Fans of the Xbox Play Anywhere title Gears of War 4 have a lot to look forward to this month: New maps, various updates and improvements, and, for Season Pass subscribers, bonus XP and Credit rewards.
Microsoft describes the December Update for Gears of War 4 as th second major update for this title; the first major update hit on November 1.
New to this update:
Sign up for our new free newsletter to get three time-saving tips each Friday — and get free copies of Paul Thurrott's Windows 11 and Windows 10 Field Guides (normally $9.99) as a special welcome gift!
"*" indicates required fields
Two new multiplayer maps. Following the release of fan-favorite maps Checkout and Drydock last month, the December Update will likewise bring with it two new maps, on December 13, Speyer and Glory. Microsoft has created video flythroughs of each, which you can view here (Speyer) and here (Glory). Unfortunately, two maps, Gridlock and Relic, are likewise being removed from the game’s public playlists, though you can buy them separately if you want to keep playing.
Various updates and improvements. Responding to gamer feedback, Microsoft is adding a Daily Rewards system, improved visual feedback for damage dealt with the Gnasher, a vertical split-screen experience for Windows 10 players, improvements to footstep audio balance, and other improvements in the December Update. Other improvements—including “a pre-game lobby for Core and Competitive as well as a number of punitive tools to discourage or prevent quitting”—are coming soon too.
Additional Credits and XP for Season Pass Holders. Season Pass subscribers will now earn additional XP and Credit rewards when playing the Developer Playlist during the week it’s first available. As before, Season Pass holders will also get early access to new maps (December 6 in this case) and have access to all DLC maps permanently for use in Versus and Horde Private Matches.
“Gearsmas”. According to Microsoft, “the Gears Holiday tradition of ‘Gearsmas’ will be returning in style, with new content to earn through play, special holiday heads and a new Special Event featuring a wintery twist on a classic Gears of War weapon.” Microsoft will provide more info about “Gearsmas” soon, it says.