This downloadable content for Gears of War 3 enhances the core experience by adding five new weather-themed multiplayer maps and four extra characters. It integrates new cosmetic options via seven weapon skin sets and introduces "Elemental Cleavers" as hidden, property-based Easter egg weapons in Horde mode. Crucially, this expansion brings back the classic Guardian gametype based on community feedback. It requires the base game to play.
The central theme driving this expansion revolves around weather and natural phenomena, which is reflected in the design of the new competitive spaces. This installment introduces five new multiplayer maps, each built around these environmental concepts.
To expand player options, the content pack includes four additional playable characters for use across supported modes. Furthermore, players receive significant cosmetic upgrades through the addition of seven new weapon skin sets, allowing for greater personalization of their loadouts.
A key feature targeted at dedicated cooperative players is the introduction of unique, hidden weapons within Horde mode playthroughs set on the new maps. These are designated as "Elemental Cleavers". These special items function as Easter eggs and possess distinct elemental properties that alter their combat effectiveness when discovered and utilized.
In response to sustained community feedback, this DLC brings back a classic competitive ruleset from the franchise's history: Guardian. This mode reintroduces specific tactical objectives and team dynamics familiar to long-time participants of the series, integrating it back into the current competitive rotation.
This package functions entirely as an extension, bolstering the existing multiplayer framework. Its scope is focused on providing new environments, cosmetic items, and the specialized Elemental Cleavers for Horde play, seamlessly layering new content onto the established Gears of War 3 engine and mechanics.