Gears 5 has "levels that are 50 times bigger than any previous Gears of War level"

(Image credit: Microsoft Studios)

Gears 5 is the biggest Gears of War game ever created. We learned as much in our Gears 5 campaign hands-on preview when we visited The Coalition last week. Created in little over two years, Gears 5 is designed to showcase the studio's desire to push the series forward, something that you will see reflected in its new open-ended levels. 

While Gears of War has been traditionally known as a corridor shooter, Gears 5 will take the action out into larger levels – so large that The Coalition had to introduce a map to help you navigate them. "What players will see in Act 2 and Act 3 of the campaign is that you'll be able to use the Skiff to traverse the largest levels we've ever built," says studio head and Gears 5 creative director Rod Fergusson. "You know, in some cases, the levels are 50-times bigger than any previous Gears level."

Act 2 takes place across a huge icy wasteland that's as beautiful to behold as it is utterly isolating for Kait and Del as they set out on their adventure. But it's Act 3 where Gears 5 really comes into its own, as play shifts to a sprawling desert covered in vibrant blood-red sand. It's here where the real size and scope of Gears 5 can be seen; the level is packed with plenty of side-missions, collectibles, and opportunities to take on the Swarm, and advance the story. It's a huge space, the biggest in Gears history.

(Image credit: Microsoft Studios)

Here, you'll be able to see how Gears 5 was inspired by BioShock Infinite, thanks to the inclusion of player-initiated combat spaces. You'll discover how Gears of War's unsung hero takes the spotlight, as you put Jack to work to let you shape your own play experience. And, perhaps most importantly, you will be able to get a better sense of just how awesome of an addition the Skiff is to Gears of War's pantheon of vehicles. 

While Gears 5 is due to launch September 10 (or September 6, for those of you with Game Pass Ultimate) we will continue our exploration of the game's features and how it was made throughout the week in our On The Radar: Gears 5 coverage. 

Josh West
Editor-in-Chief, GamesRadar+

Josh West is the Editor-in-Chief of GamesRadar+. He has over 15 years experience in online and print journalism, and holds a BA (Hons) in Journalism and Feature Writing. Prior to starting his current position, Josh has served as GR+'s Features Editor and Deputy Editor of games™ magazine, and has freelanced for numerous publications including 3D Artist, Edge magazine, iCreate, Metal Hammer, Play, Retro Gamer, and SFX. Additionally, he has appeared on the BBC and ITV to provide expert comment, written for Scholastic books, edited a book for Hachette, and worked as the Assistant Producer of the Future Games Show. In his spare time, Josh likes to play bass guitar and video games. Years ago, he was in a few movies and TV shows that you've definitely seen but will never be able to spot him in.

Latest in Action
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 3 reveal art
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 3 is in development following the explosive success of Space Marine 2, and it's promising even bigger battles
How to enter GTA 5 cheats
Despite its history of taking action against GTA mods, a Rockstar-approved GTA 5 modding tool is on the way to "assist the modding community" in the wake of the recent PC upgrade
best zombie games
The Last of Us "became the brand name for quality and storytelling within games" says Joel actor Troy Baker: "It became like the fridge"
Rift Apart
Retiring Insomniac boss says developers should still tackle new genres, but it's much riskier these days due to time and money
Dollman being buckled into a seat in Death Stranding 2
Hideo Kojima left "a number of clues" in the new Death Stranding 2 trailer, including hints of a day/night cycle
Assassin's Creed Shadows cinematic screenshot
Ubisoft shareholder plans protest in response to mismanagement, Assassin's Creed Shadows delays, and alleged acquisition talks with Microsoft and EA
Latest in News
Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster
The Final Fantasy series has sold a whopping 200 million copies, while the Pixel Remaster reportedly outsells FF16 with 5 million copies
Nintendo Switch 2, dock and TV
Nintendo Switch 2 could cost $400-$500, say analysts, but it might launch with a Super Mario Odyssey follow-up and Metroid Prime 4
Silent Hill f
Famed Higurashi When They Cry creator Ryukishi07 says he worked so hard on the Silent Hill f story that "I don't think I would mind if it was the last thing I ever wrote"
Vampire Survivors
Vampire Survivors devs launch official wiki "free of ads, banners, and all of the junk that gets in your way," joining Stardew Valley and Terraria in community wikis with minimal intrusions
Gachiakuta season 1 promo art featuring Rudo
The anime for stylish action manga Gachiakuta will be a Crunchyroll exclusive, and the hit series could be the next big shonen star
WalkScape
"Staying MTX and advertisement free is absolutely key": Almost 20 years later, RuneScape fan turns his MMO love into an old-school RPG where fitness is the grind