The E-Day arsenal mixes rebuilt classics with new weapons designed for brutal close quarters — and one piece of series iconography literally does not exist yet when the game begins.
Confirmed Weapons
| Weapon | Class | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lancer (Mark 1 / prototype) | Assault rifle | Official | Bayonet-era; the chainsaw is invented during the campaign — you handle an early prototype |
| Retro Lancer | Assault rifle | Official (preview) | Featured in hands-on previews; hits harder but handles rougher |
| Gnasher | Shotgun | Official | The close-quarters king; retuned for the new movement |
| Snub Pistol | Sidearm | Official | Returns as the starting sidearm |
| Longshot | Sniper | Official | Balcony and rooftop pick-offs across Kalona's sightlines |
| Gut Puncher | Grenade launcher | Official | Player-controlled detonation on impact |
| Incinerator | Shotgun | Official | Locust-made; fires acidic Imulsion that melts on contact |
The Chainsaw Lancer Origin
The most-watched lore thread in the game: Gears lore says the chainsaw Lancer didn't exist during the Pendulum Wars. E-Day shows its invention during the early days of the invasion, with Marcus Fenix's direct involvement — "complete with an early prototype version to get hands-on with" (campaign previews).
A continuity touch from The Coalition: the team tracked down the original chainsaw model used to record the Lancer's audio for Gears of War (2006) and re-recorded its sound in higher fidelity for E-Day.
Weapon Mods (multiplayer)
In Horde Siege, weapons gain a full mod system — a first for mainline Gears:
- Mods are unlocked via class progression, then purchased with Weapon Parts earned in matches
- Customization is shared across classes — modded Lancer work carries to any class using that weapon
- Armor Mods and Tactical Gear Mods sit on separate progression tracks — see /multiplayer/horde-siege-classes.html
Full Roster Note
This database lists weapons confirmed by official copy and hands-on previews before launch. The complete roster (counts, tiers, pick-up locations) fills in after launch — this page carries a Partial status until then.
Questions
Does the Lancer have a chainsaw in E-Day?
Not at the start. The chainsaw is invented during the campaign — you use a bayonet-fitted prototype Lancer before the iconic weapon is born.
What is the Gut Puncher?
A grenade launcher whose rounds you detonate manually — player-controlled timing for area denial.
What is the Incinerator?
A Locust-made shotgun that fires acidic Imulsion, melting enemies on contact — one of the new weapons built for close-quarters brutality.
Are there weapon skins?
Yes — pre-order Exfil skins, Metallica "Ride The Lightning" skins, and seasonal customization packs (see /release/pre-order.html).