Ahead Of Xbox Series X Launch, Gears 5 Is Revamping How You Unlock Content

The developers of Gears 5 have introduced a major change to how you unlock new content in the game, and the update comes just a few months before the game is made playable on Xbox Series X.

Through the new Operation 4 update, Gears 5 has "completely revamped" how new content is unlocked, developer The Coalition said in a blog post. The studio acknowledged that the earlier system, which included elements called "scrap" and "supply" was too complicated and, in some cases, didn't allow you to acquire the content you actually wanted.

Those two elements, along with the Totem system that was how you unlocked new characters, have been removed from Gears 5 in favor of a streamlined system.

"Characters are now unlocked whenever you get ANY character skin associated with that character; so whether you pick up a Dom skin by playing Tour or the 'base' version via the store--he's immediately playable," The Coalition said.

The Coalition has also introduced a new in-game currency, which is called Gears Coins. These Coins are unlocked through gameplay and can be spent on "nearly every item" in the store. PvE players, meanwhile, can use the Coins to upgrade skill cards. However, items like Esports packs will not unclockable through Gears Coins.

The Gears Coins can only be unlocked through gameplay, and not with real money. The Coalition said the fastest and simplest way to unlock more Coins is by advancing through the Tour of Duty, which is Gears 5's progression system.

Players who reach the max rank in Tour of Duty will get a new "Legends" ranking. If you're dedicated enough to reach this status, you'll keep unlocking Gears Coins; there is no cap. Those who have a balance of Scraps and Totems will have them converted to Gears Coins.

Finally, Gears 5 is introducing a new store that features a permanent collection of stuff to buy. Previously, items rotated in and out. New content will come to the store every week, and at first, the new items will only be unlockable by spending another form of currency, Iron, which can be earned through gameplay or by spending real money. After a "short amount of time," the items will be added to another section of the store when they can be unlocked using Coins or Iron.

For more on these new changes, check out the full blog post.

Looking ahead, Gears 5 will be updated to support the Xbox Series X. The game will look better and run faster on the next-generation console, with frame rates of up to 120fps.