Where does Gears of War Judgement fit in?

Gears of War: Judgment is a prequel to the original Gears of War trilogy, set several years before the events of the first game, and serves as the fourth main installment in the Gears of War franchise. The game follows Kilo Squad, led by Damon Baird and Augustus “The Cole Train” Cole, as they navigate the early days of the Locust War.

Understanding the Gears of War Series

To fully grasp the position of Gears of War: Judgment within the series, it’s essential to understand the overall Gears of War timeline. The series is known for its complex narrative, which spans multiple games, each contributing to the larger story arc.

Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

1. Is Gears of War Judgement a prequel? Yes, Gears of War: Judgment is a prequel to the original Gears of War trilogy, offering insights into the events that led up to the first game.
2. Does Gears of War Judgement take place before Gears 1? Yes, the game is set before the events of the first Gears of War, providing background on key characters and the start of the Locust War.
3. Is Gears of War Judgement after Gears 3? No, despite being released after Gears of War 3, Judgment is a prequel to the entire franchise, not a sequel.
4. What part is Gears of War Judgement? Gears of War: Judgment is the fourth game in the Gears of War franchise, distinguished by its prequel status and the absence of Marcus Fenix and Dominic Santiago as lead characters.

Gameplay and Characters

5. Is Gears of War Judgment a spin-off? Gears of War: Judgment can be considered a spin-off due to its unique storyline and characters, although it is directly connected to the main series.
6. Why is Gears of War Judgement so different? The game features significant changes in multiplayer and gameplay controls, setting it apart from other titles in the series.
7. Is Cole in Gears Judgement? Yes, Augustus “The Cole Train” Cole is one of the playable protagonists in Gears of War: Judgment.
8. Do I need to play Gears of War Judgement before 4? While not necessary, playing Judgment before Gears of War 4 can provide additional context and character background, especially for Baird.

Storyline and Connections

9. Is Marcus Fenix in Gears of War Judgement? Marcus Fenix makes a small cameo appearance in the game, with limited dialogue.
10. Who is the bad guy in Gears of War Judgment? The main antagonist of Gears of War: Judgment is General Karn, a ruthless Locust commander.
11. What is Gears of War Judgment Aftermath? Aftermath is an additional campaign that serves as an epilogue to Judgment’s main story, connecting to events in Gears of War 3.

Series and Character Details

12. What are the Locusts in Gears of War? The Locust Horde are genetically altered humans living in the subterranean regions of Sera, known as the Hollow.
13. How long is Gears of War Judgment Aftermath? The Aftermath campaign is approximately an hour-long chapter that can be unlocked by earning 40 stars in the game.
14. Are the Gears of War games connected? Yes, the Gears of War games are interconnected, with each title contributing to the overall narrative arc of the series.
15. Who is Cole’s daughter in Gears of War? Hana Cole is the daughter of Augustus Cole, introduced in the Gears of War comics and mentioned in Gears 5, working as a COG scientist.