Part 3

Learn essential combat techniques for Gears of War, including taking cover, health regeneration, roadie running, and effective enemy engagement strategies for Locusts and Boomers.

Controls:

B

Melee (Hold for Lancer chainsaw)

X

Interact (open doors, press buttons, switch weapons)

Y

See "Points of Interest" (important objects, Dom's location)

Right Bumper

Reload (Press twice for Active Reload)

Left Bumper

Objectives, squadmate location/status

Right Trigger

Use weapon

Left Trigger

Targeting reticule

A

Take cover (near object), Roll (moving), Roadie Run (moving + hold A)

Taking Cover:

Unlike many shooters, Marcus Fenix cannot withstand significant damage. Cover is essential for survival. Health regenerates when you are not taking damage, so stay in cover when injured. Almost any object or wall can serve as cover. Press 'A' near cover to automatically take position. You can move while in cover; pulling the Left Stick away detaches you. Your health is indicated by the skull logo near the reticule; when it's half full and the screen tints red, return to cover to regenerate.

Exiting Cover:

Specific icons indicate available cover exits:

• Dash Forward: While on the edge of cover, press Up on the Left Thumbstick and 'A' to swing out and dash. Hold 'A' to Roadie Run.
• Vault Over: While crouched behind a small object, press Up on the Left Thumbstick and 'A' to vault over. Be exposed during the vault; aim for nearby cover.

Enemies:

• Locusts: Humanoid enemies varying in weapons and tactics. Some charge with shotguns, others use rifles. On Insane difficulty, their melee attacks are one-hit kills. Keep your distance.
• Boomers: Large, slow enemies carrying Boomshots (rocket launchers). They are easy targets. A charged Torque Bow typically kills them in one shot. Two Lancer clips or sniping are also effective. On Casual/Hardcore, they can be taken down with two Lancer clips, but cannot be chainsawed.

Boomer Strategy:

Shotguns are effective against Boomers, especially if they are the only enemies. Get close enough, and they will stop firing their Boomshot due to splash damage concerns. Strafe and spray. If facing two Boomers, this tactic may still work as they tend to group together.