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Insane modeSuccessfully complete the game to unlock the Insane difficulty.
Bonus multiplayer skinsSuccessfully complete the indicated task to unlock the corresponding skin in Multiplayer mode:
- Anthony Carmine: Successfully complete Act 1 in the original Gears Of War (have any Act 1 achievement unlocked from that game).
- Dizzy Wallin: Successfully complete Act 1 in Single Player mode.
- Flame Grenadier: Successfully complete Act 4 in Single Player mode.
- Kantus: Successfully complete Act 2 in Single Player mode.
- Lt. Minh Young Kim: Find 10 COG tags in the original Gears Of War (have the 'Time To Remember' achivement unlocked from that game).
- RAAM: Defeat RAAM in the original Gears Of War (have the 'A Dish Best Served Cold' achievement unlocked from that game).
- Skorge: Successfully complete Act 5 in Single Player mode.
- Tai Kaliso: Successfully complete Act 3 in Single Player mode.
Successfully complete Campaign mode on the Insane difficulty to unlock a Gamerpic of Marcus. Get the 'Seriously 2.0' achievement to unlock another Gamerpic of Marcus. Get the 'Friends With Benefits' achievement to unlock a Gamerpic of Marcus and Dom. With the Collector's Edition of the game, insert the bonus disc, and go to 'Gamer Pictures' to unlock both sets. One set has COG and the other has Locust.
Star rankWhen you reach rank 100, instead of '100' appearing as your rank, you will instead have a star. This indicates it as being the highest rank possible.
Using any regular weapon with BoomshieldWhile standing above a Boomshield, equip your pistol. Perform a melee attack, then quickly press X + D-pad Left or Right. If done correctly, you should now be using whatever weapon was in the left or right slot with your Boomshield equipped. Note: This will not work with the Mulcher or Mortar, as they do not occupy an actual weapon slot.
Neck breakWhile in front of a downed enemy, press X + A. This will automatically break the enemy's neck from any direction quickly and effectively without picking the enemy up first.
Kung fu flipTake cover behind anything you can jump over, such as a Boom Shield. Quickly press Up + A, then press A again. Wait a split second, then press Down + A.
Easy Flame Grenadier killsTo easily kill a Flame Grenadier, shoot the fuel tanks on its back. It will then become a very large mobile grenade. Do not stand too close to it or you will be downed or killed.
Skipping cinematicsPress Back to skip the cinematic sequences. Whenever Marcus is talking to control (he will have a finger on his ear) or to Alpha 2, you can also them. Marcus will sometimes say something similar to 'Don't wanna here it' or 'Quit yapping'.
Hidden sequenceWhen the 'Gears Of War: Press Start' screen appears, do not press Start. Allow the game to idle for a few minutes, and a bonus video will begin to play.
Hidden messageSuccessfully complete the game, and allow the credits to end to view a secret message.
Cowboy hat easter eggPlay Act 1: Chapter 3 - 'Rolling Thunder' on the Insane difficulty. Shoot the three hidden cowboy hats at the start of the chapter. You and the other COG will wear cowboy hats for the rest of the level. Additionally, a Corpser will also be wearing a cowboy hat.
Toaster easter eggIn Act 4: Chapter 5 - 'The Best-Laid Plans', after meeting Dom (or Marcus if co-op) again, walk to the end of the hallway where Locust ammunition boxes are found. Shoot the pedestal in the center along the wall, then press X to reveal a hidden toaster that will pop some toast.
Collectible locationsThe 41 Collectibles can be found at the following locations:
Act 1: Tip Of The Spear
Chapter 1: Welcome To Delta
Collectible 01: The Eagle Newspaper
When the chapter begins, make sure to select the 'Training' option. Immediately after you begin, go down the alley, and look on the ground for The Eagle Newspaper; it is in the middle of the street.
Collectible 02: Ambulance Driver's Log
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Once you drop down the ladder at the end of the training area, go right, and enter the garage to find the Ambulance Driver's Log.
Chapter 2: Desperation
Collectible 03: Doctor's Journal
After your first encounter with the Locusts in the hospital, you will be in a long room overlooking the floor below you. Go to the left of the room and into a small adjacent room to find the Doctor's Journal.
Collectible 04: Jacinto Medical Center File
A few rooms ahead you will find a large, enclosed reception desk in the center of the room. Check the floor inside to find the Jacinto Medical Center File.
Collectible 05: COG Letterhead
Right beside the cafeteria is a small room with a desk and a computer. Inside this room is the COG Letterhead.
Collectible 06: COG Proclamation
The COG Proclamation is on the second floor of the hospital's lobby, near some ammo just as you enter the room.
Collectible 07: COG Tags - Private Dylan Murphy
As soon as you exit the hospital, turn right to find the tags behind a pillar.
Chapter 3: Rolling Thunder
Collectible 08: Grindlift Spec Sheet
The Grindlift Spec Sheet is right behind you as you start, on the wall.
Collectible 09: Ammo Requisition Form
May 26, 2016 Is there anything that can let me rename my character/toon? Login Store Community Support Change language View desktop website. DARK SOULS™ III. All Discussions Screenshots Artwork Broadcasts Videos News Guides Reviews. NPCs or Non-Player Characters refers to the many pre-designed inhabitants that players meet in Dark Souls 3. Below is a list of all these characters, with names that are either taken from the game credits, given via dialogue or, if nothing else was available at the time of creation, described by the community. Apr 11, 2016 Dark Souls 3 - Best Character Class and Burial Gift Find out which starting class and burial gift best fits your play style and experience level! Published April 11, 2016, 11 p.m. About Dark Souls III. Dark souls 3 rename character. Apr 17, 2016 DARK SOULS™ III. All Discussions. They really should warn you when you make your character 'this name will be censored, even if it isn't really offensive but it just because of a segment of your name, rename or else.' My condolences on this matter. Detective Lance Sharpe. Apr 17, 2016 @ 3.
When you get off the rig to defend Dizzy, check to the left of the rig. It is near some bushes and ammo.
Chapter 5: Roadblocks
Collectible 10: Jacinto Sentinel Newspaper
In the first building you enter in this chapter, check upstairs. The Jacinto Sentinel Newspaper is near some grenades.
Collectible 11: Memorial Inscription
After getting rid of the Tickers, check the wall of the war memorial to find the Memorial Inscription.
Collectible 12: Landown Delivery Driver's Note
This Collectible can be found on the floor at the back of the Imulsion station.
Collectible 13: COG Tags - Private Samuel Lee
About half way through the tunnel, your way is blocked by wrecked cars. Before you go up the short set of steps that bring you to these cars, check to the left to find a room with the tags inside.
Act 2: Denizens
Chapter 2: Indigenous Creatures
Collectible 14: Gear Journal
When you find the second Rockworm, go left, and cut through the vines. You will find a Grindlift, some ammo, and the journal here.
Collectible 15: Kantus Scroll
After you reach the top of the spire and kill the Reaver that appears, you can find the Kantus Scroll behind the Troika at the back of the platform.
Chapter 3: Disturbing Revelations
Collectible 16: Locust Emblem
After your first encounter in this chapter with Drones, Wretches, and Kantus, go through the doors to find the Locust Emblem near some ammo.
