Part 3

Master Gears of War 4 controls like revving the chainsaw (B) and active reload (Right Bumper). Learn essential cover mechanics to survive.

Controls:

1. B: Melee. Hold with Lancer equipped to rev chainsaw.
2. X: Interact (open doors, press buttons, switch weapons).
3. Y: See "Points of Interest" (important objects like bridge detach button) and Dom's location when split up.
4. Right Bumper: Reload. Press twice with correct timing for "Active Reload."
5. Left Bumper: Bring up objectives list, squadmate locations, and status.
6. Right Trigger: Use weapon.
7. Left Trigger: Targeting reticule.

Taking Cover, and Why It's Important

Unlike many shooting games, you cannot withstand significant damage in Gears of War 4. Marcus Fenix has low health; grenades can kill you, and headshots usually mean death. Taking cover is essential for survival and completing the game. Place any object between you and enemy fire. Health regenerates when you are not taking damage, which typically occurs while in cover. If you are hurt, remain in cover.

How to Take Cover:

1. Stand next to an object or wall.
2. Press the A button. Marcus or Dom will automatically assume a position behind the nearest coverable entity.
3. You can move while in cover. Pulling the Left Stick away from the cover will cause you to "unstick" from it.

Health Management:

• Keep an eye on your health, represented by the Gears of War skull logo around your aiming reticule (HUD (heads-up display — the on-screen icons showing health, ammo and the minimap)).
• When you lose about half your health (indicated by the logo becoming more full and the screen tinting darker red), return to cover and wait for it to regenerate.

Movement and Cover:

• Pressing A while moving initiates a roll unless you are near cover.
• Holding A while moving initiates a "Roadie Run," a faster, ducking run that is harder to steer. Use this to cover ground between cover points during firefights.

Exiting Cover:

• Swing Out and Dash: While on the edge of an object, press Up on the Left Thumbstick and A to swing out and dash forward. Keep holding A to Roadie Run.
• Vault Over: While crouched behind a small object, press Up on the Left Thumbstick and A to vault over it. You are exposed while vaulting, so quickly get behind cover afterward if in a firefight.

Enemies:

• Locusts: Humanoid enemies varying in weapons and tactics. Some charge with shotguns, others use the Hammerburst or Lancer. Many stay behind cover and advance. On Insane difficulty, their melee attack is a one-hit kill.
• Boomers: Larger, slower enemies carrying Boomshots (rocket launchers). They are easy targets due to their size. A fully charged Torque Bow usually kills them in one shot. On Casual and Hardcore, two Lancer clips are effective. Sniping is also a good option.