Overview

One hallmark of the Gears of War franchise has always been its unique assortment of weapons. From the chainsaw-equipped Lancer to the deadly accurate Torque Bow, there has always been a weapon to suit every mood and situation. This final installment in the trilogy introduces several new and terrifyingly unique weapons, making this the largest arsenal in the history of the series.

As any Gears veteran can attest, the campaign and multiplayer modes are played so differently and at such a vastly different pace, that it’s almost hard to believe they’re the same game. Epic Games goes to great lengths to tune and balance the weapons accordingly for each of these separate experiences. As such, this guide contains two wholly unique Arsenal chapters, one for the campaign and one for multiplayer.

This chapter discusses how the weapons behave in the campaign: each weapon’s vital statistics, the benefits of a successful Active Reload, and how to use each weapon effectively at various ranges. Though it’s possible to complete the campaign while relying on only a few familiar weapons, we strongly recommend you branch out to experience all of the tools at the COGs’ disposal—even the ones crafted by the Locust.

The Multiplayer Arsenal chapter provides even greater analytical discussion of these weapons. Though that chapter is tailored specifically to the online battlefield’s rigorous demands, mastering the skills outlined in that section will certainly aid you in the campaign as well.

• Players can carry up to two primary weapons into battle. These weapons are two-handed designs.
• Primary weapons are assigned to the Left and Right weapon slots, accessed via the D-Pad.
• Primary weapons include all assault rifles, shotguns, and each of the specialty power weapons, such as the Longshot and Torque Bow.
• The default loadout includes a shotgun and assault rifle. Many players eagerly want to swap out one for a Torque Bow or Boomshot when they get the chance. Consider the environment and the type of enemy when you decide which standard weapon to forego.