust War.
4. What are the Locust?
The Locust Horde are a race of genetically altered humans who established their civilization in the subterranean regions of Sera, known as the Hollow. They are often called “Grubs” by Serans and originated from genetic experiments.
5. Is There a Religion on Sera?
Yes, Christianity exists on Sera, though perhaps not in the exact form as on Earth. There might be similar religions, or variations of it. The series does not go into deep detail regarding specific religions on Sera, instead choosing to focus primarily on the battles and political conflicts.
6. Why are the Characters in Gears of War so Large?
The characters in Gears of War often have a large, muscular physique due to the years of hardened combat they’ve experienced. Their physiology reflects the constant conflict and the need for strength and endurance.
7. Were the Locust Once Human?
Yes, the Locust Horde are confirmed to be the result of genetic experiments on humans, establishing them as altered relatives to the human population of Sera. This is revealed through in-game lore and further explained in the expanded universe.
8. Is Drake in Gears of War?
Yes, the musician Drake voiced Jace Stratton in Gears of War 3. This was an example of celebrity casting used by the series developers.
9. Is Gears of War a AAA Game?
Yes, the Gears of War franchise consists of AAA games known for their high production values and impactful gameplay. In fact, Gears 5 received a perfect accessibility score on caniplaythat.com, a rare achievement.
10. Which Gears of War Game is Open World?
While no Gears of War game so far has been fully open-world, it is rumored that Gears 6 is aiming to have open-world elements. This represents a shift in design for the series.
11. What is the Religion of the Locust?
The Locust Horde’s religion is the Trinity of Worms, a polytheistic faith centered around the Riftworms and their Queen. They believe the Riftworms are their Gods, as they created the Hollow tunnel network and other organisms that led to the birth of the Locust.
12. Was Gears of War Inspired by Warhammer 40k?
While there are some thematic similarities, Warhammer 40,000 predates Gears of War, so it is possible to argue that Gears drew inspiration from it. However, the Gears universe operates on different narrative and design principles.
13. Who is the Strongest in Gears of War?
Marcus Fenix is generally regarded as the strongest human in the Gears of War franchise. His role in ending the Locust War solidifies him as an iconic and formidable character.
14. Did Any Carmine Survive Gears of War?
Yes, Clayton Carmine is the only member of the Carmine family to have survived the events of not one, but two Gears of War games: Gears of War 3 and Gears 5. He is a fan-favorite character because the developers let the players vote on his fate in the third game.
15. What Happened to Gabe Diaz After Gears Tactics?
Gabriel Diaz (Gabe), Kait Diaz’s father, married Reyna after Gears Tactics and both survived the Locust War. They later became leaders of the Outsiders, a group living outside the jurisdiction of the Coalition of Ordered Governments (COG).
Conclusion
The destruction of Earth in the Gears of War universe is a crucial piece of lore that underscores the constant struggle for survival within the franchise. The loss of humanity’s origin planet adds weight to the conflicts faced on Sera and provides a powerful context for the characters’ desperate fight against extinction. The series successfully uses this narrative element to create a unique and compelling world where the stakes are incredibly high.