Versus is E-Day's competitive pillar, 4v4 on all-new Kalona maps, with the classic mode roster reworked for the new movement system and one genuinely new addition. It is playable now for Premium early-access buyers, and opens for everyone on October 6.
The Four Launch Modes
| Mode | Key feature |
|---|---|
| Team Deathmatch | 15 cumulative team lives; last team standing wins the round |
| Conquest | A moving control-point battle, hold territory as it shifts across the map |
| Demolition | Strategic bomb-planting in enemy territory |
| Crucible | New, Battle-Royale-inspired objective play (below) |
Crucible, Explained
Revealed at Gamescom 2026. Teams seize a Power Core and transport it to an active scoring zone:
- Carrying the core restricts mobility and limits weapons, the carrier becomes a high-value target needing escort
- The core doubles as a weapon: a close-range electrical charge that can "strip the flesh" off enemies
- As the core enters the scoring zone, the playable area shrinks, forcing claustrophobic standoffs
- Creative director Matt Searcy: "It's very obviously inspired by battle royale games, but it's on a Gears-sized PvP map"
Maps & Playlists
- Beta: two symmetric maps, Market and Outpost, built on lanes, sightlines and cover spots
- Launch: six brand-new Versus maps per the official Multiplayer Deep Dive, all set in and around war-torn Kalona: Battleship, Market, Outpost, Park, Precinct and Skyward
- Ranked playlists for climbing; Social playlists for relaxed matches
- Cross-play Xbox ↔ PC is confirmed; a toggle for cross-play in Versus hasn't been detailed
The Playable Roster
Versus and Horde Siege share a character roster. Confirmed in the live game (community-tracked from credits and in-game menus, cross-checkable in-game):
| Side | Characters |
|---|---|
| COG (17) | Zander Carmine, Mags Carter, Marcus Fenix, Gill Gettner, Akila Grey, Tai Kaliso, Mako Kemara, Manu Kemara, Quentin Michaelson, Shin Morida, Lucas Reyes, Daan Riggs, Hank Rustin, Dominic Santiago, Elias Trench, Bryce Valen, generic COG Gear |
| Locust (5) | Drone, Sniper, Grenadier, Rusher, Vraahk |
Notes on the names:
- Zander Carmine is the newest Carmine, the character previously known only as an unnamed Carmine before release.
- Gill Gettner and Quentin Michaelson are returning series characters; Tai Kaliso bridges to the campaign, see the characters page.
- The Locust side pairs the three base infantry types with the Rusher (the melee kamikaze-type attacker covered on the enemies page) and Vraahk himself.
How E-Day Feels in PvP
From the beta previews: faster and more fluid than Gears 5, "without losing its identity." Quicker cover entry/exit, frictionless sprints, real jumps. The wall bounce is nerfed by design, slower to execute, easier to read, and the wider sprint camera rewards map awareness over twitch bounces. The Gnasher slide meta survives, "because it wouldn't be Gears PvP without it."
IGN's take for newcomers: E-Day may offer "one of the best entry points in the franchise" for players bounced off older Gears PvP. Early review coverage of the full game has been similarly warm, see the release week page.
Questions
What PvP modes are in E-Day?
Team Deathmatch, Conquest, Demolition and the new Crucible, all 4v4, plus Ranked and Social playlists.
What is Crucible?
A new 4v4 mode where teams carry a restricting Power Core to a shrinking scoring zone, battle-royale ideas on a Gears-sized map.
Is there cross-play in Versus?
Yes, between Xbox and PC. A cross-play toggle for competitive play hasn't been confirmed.
How many Versus maps at launch?
Six: Battleship, Market, Outpost, Park, Precinct and Skyward, per the official Multiplayer Deep Dive and live-game tracking.
Can I play as a Locust in multiplayer?
Yes. The Locust side fields Drone, Sniper, Grenadier, Rusher and Vraahk across Versus and Horde Siege.