Gears of War turns 20 today. The original launched on Xbox 360 on November 7, 2006, and The Coalition is giving RAAM to every Gears of War: E-Day player as a free multiplayer character. You just log in to claim him, and a two-week anniversary event with two limited-time modes is running now.
Last checked on November 7, 2026. Official Everything below comes from The Coalition’s Xbox Wire post of November 6, written by studio brand director Nicole Fawcette.
How to claim RAAM for free
- Launch Gears of War: E-Day on November 7, the anniversary date.
- Log in. The Coalition says RAAM is given to “every Gears of War: E-Day player as a free gift” and that you can “just login to claim him instantly”.
- Find RAAM in your multiplayer character selection. No purchase is needed.
Note that Xbox’s store terms say E-Day’s online multiplayer (Versus, Horde Siege, online co-op) needs a Game Pass subscription that includes online multiplayer. Claiming the character only takes a login, but you’ll need that access to use him online.
20th anniversary event modes
| Mode | Type | What changes |
|---|---|---|
| Guardian | Versus (PvP) | Leader-based mode where “only one leader makes it out alive” |
| For the Queen | Horde Siege (PvE) | The supply cache is off, so your squad has to rely on its loadouts |
Official The event started this week and runs for two weeks, with new rewards on top of the free RAAM.
What’s next: Season 2 “Legacy” on December 1
Official Season 2, called Legacy, starts December 1. It brings back fan-favorite maps, modes and multiplayer skins from 20 years of Gears. The first skin shown is “Solemn Memories” Dom, in the suit from his famous photo with Maria in Gears of War 2.
The timing puts Gears’ anniversary event between GTA 6’s preload on November 10 and launch on November 19. For everything else out this month, see our November 2026 game releases list.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get RAAM for free in Gears of War: E-Day?
Log in to Gears of War: E-Day on November 7, 2026, the 20th anniversary. The Coalition says every player gets RAAM as a free multiplayer character as soon as they log in.
When did the first Gears of War come out?
Gears of War launched on Xbox 360 on November 7, 2006, so November 7, 2026 is the series’ 20th anniversary.
What are the Gears 20th anniversary modes?
Guardian in Versus, where only one leader survives, and For the Queen in Horde Siege, which turns off the supply cache. The event lasts two weeks.
When does Gears of War: E-Day Season 2 start?
Season 2, Legacy, starts December 1, 2026, with returning maps, modes and skins, including Solemn Memories Dom.