Chapter 4: Sinking Feeling
Collectible 17: Ilima Help Wanted Ad
Go up the path and to the right of the Bloodmounts. It is on the overlook that faces the snipers, near a Gorgon pistol.
Collectible 18: COG Tags - Hank Bissell
On your way out, shortly after Cole saves you, the tags can be found just inside the building.
Chapter 5: Captivity
Collectible 19: Stranded Journal (Jennifer)
After releasing Baird from his cell, check to the right in a small alcove.
Chapter 6: Intestinal Fortitude
Collectible 20: Car Gold Magazine
Head left as soon as you start the chapter to find the magazine on the floor.
Collectible 21: COG Tags
These can be a little hard to see. After you find Carmine, but before you reach the ramp, look around on the floor to the left.
Act 3: Gathering Storm
Chapter 2: Origins
Collectible 22: New Hope Journal
After Command tells you to proceed deeper into the facility, check in the small office to the right as you enter the new room. The journal is near a Boltok pistol.
Collectible 23: New Hope Memo
This collectible is in a small room connected to the main hallway. You have to kick down a door in this room to reach the memo.
Collectible 24: New Hope Medical File
Later in the chapter, you will come across a room with a few turrets on the ceiling, and a switch at the back of the room to deactivate them. In the small room behind the switch you can find the New Hope Medical File.
Chapter 3: Rude Awakening
Collectible 25: New Hope Journal
After exiting the facility, do not get on the train. Instead, go right, and go inside the small building. The New Hope Journal is on the floor at the back.
Collectible 26: Captivity Marks
Before boarding the final train, turn around, and go inside the building at the back of the train yard to find the Captivity Marks scratched on a wall.
Chapter 5: Displacement
Collectible 27: Stranded's Journal
After you fight the flame grenadier and destroy the gunboat, check in the middle of the area for a short set of steps. The Stranded's Journal is at the top of them.
Act 4: Hive
Chapter 1: Priorities
Collectible 28: Locust Terminal
The Locust Terminal is in the same room where you have to activate a terminal to search for Maria. Do not activate the first terminal yet. Instead, check the second terminal to get this Collectible.
Chapter 2: Answers
Collectible 29: Locust Prisoner's Journal
Once the Mauler, Theron Guard, and Drones have left or been dealt with, before checking the terminal, look to the left of it near the cavern wall to find the Locust Prisoner's Journal.
Chapter 3: Hornet's Nest
Collectible 30: Locust Jailer Document
Just downstairs from where you enter, turn right, and go down the small corridor. You will find the Locust Jailer Document on the floor.
Collectible 31: Human Finger Necklace
This Collectible can be easy to miss. After you defeat the pair of Grinders that come out of the large doors, you will need to Roadie Run to enter the small room with the Troika before the door closes. If you do not get through the door in time, Roadie Run up the steps and across the room to get in the second door before it shuts. The Human Finger Necklace is behind the Troika.
Chapter 4: No Turning Back
Collectible 32: Locust Calendar
Go up the stairs just after you start the chapter. The Locust Calendar is the round thing with glowing orange lights on it, against the wall.
Collectible 33: Locust Defensive Plans
After pulling the lever to extend the bridge, run across it, and turn left. The Locust Defensive Plans are at the end of the hall.
Chapter 5: The Best-Laid Plans
Collectible 34: Locust Invasion Map
Before getting on the lift, go around the outside of the palace to find the Locust Invasion Map in a little alcove just past the lift.
Collectible 35: Trinity Of Worms
Before heading down the spiral staircase, climb the staircase on the right (where the Grinder was). This Collectible is a pattern on the floor at the end of the hallway, beyond the stairs.
Chapter 6: Royal Inquisition
Collectible 36: Locust Tablets
Near the beginning of the chapter, the Locust Tablets are on the floor between two pillars. They are to the left of the computer room, near the corner.
Act 5: Aftermath
Chapter 2: Desperate Stand
Collectible 37: COG Recon Report
After the Raven clears the Locust off the platform for you, head right, and go down the stairs to the lower platform. The COG Recon Report is here, near some ammo.
Collectible 38: COG Tags - Sergeant Devon Jackson
During the final encounter, look on the floor to the right of the Longshot. The tags are on the very right edge of the platform.
Chapter 3: Free Parking
Collectible 39: Jacinto Sentinel Newspaper
Shortly after the fight in the courtyard, proceed to the next area, where you should have to fight a Grinder in the center. The newspaper is behind the wall to the right of the Grinder.
Collectible 40: COG Tags
The tags are near the end of the level, inside a ruined building on the left-hand side of the street.
Chapter 4: Tenuous Footing
Collectible 41: Stranded's Journal
After the building collapses, check in the corner behind a desk which you can destroy to find the Stranded's Journal.
Complete a game of Submission, then press Y to view the game stats. Scroll down to the Meatflag (Chaps, Franklin, or Hanley) to see their gamercard, complete with a detailed profile and unlocked achievements.
Jack Thompson referenceEnter the arcade room on the 'Day One' multiplayer map with a character or the Ghost Cam. One of the fake arcade machines is entitled 'Murder Simulator', a jab at attorney Jack Thompson, who often labeled Gears Of War (among other games) a 'murder simulator'.
Easy 'A Parting Gift' achievementAt the main menu, select the 'Multiplayer' option, and set the match type to 'Local'. You can play split-screen, and have the person going for the achievement swing a grenade with LT, but do not throw it. Have the other player down him (not kill him), and stand over his body. The grenade will also drop and kill both players. Do this ten times to get the 'A Parting Gift' achievement.
Easy 'Around The World, Again' achievementAt the main menu, select the 'Multiplayer' option, and set the match type to 'Local'. You can set the match to one round with two minutes against one bot (or another controller). Then, just win on every map to get the 'Around The World, Again' achievement.
At the main menu, select the 'Training Ground' option. At the bottom of the list, choose the 'Build Your Own' selection. Set the bots to one, difficulty to Casual, and rounds to one with two minutes. Press Start, and then select the map. Win a game on every map to get the achievement. Note: It is easier to play as the Cog team.
Easy 'Hoard The Horde' achievementWhile playing Horde mode, after wave 6 or 7, Maulers will start attacking. After killing a Mauler and picking up their Boomshield, tap A to plant it in the ground. Note: Guns and body parts cannot be in the way, and it must be a flat surface. However, Drones can knock them over; it is recommended to plant them facing in the opposite direction so the enemies cannot pass them in any way. You must pick them up at the end of every round and replant them or they will disappear. Plating one to two Boomshields on the stairs to one of the towers on the Gridlock, Jacinto, or Blood Drive map is an easy way to get the 'Hoard The Horde' achievement while sitting just beyond the reach of a flamethrower.
