10 Best Games Like Gears of War E-Day (2026)

Gears of War E-Day hasn’t changed much, at least fundamentally, compared to previous entries in the series, particularly the earlier releases, including the recently released remake, Gears of War: Reloaded. To experience the same universe in a turn-based strategy format, check out Gears Tactics.

The Horde Siege PvE mode in E-Day bears similarities to lots of third-person tactical shooters, including Helldivers 2 and Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2. These are only a few of the best games like Gears of War E-Day you can try out today.

10. Helldivers 2

Both Gears of War E-Day and Helldivers 2 are third-person co-op shooters. However, their stark similarities come from the fundamentals of the actual gaming experience. Particularly, the Horde Siege PvE multiplayer mode in Gears of War E-Day and the extraction-shooter setup in Helldivers 2.

Imagine you and your friends serving as the last line of defense against an alien invasion. Swarms of enemies pin you down, and what gets you through is explosive weapons, coordinating attacks, defense, and support, and knowing when it’s time to get the hell out of the warzone.

9. Outriders

In the case of Outriders, you’re looking at too many similarities in the structure of the missions, combat, and gameplay loop. It shouldn’t be a huge surprise, given that the developers have also worked on Gears of War: Judgment. 

You absolutely need your buddies to survive the onslaught of humanoids and beasts coming at you from all sides. Your weapons are your safest bet, modified using loot from completing side missions and killing enemies. 

The similarities to Gears of War E-Day go beyond that, though, where you’re constantly firing explosives, dodging bullets, and indulging in chaotic PvE battles.

8. Returnal

The sci-fi world in Returnal is no joke. It’s a crippling, heavy, atmospheric world, with horrific creatures. And perhaps most frightening is how the world changes, elevating its threats and cosmic horror by the minute. 

So, that’s just perfect if you want to take the darker experience in Gears of War E-Day one step further. If you’re craving for more intense horror action, in third-person combat, with familiar systems you’re already used to, like fast reloads.

7. Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marines 2 is famous for its hordes. It’s the kind of game that definitely needs more than a couple of soldiers to clear infested battlefields. There’s no going easy in these kinds of battlefields, with massive guns and chainsaws that rip enemies to shreds.

And you can imagine the state of the world, dark, gritty, and hopelessly drenched in near-defeat. But you’re no ordinary soldiers, with the ones in Warhammer just as able to absorb damage and push back countless enemies at a time.

6. Sniper Elite 5

Sniper Elite 5 may not be an obvious choice for the best games like Gears of War E-Day, but its fundamentals may cater to specific interests in taking cover. Patience is a virtue you have to learn and practice, with Sniper Elite 5 demanding that your actions are more strategic and deliberate.

Beyond sniping faraway enemies, you may also enjoy the welcome distractions that come with exploring the world. You can drift away from the main mission to hunt for supplies and even run into interesting side missions that reward you for your time.

5. The Last of Us 

I also would like to add The Last of Us to the best games like Gears of War E-Day simply because fewer games have managed to create an atmosphere and environment bleaker than. I suppose the idea of fighting mutated humans has always hit me the hardest, almost like it could be a possibility for the future.

As much as the world tells a heartbreaking story, so do the characters and stories, too. So, yes, you’ll still engage in spontaneous action. But more so, the stories are devastating and compelling to follow along.

4. Remnant II

In the same vein as Returnal is Remnant II, yet another dark, sci-fi world that’ll turn your guts around. Co-op teams fight the monstrosities that cripple this world, from world bosses to swarms of enemies. You also have tight and satisfying third-person combat, ranging from ranged to melee shootouts.

Meanwhile, you should enjoy taking apart and building back up your weapons and armor. Your weapon mods, plus character abilities, are the secret sauce that will get you through the boss fights and PvE campaigns.

3. Resident Evil 

There are elements of Resident Evil in Gears of War. Though E-Day has leaned most heavily into the darker, more horrific territory. The Locust Horde designs are truly terrifying, which, combined with the tightened spaces that E-Day orchestrates battles in, creates a survival horror-like experience, intentionally or not.

So, why not go all out in Resident Evil, drenching yourself properly in the constant sense of dread and nightmarish monsters lurking in the shadows, the helplessness that comes with running out of ammo? Why not stress-test yourself across Raccoon City, instead?

2. Gears Tactics

Now, Gears Tactics may be a spin-off from the Gears of War series. And rather than third-person shooting, it focuses on turn-based strategy. Still, the narrative themes remain similar to the original trilogy. You’re still dealing with the Locust Horde.

It’s just as gritty and bleak, sharing a similar universe and theme. The Coalition of Ordered Governments pull their resources to try, and protect humanity. 

1. Gears of War: Reloaded

Yet, your closest experience to Gears of War E-Day will be Gears of War: Reloaded. The OG that started it all, and now, has been remade with better graphics. E-Day is the prequel, which means you might enjoy the value in learning what happens next to the central characters, Marcus and Dom, and how the cleansing of the Locust Horde turned out.

Obviously, not great for there to still be a war going on, and across a trilogy at that. But hey, nearly, it’s the same M.O. A single-player or co-op story campaign, third-person combat with emphasis on taking cover, and active reloading.