How the Gears of War Universe Works: All About the Lore of the Famous Shooter Series

Contents:

• Time and Place of Action
• Finding the Emulsion and the Pendulum Wars
• Emergence Day
• Humanity's War with the Locusts
• What Will Be Shown in Gears of War: E-Day

The Gears of War series returns after a five-year hiatus. A prequel titled E-Day, which follows the adventures of a young Marcus Fenix, will be released on Xbox Series X. The game takes us back to the events that preceded the first game in the franchise and shows how humanity first encountered the Locusts, also known as the Locust. This is an important chapter in the Gears of War story, which will reveal details of the conflict and plot developments, deepening our understanding of the game's world.

In this article, we will briefly review the key points of the Gears of War lore, including the most significant events in the universe, important aspects of the conflicting sides, and a recap of the main storylines of the games in the series. Understanding these elements will help you dive deeper into the world of Gears of War and appreciate the richness of its history.

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Time and Setting

The Gears of War game series is set in the distant future on the planet Sera. Humanity once inhabited Earth, but the aftermath of the Great War of the sixth millennium forced them to abandon their homeworld. Colonial ships landed on Sera, located 30 light-years from Earth. This new beginning became an arena for a struggle for survival, where humanity faces various dangers, including the mysterious creatures that inhabit this planet. The story of each game in the series deeply immerses players in a world filled with conflict, technological advances, and human drama.

The planet Sera has conditions similar to those familiar to humans: it boasts oxygen-rich nature, diverse climates and landscapes, fresh water sources, and edible fauna. However, there are also significant differences. For example, a day on Sera lasts 26 hours, and a year lasts from 420 to 480 days, which affects the maturation process of the local inhabitants. Additionally, the planet experiences periodic natural disasters such as falling ice shards and firestorms, making outdoor activities unsafe. These unique features make Sera a unique place to explore and live.

For millennia, humanity on the planet Sera waged endless wars, leading to the era known as the Age of Armageddon. Faced with extinction, humans realized the need to abandon military conflict and chose the path of unification. Thus began the Era of Calm, during which humanity developed and prospered, creating new technologies and strengthening social ties. This period became a crucial milestone in history, laying the foundation for future achievements and harmonious coexistence.

A serious problem arose on the planet Sera: oil and nuclear fuel reserves had run out. The energy crisis forced humans to resort to extreme measures. Using powerful drilling rigs, they began exploring the subsurface, seeking new energy sources. This situation led to a veritable gold rush and put an end to the era of calm on Sera. Now the struggle for resources has become the main goal for the planet's inhabitants, which has changed their lives and led to new challenges.

Finding the Emulsion and the Pendulum Wars

Long-term searches led to the discovery of an underground energy source known as the emulsion. This substance became a new fuel, replacing oil and nuclear energy in just ten years. The emulsion was distinguished by its availability and ease of extraction. With its help, factories operated, weapons were manufactured, and new settlements were built. Thanks to the emulsion, the energy sector underwent significant changes, opening new horizons for the economy and progress.

Countries that discovered the emulsion quickly achieved prosperity. To avoid the threat, many of them decided to unite. As a result, two key forces formed on Ser: the Coalition of United States and the Union of Independent Republics. The Coalition is a militaristic faction created by the Allfathers, the leaders of eight states. The Coalition's flag features a cogwheel, symbolizing unity and strength. In contrast, there is the Union of Independent Republics, consisting of many less affluent countries seeking to protect their interests and ensure stability. These two alliances play a significant role in the region's political and economic life, shaping its future.

The Coalition consisted of states with developed economies and resources, while the Union suffered from a shortage of these resources. The Coalition countries were justifiably wary of a possible attack by the Union, and their fears were soon confirmed. This resulted in the Pendulum Wars between the Coalition and the Union, which became a defining event in the region. These conflicts significantly affected the political map and economic stability, which led to a further deterioration in relations between the parties.

