Gears 5 hits its lowest Steam price ever with 85% off
Gears 5 has dropped to its cheapest price yet on Steam, giving shooter fans a strong reason to jump into one of Xbox’s most recognizable franchises. The 2019 third-person action game is currently 85% off until August 13, bringing the price down to around $4.50 instead of its usual $30. This marks the first time Gears 5 has fallen below the $5 mark on Steam.
For longtime Xbox players, the Gears series needs little introduction. Originally known as Gears of War, the franchise helped define cover-based shooters with heavy weapons, brutal close-range combat, and cinematic battles against monstrous enemies. While the series is no longer tied only to Xbox consoles, Gears 5 remains one of the strongest modern entries for fans of intense sci-fi action.
The story picks up after the events of the previous game and follows Kait Diaz, a soldier fighting on the planet Sera as terrifying creatures called the Swarm attack cities and capture civilians. As the war grows more desperate, Kait begins experiencing disturbing visions and uncovers a mysterious connection to the enemy. Her journey with her squad leads to shocking revelations about her family, the Swarm, and the darker history behind the conflict.
New players can still enjoy the campaign, but Gears 5 is more rewarding for those familiar with earlier entries. Many of the characters, emotional moments, and major plot points build on previous games. Anyone who wants to experience the series from the start may prefer beginning with Gears of War: Reloaded, the 2025 remaster of the original game.
In terms of gameplay, Gears 5 delivers exactly what fans expect: aggressive cover-based shooting, explosive set pieces, heavy weapons, and the iconic Lancer rifle with its built-in chainsaw bayonet. Players will blast through waves of grotesque enemies, flank opponents from cover, and survive intense firefights across a variety of environments.
The campaign also adds semi-open areas that give players more freedom to explore between major story missions. These sections offer a change of pace from the linear action the series is known for, though some players have found them less exciting than the traditional combat-heavy levels.
Co-op remains a major highlight. The Gears 5 campaign can be played with up to two friends, making it a great pick for anyone looking for a story-driven co-op shooter on PC. Beyond the campaign, the game includes Horde Mode and competitive online multiplayer, giving players plenty to do after the credits roll.
Critics praised Gears 5 for its powerful combat, polished presentation, strong visuals, and generous content. A full completion run can take around 19 hours, while multiplayer and Horde Mode can extend playtime much further. The game holds a Metascore of 82, reflecting a generally positive critical reception.
Steam user reviews are more mixed but still mostly positive, with many praising the action and production quality while criticizing microtransactions, launch-era technical problems, and some slower open-area sections. Despite those complaints, Gears 5 is still widely considered one of the best modern third-person shooters available on PC.
Another bonus for handheld PC players is that Gears 5 is Steam Deck Playable, making it a solid option for anyone who wants to take the action on the go.
At under $5, Gears 5 is an easy recommendation for fans of sci-fi shooters, co-op campaigns, and cinematic action games. It is also a timely way to catch up before Gears of War: E-Day arrives on October 6, 2026. If you have been waiting for the right moment to try the latest mainline entry in the Gears series, this all-time low Steam deal is the best opportunity so far.
