Xbox and Windows players are gearing up for an exciting journey back to the origins of the Gears of War saga with the forthcoming release of Gears of War: E-Day. This highly anticipated sixth installment serves as a prequel to the original Gears of War game, transporting players 14 years before the narrative of Gears of War 1 and 42 years before Gears 5. The plot delves into the onset of the Locust War, allowing gamers to step into the shoes of Marcus Fenix and Dominic Santiago as they confront the terrifying realities of the Locust Horde for the first time. While familiar Locust enemies are expected to make an appearance, fans can also anticipate the potential introduction of new variations that could surprise both newcomers and series veterans.
Understanding the Ranks of the Locust Horde
Throughout the Gears of War series, players have encountered a range of Locust troops, each with distinct roles and abilities. At the bottom of the hierarchy, the Wretches, with their ape-like forms, and the explosive Tickers serve as the most basic units in the Locust ranks. Above them are the fearsome Berserkers—blind female warriors capable of annihilating entire squads of COG soldiers using sheer brute force. They are typically defeated only through powerful weaponry like scorchers or Hammer of Dawn strikes.
Next in line are the formidable Boomers, Butchers, Grinders, Maulers, and Tremors, each wielding deadly weaponry such as cleavers, flails, and boomshots. The versatile Drones represent the backbone of the Locust military structure, taking on several roles from Beast Riders to elite ranks like Theron Guards or even leadership positions, exemplified by General RAAM.
The Kantus represent a unique tier within the Locust hierarchy, specializing in battlefield revival and capable of ascending to ranks such as Armored Kantuses, High Priests, and Generals like Skorge. Additional infantry consists of mutated creatures from the subterranean Hollow, including colossal Corpsers, aerial Reavers, and the menacing Brumaks, as well as various other creatures that provide unique challenges to players. Some mounted leaders command mutated beasts like Ukkon’s singular Corpser, Shibboleth, emphasizing the creativity and danger within the Locust ranks.
Interestingly, the Locust are not merely fictional monsters; they are genetically modified humans designed to serve as super soldiers for the Coalition of Ordered Governments (COG).
Anticipating New Locust Designs in Gears of War: E-Day
The Gears of War franchise has a history of reimagining and introducing never-before-seen locust troops in its prequel installments. For instance, in Gears of War 3: RAAM’s Shadow DLC, players encountered colossal Serapedes—massive insects that were retroactively placed into the Locust War timeline. Similarly, Gears of War: Judgment featured the Ragers, which began as standard Drones but could transform into powerful, aggressive foes when provoked. Their early extinction in the war provided a narrative explanation for their absence in subsequent games.
Following the established trend from previous entries, The Coalition has the opportunity to craft additional Locust types in E-Day while maintaining the possibility of these new entities dying out in the war’s early stages, mirroring the fate of the Ragers. Potential designs could incorporate a hybrid Locust creature, blending characteristics of Drones and Wretches, enabling it to navigate terrain in varied ways while still utilizing weapons and melee attacks. Furthermore, enhanced variations of Boomers could introduce unique traits, such as wielding enormous bows or being capable of tearing foes apart before launching them at players.
Innovative Hollow Creature Designs in Gears of War: E-Day
In addition to new humanoid Locust species, The Coalition might explore the realm of Hollow creatures that serve the Locust Horde. One intriguing concept could be a creature modeled after the Swarm’s Pouncers and Snatchers, specializing in stealth to ambush COG troops effectively. This biological precursor could also deepen the lore of the series. Another exciting possibility is the introduction of a massive, bat-like creature capable of snatching and dropping soldiers, enriching the battlefield experience with unpredictability while also deploying additional Locust fighters for support.
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