Bloody battles between the COG and the SNR lasted nearly 79 years, claiming the lives of millions of soldiers and civilians. Both sides unhesitatingly used weapons of mass destruction, which led to the destruction of entire settlements. The inhabitants of Sera were deeply uneasy, believing that the Pendulum Wars would inevitably lead to the destruction of humanity. Neither the Coalition nor the Alliance were prepared to negotiate, believing that control of the emulsion should belong to only one faction. This conflict became a symbol of the devastating consequences of greed and the desire for power, leaving only grief and devastation in its wake.

The Pendulum Wars led to catastrophic consequences, seriously deteriorating the environmental situation in the Sera region. Soil, water, and air pollution reached critical levels, negatively impacting public health. The frequency and intensity of natural disasters increased, also reflecting the state of the environment. Those exposed to the toxic emulsion, which developed a condition known as lung corrosion, suffered particularly severely. This problem affected not only the miners, but also the residents of nearby settlements located in the fuel extraction zone, which indicates the large-scale consequences of wars for health and the environment.

By the end of the Pendulum Wars, the leadership of the Committee of Public Hygiene (COG) decided to create the New Hope research center. The main goal of this center was to study Lung Corrosion, a disease that threatened miners. Scientists sought to develop an effective drug that would protect workers from the effects of the harmful emulsion, allowing them to continue working without risk to health. Research in this area is critical to ensuring the safety and health of workers in hazardous conditions.

Dr. Niles Samson studied Corrosion, guided solely by scientific interest. He did not seek to help people, but wanted to better understand the effects of the emulsion on the human body. To achieve his goals, Samson conducted experiments on the children of miners. The Cartel Around Globalization (COG) did not interfere with such research. Most of the experiments resulted in the death of the test subjects, but some survived and mutated, becoming monsters. The only one to develop genetic immunity to the emulsion was a girl named Mirra, who later became an antagonist in the first Gears of War trilogy. Samson's research opened new horizons in understanding Corrosion, but also called into question the ethical standards of scientific practice. Samson relocated to Mount Kadar, where he continued his genetic experiments with Mirra and the mutated children. The scientist was confident that his research would lead to the creation of a new, more advanced species of humans. The fusion of Mirra's embryonic stem cells with mutant DNA yielded the result—the Matriarch, the first female Locust. Samson later mastered the technique of creating male Locusts. This work opened new horizons in the field of genetics and allowed for a deeper understanding of the processes of mutation and evolution.

Locusts, known in some Russian translations of Gears of War as Locusts, are highly physically powerful creatures with a reptilian appearance. In reality, they are genetically modified humans, mutated by exposure to Corrosion. Niles Samson believed that Locusts could be useful to the Coalition of Aligned Nations during the Pendulum Wars. Their unique abilities and physical prowess make Locusts important figures in the conflict, and also raise questions about the nature of humanity and the consequences of genetic modification.

The scientist discovered that all Locusts, including the Matriarch, have a strong mental link with Myrrah. This connection is likely due to the use of the girl's stem cells. Myrrah and her "children" formed a hive mind known as the Horde. Without their queen, Locusts are unable to perform even the simplest actions. The games in the series do not reveal the details of how the collective mind functions, which leaves many questions about its mechanisms and influence on the behavior of the locusts.

Mirrah grew tired of being held captive by Samson and decided to change her fate. Joining forces with the Locusts, she ordered them to free her from the laboratory. After escaping Mount Kadar, the Locusts took refuge in the dungeons of Sera, where they founded their own city, called the Nexus. Here, Mirrah became queen of the Locusts, created a new religion, and laid the foundations of their culture, which played a key role in shaping the unique identity of her people.

Peace in the Nexus proved short-lived. The Locusts, the result of genetic experiments, are immune to Corrosion, but they are not immune to Imulsion. This circumstance became an opportunity for the parasites living in the dungeons of Sera to begin infecting Mirrah's followers. The dangerous infection transformed many Locusts into Lambent—glowing yellow creatures that undergo mutations under the influence of the parasites. This situation has created a new threat, exacerbating the already complex relationships between the various factions and calling into question the future of the Nexus.