Easy 'Kick 'Em When They're Down' achievementPerform the following eleven unique executions on an enemy to get the 'Kick 'Em When They're Down' achievement:
- Rude Awakening: Lancer + B
- Meatsnap: Press A, then X
- Curbstomp: Any weapon + X
- Triple Punch C-C-Combo: Any non-execution weapon (for example, shotgun) + Y
- Snixecution: Sniper rifle + Y
- Torque Nudge: Torque Bow + B
- Pistolwhip Deluxe: Boltok pistol + Y
- Boomshield Headache: Boomshield + Y
- Shotgun Golf: Shotgun + B
- Torquapitation: Torque Bow + Y
- Sniper Head Thunk: Sniper rifle + B
Have two controllers, go to Multiplayer, and log in both players. Set the number of rounds to '15' and the time limit to '1'. Select a map where you spawn close to the other character; the best one is Security. Switch back and forth between the players, and take turns killing the other one with the shotgun until you run out of rounds. You should be able to get 29 rounds in, timing at an average of 16 to 18 seconds per round, before you are forced to go to the multiplayer lobby and start over.
The following method is slower, but you do not actually have to play through the rounds. This trick requires two controllers, charge kits, and charge cords to prevent the controllers from going into sleep mode during game play. Go to Multiplayer, and set up a match of Warzone with a time limit of '1'. The number of rounds are not important because when you enter the game with both players, you will just have them remain idle for the full minute. The round will be called as a stalemate, no one will get the score, and a new round will automatically start. You can do this indefinitely without returning to the multiplayer lobby as long as you have deactivated the automatic shutdown feature on your Xbox 360 and your controllers do not turn off and halt game play. If you allow the game to run in this manner for approximately five hours a day, you should get the 'Party Like It's 1999' achievement within a week.
Easy 'Pound Of Flesh' achievementWhen you have a frag grenade, down an enemy bot or player. Tag them with the frag grenade by pressing B. Immediately afterward, press A to pick them up as a shield. They will explode from the frag grenade that would have killed you. Repeat this ten times to get the 'Pound Of Flesh' achievement.
Easy 'Seriously 2.0' achievementThis trick requires one account which has the 'Seriously 2.0' achievement (source account), and a second account that you wish to have the achievement on (target account). Load the game with the source account while offline. Start the first chapter of 'Training Grounds'. As the game starts to load, press Xbox Guide, then press X to sign the source profile out. Select 'Yes' to confirm that you want to sign out. Quickly press X again, and sign in the target account. If done correctly, the game will display a message stating that it will be returning to the main menu as the sign in profile has changed. Press A to return to the main menu. Notice that the target account is still logged in, and if you check the achievements from the main menu, you should now have 100,000 kills, but it will be shaded in grey (as yet to be unlocked achievements normally appear). Load any game type or campaign, kill one enemy, and the 'Seriously 2.0' achievement will become unlocked.
Play Act 5: Chapter 5 - 'Closure' in the solo campaign. Set the difficulty to 'Casual' to make it easier to get more kills with splash damage. The level will start with a quick sequence where Marcus tells control he has 'hijacked a Brumak.' Press Select to skip the sequence and go directly into the level. Note: The sequence plays every time you restart; getting through it will save a lot of time in the long run. In the first three seconds, you will see two or three groups of Locust soldiers. Kill them as fast as possible, then select 'Restart from checkpoint', and repeat. The fastest way to do this is as follows:
- Skip the sequence.
- When game play begins, move directly to the right until the 'How to use Brumak' prompt appears.
- Press A to skip it. No more movement is required.
- From there, use LT to sight the Brumak's guns and rockets. Use rockets with X.
- Target the back group of Grubs just coming over the hill. The reticule may not turn red, but the rockets will hit.
- Fire a rocket burst, and while the burst is still firing, sweep the reticule down across the other Grub groups.
If done correctly, you should kill all the Grubs with one rocket burst before the Reavers hit you with their missiles. By using this strategy, you should get 100 kills every other round, with the occasional every third and next round depending on the number of kills you get per round. If done correctly, the rounds should only last about thirty seconds (including loading time in between rounds). This results in an average of 5,000 kills every half hour to forty five minutes.
Easy 'Suicide Missionary' achievementDownload fruity loops completo. You can still get the 'Suicide Missionary' achievement for completing the game on the Insane difficulty if you are playing in Co-op mode with somebody who is playing on a different difficulty. So have a second person play with you through the game, with them on the Casual difficulty. By doing this, when you are at a hard part, they can easily take care of it while you stay back and play it safe or snipe. You will also unlock the 'Friends With Benefits' achievement by doing this.
Easy 'Variety Is The Spice Of Death' achievementSet up a local multiplayer Warzone match against a second controller. Set it to one round with two minutes. Set the map to Canals. Locate where the two players start. They are at mirrored locations at either end of the map. Quickly kill the second player with your equipped weapon (remembering to note the Torque Bow spawn point is located under a bridge in the center of the map). After the match has ended and you have returned to the Lobby, select the weapon spawning option. Change the Torque Bow to a weapon you need to get a kill with. Start another match on Canals. Leave the rest of the settings the same, though you may change from a COG to a Locust. Go to the Torque Bow spawn point, and pick up the weapon you changed it to. Then, kill your opponent with that weapon. Repeat this by changing the Torque Bow to the desired weapon before each match until you have earned the achievement. Note: You must get kills with the following weapons: Scorcher, Ink Grenade, Gorgon Pistol, COG Pistol, Lancer, Boltok Pistol, BoomShot, Hammerburst, LongShot, Mulcher, Shotgun, Torque Bow, Hammer Of Dawn, Frag Grenade, and Mortar. You do not have to kill anyone with the Smoke Grenade, Troika, or Boomshield. Melee attacks do not count towards a weapon kill. Additionally, you can use this trick to also get the 'Kick 'Em When They're Down' achievement.
AchievementsAccomplish the indicated achievement to get the corresponding number of Gamerscore points:
- Green as Grass (10 points): Train the rook (any difficulty).
- It's a Trap! (10 points): Story progression in Act 1, Chapter 2.
- Escort Service (10 points): Story progression in Act 1, Chapter 4.
- Girl About Town (10 points): Story progression in Act 1, Chapter 6.
- That Sinking Feeling (10 points): Story progression in Act 2, Chapter 4.
- Freebaird! (10 points): Story progression in Act 2, Chapter 5.
- Heartbroken (10 points): Story progression in Act 2, Chapter 6.
- Longitude and Attitude (10 points): Story progression in Act 3, Chapter 3.
- Tanks for the Memories (10 points): Story progression in Act 3, Chapter 4.
- Water Sports (10 points): Story progression in Act 3, Chapter 6.
- There's a Time for Us (10 points): Story progression in Act 4, Chapter 2.
- Better Wrapped in Beacon (10 points): Story progression in Act 4, Chapter 3.
- Have Fun Storming the Castle (10 points): Story progression in Act 4, Chapter 6.
- And the Horse You Rode in On (10 points): Story progression in Act 5, Chapter 1.
- You Are the Support, Son (10 points): Story progression in Act 5, Chapter 2.
- Brumak Rodeo (10 points): Story progression in Act 5, Chapter 4.
- Does This Look Infected to You? (10 points): Story progression in Act 5, Chapter 5.
- Tourist of Duty (25 points): Complete all campaign acts on Casual Difficulty.
- Guerilla Tactician (50 points): Complete all campaign acts on Normal Difficulty.
- Artist of War (75 points): Complete all campaign acts on Hardcore Difficulty.
