Gears of War: E-Day Preload: How to Download It Before Release
Updated: September 29, 2026
Gears of War: E-Day is almost here, and players can now preload the game before launch. Microsoft and The Coalition officially opened pre-installation on September 29 at 8:00 a.m. Pacific Time, giving Xbox and PC players several days to download the game before release. XBOX Wire
The game launches worldwide on October 6, 2026, while Premium Edition owners can begin playing through Advance Access on October 1. Steam Store
Quick Answer
You can preload Gears of War: E-Day starting September 29, 2026 on:
- Xbox Series X|S
- Xbox on PC
- Steam
Pre-installation begins at 8:00 a.m. PT / 15:00 UTC. Premium Edition players can start playing October 1, while the standard worldwide release is October 6. XBOX Wire
How to preload Gears of War: E-Day on Xbox
If you already preordered the game or have an eligible Game Pass subscription, downloading it early should be straightforward.
On Xbox Series X|S:
- Open My Games & Apps.
- Go to your game library.
- Find Gears of War: E-Day.
- Select the game and choose the installation option.
- Make sure you have enough free storage space.
Microsoft says the game requires a significant initial download, and future updates may require additional storage. Steam Store
How to preload Gears of War: E-Day on PC
Players using the Xbox app on PC can also begin pre-installing on September 29.
Open the Xbox app, locate Gears of War: E-Day in your library or Game Pass catalog and select Install.
Steam players who pre-purchased the game can also preload before launch. Steam currently lists the game for an October 6 release, with Advance Access beginning October 1 for Premium Edition buyers. Steam Store
How big is the Gears of War: E-Day download?
The current Steam system requirements list 115 GB of available storage, and an SSD is mandatory. Steam Store
Because launch patches and future updates may add extra files, it is sensible to leave more than exactly 115 GB free.
Earlier Steam listings showed higher storage figures, so players should check the final download size shown by their platform before installing.
When does Gears of War: E-Day Early Access start?
Advance Access begins:
October 1, 2026 at 8:00 a.m. Pacific / 15:00 UTC.
It is available to Premium Edition players up to five days before the standard launch. XBOX Wire
Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass subscribers get access when the game officially launches on October 6 rather than during the Premium Edition Advance Access period. XBOX Wire
Why preload the game?
Gears of War: E-Day is a large download, so pre-installing avoids spending launch day waiting for more than 100 GB of game files.
It may be particularly useful for players with slower internet connections or bandwidth restrictions.
However, preloading does not necessarily mean there will be nothing else to download. A launch-day patch or additional update could still appear before the servers go live.
Gears of War: E-Day release dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Preload begins | September 29, 2026 |
| Premium Edition Advance Access | October 1, 2026 |
| Worldwide release | October 6, 2026 |
The game will be available on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox on PC and Steam, and will also launch through Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass. XBOX Wire
FAQ
Can I preload Gears of War: E-Day now?
Yes. Pre-installation officially began September 29, 2026.
Can Game Pass subscribers preload it?
Yes. Microsoft says players joining through Game Pass can pre-install ahead of launch. XBOX Wire
How much storage does Gears of War: E-Day need?
The current Steam listing requires 115 GB of available space and an SSD. Steam Store
Does preloading give you Early Access?
No. Preloading only downloads the game in advance. Advance Access beginning October 1 is tied to the Premium Edition. Steam Store
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