The infected began to displace The Locusts invaded the Nexus and launched regular attacks. The war with the Lambent continued for a long time, with humanity unaware of the parasites lurking underground. This conflict marked a significant milestone in history, despite the fact that most people remained unaware of the real threat. While the Locusts and the infected fought for control, a new danger was growing underground that could change the course of the war.

During the conflict, the Locusts took extreme measures, capturing the scientist Adam Phoenix, who had infiltrated the Seran dungeons. Queen Myrrah offered Adam a deal: he would create a vaccine capable of destroying the Lambent, and she, in turn, would spare his life. The Locust ruler warned that time was running out: the vaccine must be delivered on time, otherwise she would invade Sera's surface and wage war on humanity. Remaining underground was impossible, as the Lambent greatly outnumbered the Locusts and could destroy them at any moment.

Adam Fenix ​​was unable to come to Mirra's aid, as he was busy developing the Hammer of Dawn—an orbital laser weapon designed to ensure the victory of the Coalition of Aligned States in the Pendulum Wars. The Queen began preparing for an invasion, while the Lambent continued to strengthen their position beneath Sera. The Locusts plotted to colonize the planet and take revenge on humanity, which had created them.

Day of the Break

The Pendulum Wars ended with the triumph of the Coalition of Aligned States, bringing the entire planet Sera under its control. The Union of Independent Republics collapsed, and all armed conflicts on Earth ceased, giving people hope for a long-awaited peace. However, just six weeks after the wars ended, humanity faced a new threat—a Locust invasion. These bugs attacked all major cities of Sera, causing indiscriminate damage, including to children and the elderly.

The Locusts carefully planned their attack. Led by the infamous General Raam, Mirra's chief strategist, their soldiers first destroyed the military base in the city of Jannermont and then concentrated on the capital, Ephyra. In this attack, the Locusts used Brumaks—giant mutants the size of multi-story buildings—which enhanced their strength and intimidation.

Sera was plunged into chaos when Locust forces launched a surprise attack on the COG. In less than 24 hours, over 25% of the global population perished. In response to this threat, the government declared a general mobilization and organized the evacuation of survivors to protected cities on the granite Jacinto Plateau, where the Locust could not tunnel. During fierce battles, the human army used poison gas in underground passages, sewers, and subways, significantly slowing the Locust advance. The Hammer of Dawn orbital weapon, developed by Adam Fenix, was used to destroy the Brumak swarms. These measures became decisive in the struggle for the survival of humanity in the face of a global catastrophe.

The event known as Eruption Day forever changed the course of human history. Following this tragedy, the timeline was revised, and history began to be divided into two periods: before and after Eruption Day. The details of the event itself remain unclear, as Gears of War focuses on the aftermath of this cataclysm, rather than the details of the onset of the war with the Locust. This creates an atmosphere of mystery and allows players to complete the picture themselves, exploring the aftermath of the Eruption and its impact on human society.

Humanity's War with the Locust

Event Day began a protracted war between the COG and the Locust. The course of this conflict has been thoroughly covered in the main Gears of War games, as well as its spin-offs. Pendulum Wars veteran Marcus Fenix, son of Adam Fenix, became humanity's savior and played a key role in the fight for survival. Ten years after Eruption Day, the COG capital of Ephyra was devastated by an attack by tens of thousands of Locusts. Humanity suffered heavy losses and was forced to retreat. At this critical moment, Marcus Fenix ​​abandoned his post after hearing his father's distress call. Unfortunately, he was unable to save Adam and was court-martialed. For disobeying orders, Marcus was sentenced to 40 years in prison. The events of the first game take place 14 years after the catastrophic Eruption Day. Protagonist Marcus Fenix ​​is ​​released from prison because the COG urgently needs skilled fighters. He becomes a member of the elite Delta Force and, together with his trusted comrade, Dominic Santiago, undertakes the most dangerous missions. As the story progresses, Delta Force is joined by other memorable COG characters, including the confident mechanic Damon Baird and former sports star Augustus Cole, adding dynamic and varied gameplay. This game deepens the storyline, exploring themes of camaraderie, sacrifice, and the struggle for survival in a post-apocalyptic world.