- Suicide Missionary (150 points): Complete all campaign acts on Insane Difficulty.
- Collector (5 points): Recover 5 collectibles (any difficulty).
- Pack Rat (15 points): Recover 20 collectibles (any difficulty).
- Completionist (30 points): Recover all 41 collectibles (any difficulty).
- One-Night Stand (10 points): Complete 1 chapter in co-op on any difficulty (Marcus or Dom).
- Open Relationship (30 points): Complete 10 chapters in co-op on any difficulty (Marcus or Dom).
- Friends with Benefits (50 points): Complete all acts in co-op on any difficulty (Marcus or Dom).
- Once More, With Feeling (10 points): Perform 30 perfect active reloads (any mode).
- Takes a Licking (30 points): Melee 30 Tickers (any mode).
- Organ Grinder (10 points): Kill 30 enemies with a cover mounted Mulcher (any mode).
- Shock and Awe (10 points): Kill 30 enemies with the heavy Mortar (any mode).
- Said the Spider to the Fly (10 points): Kill 10 enemies with a planted grenade (any mode).
- Crowd Control (10 points): Melee 10 enemies down with the Boomshield equipped (any mode).
- Smells Like Victory (10 points): Kill 30 enemies with the Scorcher Flamethrower (any mode).
- Variety Is the Spice of Death (30 points): Kill an enemy with every weapon in the game (any mode).
- Seriously 2.0 (50 points): Kill 100,000 enemies (any mode).
- Standing Here, Beside Myself (10 points): Win 3 matches of Wingman (public).
- Beat the Meatflag (10 points): Capture 10 meatflags in Submission (public).
- It's Good to be the King (10 points): Win 10 rounds of Guardian as the leader (public).
- You Go Ahead, I'll Be Fine (10 points): Win three matches of King of the Hill (public).
- Back to Basic (10 points): Successfully complete the 5 lessons of multiplayer Training Grounds.
- Party Like It's 1999 (30 points): Play 1999 rounds of multiplayer (any mode).
- Around the World, Again (30 points): Win a multiplayer match on each map (any mode).
- Dirty, Dirty Horde (20 points): Survive the first 10 waves of Horde (any difficulty, any map).
- Hoard the Horde (30 points): Survive all 50 waves of Horde (any difficulty, any map).
- Crossed Swords (10 points): Win 10 chainsaw duels (any mode).
- A Parting Gift (20 points): Kill 10 enemies with a grenade while down but not out (any mode).
- Pound of Flesh (10 points): Use a meatshield to save your life 10 times (any mode).
- Photojournalist (10 points): Submit a spectator photo.
- Kick 'Em When They're Down (10 points): Perform all 11 unique executions on a downed enemy.
The following achievements require the 'Combustible Map Pack' and 'Flashback Map Pack' bonus downloadable content:
- Annex: Now With Execution Rules (75 points): Win an Annex match on each Flashback and Combustible Map Pack map (public matches only).
- Bound by a Shared Past (15 points): Win a Wingman match on each of the 5 Flashback Map Pack maps.
- Forged in the Fire (15 points): Win a Wingman match on each of the 3 Combustible Map Pack maps.
- More Mystery, Less History (15 points): Win a multiplayer match on each of the 5 Flashback Map Pack maps (any mode except Wingman).
- Skeletons in your Closet (20 points): Complete waves 1 through 10 on all Flashback Map Pack maps in Horde (any difficulty).
- The Roof! The Roof! The Roof.. (15 points): Win a multiplayer match on each of the 3 Combustible Map Pack maps (any mode except Wingman).
- Trial by, and on, Fire (20 points): Survive first 10 Horde waves on Combustible Map Pack maps as a team.
The following achievements require the 'Snowblind Map Pack' bonus downloadable content:
- Battle-Tested Gear (30 points): Earn enough multiplayer experience to reach level 25 (Public only points).
- Rookie Gear (10 points): Earn enough multiplayer experience to reach level 5 (Public only points).
- Seasoned Gear (20 points): Earn enough multiplayer experience to reach level 15 (Public only points).
- Battle-Hardened Gear (50 points): Reach level 50 and play a match on each of the 4 Snowblind Map Pack maps (Public only points).
- Frigid Body Dynamics (5 points): Play a multiplayer match on each of the 4 Snowblind Map Pack maps (any mode points).
- Icy Dead People (25 points): Complete waves 1 through 50 on any Snowblind Map Pack map in Horde (any difficulty points).
- Never Eat Red Snow (20 points): Complete waves 1 through 10 on all Snowblind Map Pack maps in Horde (any difficulty points).
- The Weather Outside Is Lethal (15 points): Win a multiplayer match on each of the 4 Snowblind Map Pack maps (any mode points).
- Veteran Gear (75 points): Reach level 100 and win a match on each of the 4 Snowblind Map Pack maps (Public only points).
The following achievements require the 'Dark Corners' bonus downloadable content:
- Afraid of the Dark (20 points): Play a multiplayer match on each of the 7 Dark Corners Map Pack maps.
- Did Not Go Gentle (30 points): Win a multiplayer match on each of the 7 Dark Corners Map Pack maps (any mode points).
- Blood on the Sand (50 points): Reach level 50 in multiplayer and complete waves 1-50 on the Nowhere map in Horde.
- Am I Only Dreaming? (40 points): Reach level 40 in multiplayer and complete waves 1-40 on the Memorial map in Horde.
- Like Father, Like Gun (30 points): Reach level 30 in multiplayer and complete waves 1-30 on the Allfathers Garden map in Horde.
- Lost in Transition (20 points): Reach level 20 in multiplayer and complete waves 1-20 on the Way Station map in Horde.
- No, But His Face Rings a Bell (15 points): Reach level 15 in multiplayer and complete waves 1-20 on the Sanctuary map in Horde.
- Ride It All Night Long (10 points): Reach level 10 in multiplayer and complete waves 1-10 on the Highway map in Horde.
- Be Careful What You Wish For (10 points): Reach level 5 in multiplayer and complete waves 1-10 on the War Machine map in Horde.
- Is It Hot or Is That Just You? (25 points): Kill 25 Bloodmounts with a Scorcher while playing Horde on a Dark Corners Map Pack map.
- Two for the Road (25 points): Complete the 'Road to Ruin' deleted scene in co-op as either Marcus or Dom.
- Highway to Hell (25 points): Complete the 'Road to Ruin' deleted scene after choosing the blasting option.
- My Way or the Highway (25 points): Without being detected, complete the 'Road to Ruin' deleted scene after choosing the stealth option.
The following achievements require the 'All Fronts Collection' bonus downloadable content:
- Afraid of the Dark (20 points): Play a multiplayer match on each of the 7 Dark Corners Map Pack maps (any mode points).
- Am I Only Dreaming? (40 points): Reach level 40 in multiplayer and complete waves 1 - 40 on the Memorial map in Horde.
- Annex: Now With Execution Rules (75 points): Win an Annex match on each Flashback and Combustible Map Pack map (public matches only points).
- Battle-Hardened Gear (50 points): Reach level 50 and play a match on each of the 4 Snowblind Map Pack maps (Public only points).
- Battle-Tested Gear (30 points): Earn enough multiplayer experience to reach level 25 (Public only points).
