The latest big update this month is coming to Gears of War, and Microsoft have also given us a sneak peak into the future of the title.

The following additions are coming to Gears of War 4 as part of a new update this month:

This Month’s Maps

Mercy
The classic “Gears of War 3” battleground set in the hometown of Dominic Santiago’s wife, Maria, makes its much-anticipated return in Gears of War 4.
Now set in the end stages of winter, the fights you know and love are all here – including the close-quarters pew battles inside the church and the fight to dominate the high ground in the center of the map – playing just like you remember.

Harbor Haze
Prepare for nerve-shaking combat in Harbor Haze! This new take on Harbor is set during the day, and introduces a brand-new mist mechanic that envelopes the battlefield.
The mist can roll in from the sea at any time, dramatically reducing visibility and providing the perfect opportunity for surprise attacks or sneaky flanks. The mist changes the dynamics combat drastically – if you’re brave enough to find out how.

Both of these maps are available now in the Developer Playlist with Double XP and 20% Bonus Credits for Season Pass holders. Look for them in Public Matchmaking for all players beginning on September 12th.

New Achievements

This month, we’re adding 500G of new achievements to Gears of War 4. After the hardcore Horde and Campaign achievements included with Rise of the Horde, this new list introduces 20 new achievements focused on your first moments with the game. For many of you, you’ll have these new achievements instantly awarded the day you turn on the game.

Matchmaking Improvements

This month also brings major improvements to the matchmaking experience in “Gears of War 4.” In the coming weeks, we’ll be switching from Region Locked matchmaking (matching you only with players in your choice of Region) to a new Quality of Service matchmaking system.

Other September Additions

In Mid-September, we’ll be ending the first Ranked Season and handing out those Reward Weapon Skins for eligible players. Ranked Season 2 resets the playing field, and you’ll need to go back out there and earn your Ranks again in each playlist.

We’ll also have two new Gear Packs this month beginning with the return of the Locust Sniper. On top of that, we’ll have a brand new special event for Versus and a Bonus Loot Drop event in our 25 wave Horde experience – Horde Frenzy.

Going forwards, here are a few things planned for Gears of War 4:

  • Our Xbox One X Enhanced Update, featuring support for 4K, HDR, Dolby Atmos and new graphical enhancements
  • New Gear Packs containing characters and weapon skins to add to your collection.
  • Monthly Versus and Horde events with exclusive challenge-based rewards
  • Major Seasonal events like “11 Years of Gears,” “Gearsmas” and “Thanksgibbing”
  • Ranked Seasons with skill placement rewards

Are you looking forward to all of this content for Gears of War 4? Be sure to let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.