The lore of the Gears of War games is revealed through notes that provide details about the backstory of the world. However, the core plot remains fairly simple and straightforward: good COG soldiers fight bad Locusts. Understanding the main events of the global story doesn't require delving into character biographies or studying the preceding events. The series focuses on the dramas of ordinary soldiers striving to end the war and find a peaceful life after years of conflict. Additional aspects of the universe's backstory are also presented in comics and official books, allowing players to delve deeper into the rich world of Gears of War.

Marcus Fenix, being a member of Delta Squad, consistently destroys the Locust forces. At the end of the first game, he defeats General Raam, one of Myrra's confidants. In the second game, he infiltrates the Nexus, and in the third, he battles both Myrra and the Lambent. Marcus's epic battle against his enemies demonstrates his courage and strategic abilities, highlighting the importance of his role in confronting the Locust threat.

The third game in the series reveals the personal tragedy of protagonist Marcus. He discovers that his father, Adam Fenix, did not die during the fall of Ephyra, as previously believed. In fact, he was kidnapped by the COG government to lead scientific research on Azura Island aimed at helping humanity. During the game, Adam contacts Marcus and shares information about a counter-emulsion weapon capable of destroying all Locusts and Lambent on the planet Sera using energy waves. However, Adam harbors a dark secret: he is infected with the Lambent virus and is also doomed to die. At the game's conclusion, Marcus chooses to use this weapon, ending the war, but at the same time, he loses his father. This emotional arc underscores the drama and tragedy of the game's events and adds depth to Marcus's character.

25 years after the events of Sera, the Swarm appears—remnants of the Locust race that have mutated under the influence of the counter-emulsion weapon. The main difference between the Swarm and the Locusts is that its members are covered in a yellow, crystalline mass and capture humans, placing them in cocoons where they become mutants. However, in essence, the behavior of the Swarm is almost identical to the behavior of the Locusts.

A new generation of soldiers The COG, led by Marcus's son, JD, and his ally, Kait Diaz, faces a serious threat. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that the Swarm has kidnapped Kait's mother, Reyna. Surprisingly, Reyna is the biological daughter of Queen Myrrah and is no different from ordinary humans. However, over the course of events, she becomes the leader of the Swarm and continues the Locust legacy, launching a new global war against humanity. This conflict escalates the confrontation between humans and their enemies, putting the future of all humanity at risk.

The stories of JD and Kait Diaz are explored in Gears of War 4 and Gears 5. Their story will conclude in Gears 6, which is expected to be released in the future.

What will Gears of War: E-Day show?

The new part of the series will immerse players in the events of Eruption Day and the days following the Locust invasion. The main characters will be young Marcus Fenix ​​and Dominic Santiago, who encounter mutants for the first time and find themselves in a situation where they do not know how to resist them. The game will offer a unique experience, immersing you in dramatic moments of the battle for survival, where every choice matters. The story will focus on combating dangerous enemies and developing relationships between characters, adding depth and emotional weight to the gameplay. This gripping sequel is sure to attract fans of the franchise and new players alike.

The Coalition announced that E-Day will feature horror elements, with Locusts reminiscent of terrifying creatures from nightmares. The game will not only expand the Gears of War universe but also showcase the character development of Marcus and Dominic. At the beginning of E-Day, they will appear to players as inexperienced and frightened heroes, a far cry from the fearless warriors they were in the original trilogy. The game will also tell the story of the Lancer chainsaw-equipped assault rifle, the most iconic weapon in the Gears of War universe. This will provide a deeper understanding of the context and evolution of both weapons and characters, adding new details to the universe's rich lore.

At this time, additional plot details are lacking. It's unclear what changes E-Day will bring to the global story. The release date for the next Gears of War game has not yet been announced, but it will be available on Game Pass from day one on PC and Xbox Series X/S. This will allow players to enjoy new adventures without additional costs.