Gears Tactics Pros and Cons: Worth Playing?

Gears Tactics is a turn-based tactics game set in the Gears of War universe, and it is worth playing if you enjoy challenging, squad-based strategy games, but it may disappoint if you expect a traditional Gears cover shooter. The game combines the brutal, chainsaw-heavy aesthetic of the series with XCOM-like grid-based combat, offering a deep and demanding tactical experience. This article breaks down the pros and cons to help you decide if it fits your gaming preferences.

Formula

The calculator above works out your average pace and speed for a given distance and finish time. The formulas are:

• Pace (min/km) = Finish time (minutes) ÷ Distance (km)
• Speed (km/h) = Distance (km) ÷ (Finish time (minutes) ÷ 60)

Variables:

• t – finish time in minutes (e.g., 50 min)
• d – distance in kilometers (e.g., 10 km)
• pace – average time per kilometer, in minutes per kilometer
• speed – average speed in kilometers per hour

Worked Example

Using the default values: t = 50 minutes, d = 10 km.

1. Pace = 50 ÷ 10 = 5.00 min/km
2. Speed = 10 ÷ (50 ÷ 60) = 10 ÷ 0.8333 = 12.00 km/h

The calculator returns a pace of 5.00 min/km and a speed of 12.00 km/h.

Background: From Cover Shooter to Tactics

Gears Tactics, released in 2020 for PC and later for consoles, is a spin-off from the main Gears of War series. Developed by Splash Damage and The Coalition, it shifts the franchise from its signature third-person cover shooter mechanics to a turn-based tactical format. The story is a prequel, following Gears soldier Gabe Diaz as he hunts a scientist named Ukkon, a villain who experiments on the Locust. The game retains the dark, gritty tone and over-the-top violence of the series, but the gameplay is more akin to XCOM or Phoenix Point. This background matters because it sets expectations: if you are a fan of the original shooters, the change in genre is the biggest hurdle.

How the Gameplay Works

The core loop of Gears Tactics is turn-based combat on a grid map. You control a squad of up to five soldiers, each with unique classes like Vanguard, Heavy, or Scout. Each turn, you get action points to move, shoot, use abilities, or reload. The key twist is the “active reload” system from the shooters, which now appears as a timed prompt during attacks, rewarding precise timing with extra damage or faster reloads. Another unique mechanic is the “down but not out” state: when a soldier takes fatal damage, they are not immediately dead—you have a limited number of turns to revive them before they bleed out permanently. This adds tension and forces you to balance aggression with caution.

Missions are linear but often include optional objectives, such as rescuing civilians or collecting resources. Between missions, you return to a hub where you can upgrade gear, assign skill points, and customize your squad’s appearance. The game also features a “hero” system where certain characters have unique skills and story ties, but they can still permanently die if you are not careful.

Pros: What It Does Well

• Deep tactical combat: The cover system, flanking bonuses, and ability synergies reward careful planning. Each class has distinct roles, and the enemy AI is aggressive, often forcing you to adapt.
• Excellent presentation: The graphics are top-notch, with detailed environments, gory executions, and a cinematic feel. The sound design, from the chainsaw rev to the gunfire, is immersive.
• Replayability: The campaign is about 20-30 hours, but there are side missions, collectibles, and a “New Game Plus” mode. The random mission generation and varying enemy compositions add replay value.
• Accessible difficulty options: You can adjust difficulty from “Easy” to “Insane,” and there are options to reduce permadeath or enable checkpoints, making it more approachable for newcomers to the genre.

Cons: Where It Falls Short

• Repetitive mission structure: Many missions boil down to “kill all enemies” or “survive waves,” which can feel monotonous after a few hours. The objectives rarely deviate from the core combat loop.
• No multiplayer or co-op: Unlike the main Gears games, there is no multiplayer mode or cooperative campaign. This is a significant omission for those who enjoy playing with friends.
• Story is forgettable: While the voice acting is solid, the plot is predictable and lacks the emotional weight of the main series. The villain, Ukkon, is cartoonishly evil, and the character development is shallow.
• Performance issues: On some platforms, particularly the original PC release, there were reports of frame rate drops and bugs. Many have been patched, but the console versions can still have occasional slowdowns during intense fights.

Comparing to XCOM and Other Tactics Games

If you have played XCOM 2, you will notice many similarities: grid-based movement, cover percentages, and permadeath. However, Gears Tactics is faster-paced—soldiers can move and shoot in the same turn, and there is no “overwatch” mechanic in the same way; instead, you have a “cover” system that reduces damage. Compared to Phoenix Point, it is more linear and less ambitious in its sandbox, but more polished in its presentation. The main differentiator is the Gears IP: the weapons, enemies, and lore are unique. If you are a fan of the series, this is a fresh way to experience the universe; if you are not, it is a competent tactics game but not a genre-defining one.

Common Problems and Misconceptions

One common misconception is that Gears Tactics is a simplified version of XCOM. In reality, it has its own complexities, such as the “execution” mechanic that grants extra action points when you kill an enemy in melee, which encourages risk-taking. Another misconception is that the game is too hard for casual players. While the default difficulty is challenging, the “Easy” mode is genuinely forgiving, and the game includes a “casual” option that removes permadeath. A frequent technical complaint is the lack of a “save anywhere” feature; the game only autosaves between missions, so a long mission can be lost if you quit. This is a design choice to increase tension, but it can be frustrating.

Cost and Value

Gears Tactics is often available at a discounted price, especially during sales. It is included in Xbox Game Pass for PC and console, which makes it a low-risk try if you already subscribe. The full price is comparable to other AAA titles, but the lack of multiplayer and limited replayability might make some players feel it is not worth full price. However, if you enjoy the tactical genre, the campaign length and side content provide a solid 20-30 hours of gameplay, which is decent value.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Gears Tactics like XCOM?

Yes, it shares many mechanics with XCOM, such as turn-based combat, cover, and permadeath, but it is faster and more aggressive, with a focus on executions and active reloads. It also has a linear story rather than a base-building meta-game.

Can I play Gears Tactics with friends?

No, there is no multiplayer or co-op mode. The game is strictly single-player, which is a notable difference from the main Gears games.

Is Gears Tactics canon to the Gears of War story?

Yes, it is considered canon, taking place about 12 years before the first Gears of War game. It introduces characters like Gabe Diaz, who is the father of Kait Diaz from Gears 5.

How long is the campaign?

The main campaign takes roughly 20-30 hours, depending on difficulty and how many side missions you complete. It is shorter than XCOM 2’s campaign but longer than most shooters.

Is the game too hard?

The default difficulty is challenging, but there are multiple difficulty settings, including an “Easy” mode and a “Casual” option that removes permadeath. It is accessible to newcomers who are willing to learn the mechanics.

Does it have microtransactions?

No, there are no microtransactions. All content is included in the base game, and there are no loot boxes or pay-to-win elements.

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in t | Finish time | min | 50 | 0
in d | Distance | km | 10 | 0
out pace | Average pace | min/km | t / d | 2
out speed | Average speed | km/h | d / (t / 60) | 2