- Be Careful What You Wish For (10 points): Reach level 8 in multiplayer and complete waves 1 - 10 on the War Machine map in Horde.
- Blood on the Sand (50 points): Reach level 50 in multiplayer and complete waves 1 - 50 on the Nowhere map in Horde.
- Bound by a Shared Past (15 points): Win a Wingman match on each of the 5 Flashback Map Pack maps.
- Did Not Go Gentle (30 points): Win a multiplayer match on each of the 7 Dark Corners Map Pack maps (any mode points).
- Forged in the Fire (15 points): Win a Wingman match on each of the 3 Combustible Map Pack maps.
- Frigid Body Dynamics (5 points): Play a multiplayer match on each of the 4 Snowblind Map Pack maps (any mode points).
- Highway to Hell (25 points): Complete the 'Road to Ruin' deleted scene after choosing the guns blazing option.
- Icy Dead People (25 points): Complete waves 1 through 50 on any Snowblind Map Pack map in Horde (any difficulty points).
- Is It Hot or Is That Just You? (25 points): Kill 25 Bloodmounts with a Scorcher while playing Horde on a Dark Corners Map Pack map.
- Like Father, Like Gun (30 points): Reach level 30 in multiplayer and complete waves 1 - 30 on the Allfathers Garden map in Horde.
- Lost in Transition (20 points): Reach level 20 in multiplayer and complete waves 1 - 20 on the Way Station map in Horde.
- More Mystery, Less History (15 points): Win a multiplayer match on each of the 5 Flashback Map Pack maps (any mode except Wingman points).
- My Way or the Highway (25 points): Without being detected, complete the 'Road to Ruin' deleted scene after choosing the stealth option.
- Never Eat Red Snow (20 points): Complete waves 1 through 10 on all Snowblind Map Pack maps in Horde (any difficulty points).
- No, But His Face Rings a Bell (15 points): Reach level 15 in multiplayer and complete waves 1 - 20 on the Sanctuary map in Horde.
- Ride It All Night Long (10 points): Reach level 10 in multiplayer and complete waves 1 - 10 on the Highway map in Horde.
- Rookie Gear (10 points): Earn enough multiplayer experience to reach level 5 (Public only points).
- Seasoned Gear (20 points): Earn enough multiplayer experience to reach level 15 (Public only points).
- Skeletons in your Closet (20 points): Complete waves 1 through 10 on all Flashback Map Pack maps in Horde (any difficulty points).
- The Roof! The Roof! The Roof.. (15 points): Win a multiplayer match on each of the 3 Combustible Map Pack maps (any mode except Wingman points).
- The Weather Outside Is Lethal (15 points): Win a multiplayer match on each of the 4 Snowblind Map Pack maps (any mode points).
- Trial by, and on, Fire (20 points): Survive first 10 Horde waves on Combustible Map Pack maps as a team.
- Two for the Road (25 points): Complete the 'Road to Ruin' deleted scene in co-op as either Marcus or Dom.
- Veteran Gear (75 points): Reach level 100 and win a match on each of the 4 Snowblind Map Pack maps (Public only points).
Gears of War 4 takes place 25 years after the events of Gears of War 3, kick-starting an all-new saga. However, the game represents much, much more than that.
Microsoft purchased the Gears of War IP from Epic Games back in 2014, as the Unreal Engine developer began winding down its AAA game development ambitions. Microsoft repurposed the Vancouver-based Black Tusk Studios to oversee the franchise. Many developers from the original Gears of War team, including executive producer Rod Fergusson, jumped ship to join the new studio.
Black Tusk was renamed The Coalition to honor its stewardship of the Gears of War franchise. Much like Halo's 343 Industries and Forza's Turn 10, The Coalition is the third pillar in Microsoft's blockbusterXbox-exclusive effort. The news was hugely exciting, but questions remained.
Can the Gears formula still work in 2016? Can The Coalition bring the same magic to the franchise under Microsoft Studios? Can Gears of War compete with the likes of Battlefield 1, Call of Duty, Titanfall 2, and various other heavy-hitting AAA shooters this holiday season? The answer to all of these questions is a resounding yes.
The Gears Awaken
Story & Setting
Gears of War 4 follows the exploits of JD Fenix, the son of the original trilogy's main protagonist — Marcus Fenix. Throughout the campaign, JD is joined by his childhood friend, Delmont Walker.
Both JD and Delmont (Del for short) deserted the COG during a 'classified' incident, leading them to join a band of Outsiders, who exist outside of the COG's jurisdiction. Kait Diaz, the daughter of the village's leader, joins you early on to raid an uninhabited COG settlement for supplies.
The new characters are likable and sport good chemistry as a trio, each with distinctive, but complementary personalities. 'Family' continues to be a strong theme Gears of War 4, with both JD and Kait prepared to risk everything when their parents get into trouble. Much of the game focuses on the rescue of Kait's mother from a new, but eerily familiar enemy, The Swarm.
One quote from The Coalition that stuck with me was this idea that the studio would have to 'betray' fans to show them something new and evolve the franchise, and certainly, that's how Gears of War 4 feels in the earlier levels. The genocidal Locust have been destroyed, humanity has begun to rebuild, and the global military urgency of previous games simply isn't there.
As Kait, Del and JD battle through waves of DeeBee robots in hopes of stealing an uninhabited, 3D-printed city's Fabricator, the new leader of The Coalition of Ordered Governments (COG) appears via video, accusing the Outsiders of attacking COG soldiers. It's not long before you find out the real source of the attacks.
I won't be posting any spoilers for Gears of War 4, suffice to say that its one of the most intriguing games in the trilogy so far. The early stages really slam home the idea of this much, much wider universe, while reminding us of the totalitarian nature of the COG, which has often taken a backseat in the story.
The game kicks off with a flashback to the Pendulum Wars which established the COG's global dominance, and then towards the end of Gears of War 3, where Delta Squad were able to destroy the Locust with a massive, targeted radiation weapon. It moves you through the new world, 25 years later, showing how humanity is attempting to rebuild in the wake of the billions slaughtered by the Locust invasion of the previous saga. We're introduced to new creatures, beautiful, bright and colorful alien landscapes, and new characters, like the instantly lovable Oscar.
As you progress through Gears of War 4, it gets gradually darker. Incrementally more industrial, desperate and horrifying.
These early levels lull you into a false sense of security. As you progress through Gears of War 4, it gets gradually darker. Incrementally more industrial, desperate and horrifying. You'll traverse abandoned facilities, underground tunnels, destroyed cities, and the as the Swarm evolves, you begin to feel that fist-clenching life-threatening urgency that really typifies Gears of War.
I can't help but compare Gears of War 4's delivery to Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Formulaically, Gears of War 4 does little new. But what it does do is build on the wonderfully cinematic recipe of its predecessors while delivering something that not only re-establishes itself as one of the industry's greatest franchises but it also acts as a signal to let fans know the series is in good hands.
