Ahead of Gears 5’s PC and Xbox One launch this week, Microsoft has shared details on the game’s live-service-style Operations, set to introduce the likes of free maps and rewards to multiplayer on a regular basis.
According to Microsoft’s latest blogpost, new Operations will come to Gears 5 every three months, and each will offer new modes, new arenas for Versus and Horde mode, new earnable characters with their own unique skills and abilities, new customisation items, and more, including new tiles and support for Gear 5’s Map Builder.
Additionally, each new Operation will introduce a fresh Tour of Duty – a season-long progression system structured very much like the now widely adopted Battle Pass model, albeit entirely free – enabling players to unlock new cosmetic content through play.
Gears 5 Multiplayer Trailer – Operations Explained Watch on YouTube
There will be seasonal medals and three new Tour of Duty objectives to tackle each day, awarding stars to help progress through the Tour Rank. New customisation options exclusive to the current Tour of Duty season – including character and weapon skins, banners, expressions, marks, executions, and blood sprays – are unlocked on reaching a new level and medal group.