You will be agape with the implications laid bare by this new threat, you will enjoy the way the game hints at a larger, more diverse Gears of War universe, and you will be enraptured by the return of old friends, and the light-hearted camaraderie that typifies Gears games. You will adore the way the game subtly references scenes from previous games. You will be driven mad by the twists and turns in the introduction to this new saga, and by the time the game comes to its shocking conclusion, you will be beside yourself in the knowledge Gears of War 6 is probably a long, long way off.
Gears of War 4's story is perfectly paced, utterly engrossing and above all, it is indeed Gears of War.
Glorious Goriness
Visual & Sound Design
It's strange to think that, despite being a launch title, I still consider RYSE: Son of Rome to be the benchmark for visual greatness on Xbox One. While the Forza games have gone to great lengths to prove the graphical chops of the Xbox One, racing games rarely have the pressure of capturing human emotions, which gives games an entirely new dimension.
![War War](https://vignette2.wikia.nocookie.net/gearsofwar/images/7/7c/Gow-torquebow.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20120416204443)
Make no mistake, Gears of War 4 is among the most visually stunning titles not only on Xbox One but of this generation in general.
Gears of War 4's characters are lovingly rendered, inching away at the gap between video game and true photo realism. While Gears of War human designs historically feature blocky, almost comic-book style proportioning, Gears of War 4 edges towards something a little more realistic. Del, JD, and Kait are beautifully crafted, and returning characters like Marcus Fenix retain their signature look, albeit weathered by age.
Gears of War 3 is one of the most visually impressive Xbox 360 games out there, and Gears of War 4 continues that tradition with some utterly incredible particle effects, breath-taking weather sequences, and mind-blowing lighting.
Not only are the basic visual features great, but Gears of War 4's art direction is also on point. New gore physics and designs make weapons feel more impactful than ever, weapons like the iconic Lancer received more thunderous sound effects (to the point of vibrating my earphones with bass boost turned on), and some of the new creatures and environmental hazards are as terrifying as they are awe-inspiring.
The Mad Max-esque windflare storm sequences make up some of the game's most visually impressive moments. They send cascades of debris flying in all directions, painted with real-time lighting from arcing electrical strikes. Everything caught in a windflare is affected by the storm's wind physics, including the bloody chunks of Swarm drone destroyed by the game's arsenal of deadly weapons. All too often have I simply stopped playing to stare at the spectacle unfolding on my screen.
As described by our own Daniel Rubino, the Xbox One S's HDR features send the title's visuals into overdrive with boosted contrasts, revealing details otherwise hidden. Deeper shadows and brighter lights give Gears of War 4 a vivid, almost life-like realism, that combined with dynamic 1080p resolution scaling helps to elevate it beyond the benchmark set by Crytek's triumphant RYSE: Son of Rome.
All too often have I simply stopped playing to stare at the spectacle unfolding on my screen.
There isn't a single dropped frame, even the slightest bit of screen-tearing or vaguest hint of slow-down in Gears of War 4. It's one of the most polished launch titles of recent memory, never crashing. Using dynamic scaling and 30 FPS works well for the game's campaign. The resolution visibly reduces during some of the game's most intense sequences, but you'll be too busy shredding drones with your chainsaw to notice.
Gears of War 4 also uses a technique similar to Quantum Break for its anti-aliasing, making the edges of models appear blurry in motion. I'm not a huge fan of this particular technology, but it's a subjective gripe. It does, however, remind us that the upper limits of what's possible with the Xbox One's hardware have likely been reached, but it's fair to assume Gears of War 4 will be among the first titles to enjoy boosted visuals on next year's monstrous Xbox Scorpio.
From the crimson entrails of a splattered Swarm to the delicate trails of rain sweeping down JD's armor - Gears of War 4 is a visual feast that is as satisfying as it is gruesomely delicious.
Home is where the meat is
Gameplay
Gears of War's gameplay has a unique style that many tried to emulate in the Xbox 360 era, but it hasn't been seen much on Xbox One. Set in the third-person, Gears of War 4 is a highly cover-based shooter known for its gory combat, signature, heavy feel and cinematic showcases. Gears of War 4 doesn't attempt to redefine, or even evolve that formula, but it does refine it, giving it a glistening finish.
Split into three pillars, Gears of War 4 contains a huge amount of content. The campaign mode lasts a good 10-15 hours depending on the difficulty you choose, but Versus and Horde mode pack potentially dozens, maybe hundreds of hours of potential gameplay. And if Gears of War 4 is anything like Halo 5, it's fair to expect a good amount of post-launch content to keep those multiplayer modes fresh long into the future.
When it comes to basic Gears of War 4 combat, very little has changed. It's still a cover shooter — but the mechanics governing cover systems have been given a much-needed injection of fluidity. I can't remember a time throughout any of the game's modes where I unintuitively snapped into unwanted cover, which is something I recall experiencing with previous titles. The gun play still has that signature, Gears of War heavy feel, but everything handles a fair bit faster. You'll still struggle while dragging a Mulcher across the battlefield, but general movement feels nowhere near as lethargic as it could in previous entries.
While stunned, enemies are vulnerable to an execution attack, which is delightfully satisfying to pull off.
Speaking of the Mulcher, Gears of War 4 comes with an array of brand new weapons and combat features that keep the classic formula from feeling stale. You can now vault over cover by holding the 'B' button as you roadie run into it, stunning an enemy on the other side. While stunned, enemies are vulnerable to an execution attack, which is delightfully satisfying to pull off. Similarly, you can grab an enemy out of cover if they have taken up an opposite position, resulting in the same execution stunned state. Of course, this also means that your enemies can utilize these attacks against you. Thankfully, The Coalition had the forethought to include a counter move, which prevents the new techniques from feeling cheap.
Some of the new weapons include the cover-evading Dropshot, which sends a flying drill across the battlefield. Releasing the trigger causes the drill to burrow directly downwards, generating an explosion. Headshots with this thing are sickeningly satisfying, watching the drill bore into the cranium of your enemies ahead of an ensuing, gore-splattered explosion. The Dropshot sounds overpowered, as it can fly above cover, but it can be tough to use. Combining its skill requirement with a 4-round clip ensures the Dropshot remains balanced.
Another repurposed engineering weapon is the Buzzkill, which almost feels like an homage to Unreal Tournament's Ripsaw. The Buzzkill is a heavy weapon that sends deadly buzz saws spinning and ricocheting across the battlefield, dissecting enemies like a hot knife through crimson butter.
Like previous games, satisfaction typifies Gears of War 4's combat. Every aspect of it is designed to feel impactful, as though you're the star of your own violent action movie. Some of the other new weapons include the Mulcher-like Tri-shot, some ancient UIR weapons like the Markza rifle, and new robotic DeeBee weapons like the submachine gun Enforcer and blisteringly powerful Rocket Salvo.
Speaking of which, the first stages of the campaign will see you face off against an army of COG DeeBee robots. These deadly, but dumb automatons feel little more like canon fodder a lot of the time, but their accompanying heavies, swarming roller ball Trackers and cover-evading Guardians can make the DeeBees overwhelming without aggressive resistance. It's not long until you'll meet Gears of War 4's headline threat, though, the all-new (but familiar) Swarm.
The real nature of the Swarm is unraveled throughout the game's campaign, but in combat, they feature similar archetypes to that of the Locust Horde from previous games. The Wretch-like Juvies bounce off walls and dodge melee attacks at will. Complacency can be deadly. Drones are the more intelligent, cover-using Swarm, and their AI has been given a punishing make-over. They're often more aggressive than the Locust foot soldiers, happy to rush down with shotguns and get into close quarters combat, making use of the game's new cover-vaulting stun abilities.
Beyond standard enemies, the Swarm also have a deadly menagerie of new enemies like the vicious, cover-ignoring Pouncers, and the horrifying player-swallowing Snatchers. Each new enemy requires tactics fresh to the Gears of War franchise, which stops the game from feeling like a rehash with a new coat of 1080p paint.
There are plenty of epic set-pieces and boss fights scattered throughout Gears of War 4's campaign, but I don't want to spoil the fun. Still, these things are standard to Gears of War, but the fourth entry's new windflare mechanics give set-pieces an all-new meaning.
For reasons unknown, enormous electrical storms now rage across Sera's surface, ripping the environment apart with gale force winds and gigantic lightning strikes. As you traverse to the campaign's mission objective, JD Fenix and his crew are often caught up in these deadly meteorological death-traps, but you can use them to your advantage.
![Gears Gears](/uploads/1/2/3/7/123719135/298131967.jpg)
Most windflare sequences allow you to use the environment itself to vanquish your enemies. The wind affects the physics of most guns, warping the trajectory of projectiles. You can dislodge debris by shooting at them, sending massive battering rams sweeping across the battlefield to crush your enemies. The results of a well-placed shot in these scenarios are always incredibly rewarding, adding a new dimension to the Gears formula.
The fun continues in Gears of War 4's online modes, including the 60 FPS versus modes and the addictive 5-man Horde mode. I haven't been able to try too much Versus mode as of yet, due to the small amount of players with the game so far, but I'm hoping the game's new skill-based matchmaking system will pair me with players at my experience level. Previous Gears of War titles have been notoriously difficult to access for newer players, so these modern systems will hopefully go to some length to alleviate that issue.
I have, however, played a lot of Horde mode, which I'm happy to describe as the quintessential co-operative shooter experience on Xbox One. Horde 3.0 is class-based, giving players bonuses for committing to certain roles in battle. Snipers deal increased headshot damage and gain perks for spotting and so on, engineers take charge building and repairing fortifications, and heavies gain bonuses with explosives, heavy weapons and manual turrets.
Activities across Horde and Versus mode reward credits which can be spent on loot called Gear Packs, which contain tons of cosmetic items and skill cards for use in Horde mode. Duplicate cards can be destroyed and then put towards specific cards you're seeking, to reduce the randomness of the system. Upgrading your skill cards and leveling up your classes will be crucial if you eventually want to go through 50 ranks of Horde mode on insane difficulty, which, as the name implies, is a challenge best left to the thoroughly demented.
Xbox Play Anywhere. Split-screen co-op, cross-play between PC and Xbox One, online, offline, anywhere, any way!
When you consider the 10-15 hour length of the campaign, the longevity of the online modes, the fact that Gears of War 4 also comes with Gears of War 1, 2, 3 and Judgement on backward compatibility, it's impossible to fault this game on value. It offers such a dizzying amount of raw, uncontaminated fun, making it such a pleasure to write about and recommend.
The torch has passed
Conclusion
As I was slugging through Gears of War 4's campaign, I'd planned to score the game 4 or 4.5 out of 5 for its polish, its visuals, and refined gameplay. It wasn't until I was playing Horde mode with Daniel Rubino and Zac Bowden and traversing the game's explosive, beautifully crafted later stages did I come to realize Gears of War 4 is a truly special, stand-out title deserving of a perfect score.
Gears of War 4 just feels great. It feels like the return of an old friend, and The Coalition masterfully weave that nostalgia into the game without smothering us in it exploitatively — which is something they very easily could have done. Gears of War 4's greatest moments can be found in between the lines. They're in the shadows of familiar silhouettes, in the tones of nostalgic sound effects, in every COG tag you find scattered around the battlefield, and every ridiculous, over-the-top set piece.
Pros:
- Technical showcase for Xbox visuals
- Polished to glistening
- Satisfyingly gruesome combat
- Engrossing story
- Heaps of value
Cons:
- Could have explored more new mechanics and features
I would have liked to have seen The Coalition take more liberties with the Gears formula perhaps. The game feels overly linear for a 2016 title, and I'm not sure what else The Coalition can do to keep the format fresh as we move into the inevitable Gears of War 6 and 7. Now that they have reintroduced Gears of War to the world and proven themselves as a capable studio, I'd hope that the next entry can go a little further to try out new things. But that's for another discussion, on another day.
Gears of War 4 is the greatest exclusive Xbox One has so far, and that's really saying something when you consider the likes of Forza Horizon 3, Halo 5 and Ori and the Blind Forest. The Coalition has solidified their guardianship of one of the greatest video game franchises of all time, and not only proven to the world that the IP is in good hands, but that Microsoft Studios isn't reliant on Halo to make its mark in the shooter space.
Whether you're a returning fan or a Gears of War newbie, do yourself a favor and pick up this stunning game as soon as you can.
Gears of War 4 launches on October 11th, 2016 for Xbox One and Windows 10 as a Play Anywhere title.
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'Sarge?..I hurt.' This article should be Gearsfied to fit within the style of Gearspedia. Please follow the guidelines in the Manual of Style and How to edit a page. |
Mulcher
Product information
Manufacturer
Type
Technical specifications
Size
Damage Per Hit
Magazine Size
Maximum Ammunition
Fire Mode
Ammunition Type
Operation
Rate of Fire
Gears Of War 5 Release Date
Accuracy
Range
Gears Of War 4 Mulcher
Usage
Era(s)
![War War](/uploads/1/2/3/7/123719135/325130288.jpg)
Counterpart
Counterweapon(s)
Affiliation
- 'GRRRIIIIIIIND!'
- — The typical battle cry of a LocustGrinder
The Mulcher was a heavy, hand-cranked, rotary gatling gun developed by the Coalition of Ordered Governments. However, like most COG weapons, it soon found its way into the hands of the Locust and, more specifically, the Locust Grinder. It's a scaled down version of the Chain Gun, and the smaller brother of the Vulcan Cannon.
A stripped-down version of the Mulcher was mounted on the Silverback's machine gun arm. As the crank is removed, it may be electrically cycled.
BackgroundEdit
Developed as one of the three rotary gatling guns developed by the COG, including the Chain gun and Vulcan Cannon, the Mulcher is a heavy machine-gun that is functionally a scaled-down version of the Chain Gun. The Mulcher operates in much the same way as its larger cousin, except for the fact that it cuts down a lot of the components and uses a series of modifications to make the design smaller and lighter.
It uses a slightly smaller-caliber round, similar to that fired by the Lancer, has 3 barrels instead of the 6 featured on the chaingun and, most notably, is mobile. It also makes use of a crank system to cycle the action and fire rounds (as opposed to the electrically-cycled action of the Chain Gun, but this system may have been re-instated for the version mounted on the Silverback). It also has an internal, 500 round capacity magazine.
Designed for squad-level fire support, the Mulcher possesses phenomenal firepower and a fire rate fast enough to keep an entire platoon pinned down. For refined firing, the user can deploy the Mulcher's base, turning it into a mobile turret with a 180° field of fire. Fire from the Mulcher can prove dangerous to even larger Locust creatures, including Boomers and Reavers. Concentrated fire can even bring down a Brumak if aimed at the right areas. Also, it shreds enemies to bits at close range, just like the Gnasher Shotgun.
Somehow, like many COG originating weapons, the Mulcher fell into the hands of the Locust and became the main weapon of the Grinder class of Boomer. Often working in pairs, the Grinders use the weapon to deadly effect against their former owners.
Tactical UseEdit
The Mulcher is heavy (only the Mortar weighs more) and because of the weapon's sheer mass you cannot roadie run when using a Mulcher. Similarly, your turn speed and movement are extremely reduced. You can, however, duck into cover, so take advantage of this fact. Foes will actively target a player carrying a Mulcher, intending to take advantage of the wielder's reduced mobility - so bear this in mind.
To compensate for the loss of mobility; the Mulcher is, as its name implies, a vicious beast of a weapon in spite of its drawbacks, and one that excels at spraying out lots of damage in a very short time. It can be used in 3 distinct ways, depending on where it is employed. If fired from the hip, the Mulcher is woefully inaccurate, but sprays down so much ammunition over such a wide pattern that the accuracy loss is almost a moot point unless fired at medium to long range. Thus, the Mulcher is frightfully effective in close combat, despite being such a heavy weapon.
If aimed (i.e. with the left trigger), you can deploy the Mulcher's base and use it as a pseudo-emplacement weapon. This refines its long range accuracy considerably, and gives it the ability to shred multiple enemies with ease. It does, however, immobilize you to use the Mulcher in this fashion, so doing so can be extremely risky if enemies in the area are packing Longshots, Boomshots, or Torque Bows. This method is also used if you fire it from cover near an edge; you'll pop out and set the turret up. If aimed in this fashion, however, you'll pop back into cover when the trigger is released. If you notice enemies are close to you, and you don't have time to turn and aim at them due to the slow movement speed with the Mulcher, you can quickly switch to another weapon and try and jump to the side, hopefully evading some attacks and having a chance to get away.
If fired from low cover (the kind you normally shoot over when aiming), the Mulcher is a considerably more vicious weapon, as it can be deployed atop a piece of terrain - such as a concrete road divider, low wall, or even the hood of a car or truck - and turn it into a makeshift machinegun emplacement. Once deployed, the Mulcher has frightening accuracy (as it always does when aimed), and its sheer rate of fire lets it easily deal with enemies foolish enough to be out in the open, and the user can easily get in cover should they begin to draw too much fire. This is also the only way to gain the achievement 'Organ Grinder', where the player must kill 30 enemies with the Mulcher in this fashion.
Note that because the Mulcher is generally more effective if fired from cover, you can achieve significantly better results by getting up higher, thus allowing you a wider field of view. Of particular note are the large balconies on maps like Day One, and similar areas with good visibility. If possible, employ the Mulcher from a similar vantage point, or in tunnel fight scenarios, where the weapon is at its most potent. Indoors, it can often be effective to fire the Mulcher from the hip in spite of its inaccuracy, as the massive amount of fire will make mincemeat of any foe trying to advance to close range.
Note that like the Chain Gun, the Mulcher has a tendency to overheat, and will lock up if it does. Fortunately, like its big brother, the Mulcher has a built-in water-cooling system that can flush the weapon with coolant in order to bring it down to safe levels (which is done by hitting the right bumper button). Unlike the Chain Gun, the Mulcher has no clutch, so it does not completely stop spinning for several seconds after the trigger is released. Because of this, it's possible for a canny wielder to fire for a prolonged period; release the trigger, rapidly flush the system 2-3 times, and resume fire after missing only a half-second or so of firing time.
When fired on fully automatic, the Mulcher can fire roughly 100 rounds before overheating (more if the operator uses the method mentioned above). Paired with the weapon's deadly accuracy and ability to shred a foe to pieces with just a few hits, this means that the Mulcher can chomp through tightly packed groups of enemies very quickly.
MultiplayerEdit
Gears of War 2Edit
It is advisable for any players who utilize the Mulcher to lead the frontline for the team. If the team comes across hostile attacks, the Mulcher wielder can cover his/her team immediately as they move to cover. The wielder is then able to provide suppressive fire in order to give his/her team a chance to flank the enemy. If any hostiles try to escape, the Mulcher will be able to eviscerate them in seconds, effectively keeping opponents behind cover.
Gears of War 3Edit
In Gears of War 3, the player now has the ability to fire the weapon without deploying it behind cover. This is useful in Horde when attacking enemies are surrounding you. Although this tactic is not very useful against other players as it is highly inaccurate.
The execution consists of pinning the enemy down with the Mulcher and slamming it on his/her spine, then smashing his/her face with the knee. It is unlocked after 40 kills with it, and is available in the Single player campaign.
Behind the scenesEdit
- When using the Mulcher or Mortar when hitting levers or switches, the player begins to hit the switch, pulls back, and the lever flips on its own.
- On the side of the gun, in front of the crank, is the COG Crimson Omen insignia.
- Very similar to the M134 Minigun.
AppearancesEdit
- Gears of War 2(First appearance)
ReferencesEdit
- ↑Gears of War - Official Site
The Weapons and Equipment of Gears of War | ||
---|---|---|
Human | Auto-Turret ·Beacon Grenade ·Blow Torch ·Booshka Grenade Launcher ·Brader ·Buzzkill ·Chain Gun ·Chainsaw Bayonet ·Combat Knife ·Commando Knife ·Custom Lancer ·Dropshot ·Fire Extinguisher ·Flechette Guns ·Gas Mask ·Gnasher Shotgun ·Gut-Puncher ·GZ18 Markza Sniper Rifle ·Hammer of Dawn ·Imulsion Countermeasure Weapon ·Incendiary Grenade ·Lightmass Bomb ·Lightmass Missile ·Longshot Sniper Rifle ·Longspear Rocket Launcher · Machete ·Mark 1 Lancer Assault Rifle ·Mark 2 Lancer Assault Rifle ·Mark 1 Markza Assault Rifle ·Molotov Cocktail ·Mortar ·Mulcher · Musket ·MX8 Snub Pistol ·One-Shot ·Police Lancer Assault Rifle ·Rocket Launcher ·Sawed-Off Shotgun ·Scorcher Flamethrower ·Silverback · Smoke Grenade ·Stim-Gas Grenade ·Stomper ·Tripwire Crossbow ·Ultra-Violet Turret ·Vulcan Gatling Gun | |
Locust | Bolo Grenade ·Boltok Pistol ·Boom Shield ·Boomshot Grenade Launcher ·Breechshot ·Butcher Cleaver ·Digger Launcher ·Dual Chainsaw Staff ·Elite Sawed-Off Shotgun ·Gorgon Submachine Gun ·Hammerburst Assault Rifle ·Hammerburst II ·Ink Grenade ·Kryll Grenade ·Multi-Turret ·Nemacyst ·Thumper ·Torque Bow · Troika Heavy Machine Gun |