Gears of War Reloaded: How to Reload

How to Reload in Gears of War Reloaded

By Daniel Hidalgo | 2025-08-27 11:59:25

Gears of War Reloaded: How to Reload

The iconic Active Reload system is a cornerstone of the Gears of War franchise, and it returns with polished intensity in Gears of War Reloaded. This mechanic is far more than a simple button press; it's a high-risk, high-reward skill that separates novice players from seasoned veterans. Mastering its timing is crucial for increasing your damage output, controlling the pace of firefights, and securing key in-game achievements.
This comprehensive guide will break down everything you need to know, from the basic controls to the strategies behind achieving a flawless "Perfect Active Reload" every time.

The Reload Control Scheme


Unlike many modern shooters that assign reload to a face button, Gears of War Reloaded stays true to its roots. The default reload command is mapped to the R1 button on PlayStation and the RB button on Xbox controllers. Pressing this button initiates the reload sequence, bringing a dynamic reload meter onto your screen.
This meter features a horizontal bar with distinct colored sections: a large gray area and a smaller, critical white segment at the end. A vertical marker will then swiftly sweep from left to right across this bar. Your objective is to stop this marker at the perfect moment.

Understanding the Three Reload Outcomes


Your timing when pressing the reload button a second time determines one of three distinct results:
  • Failed Reload (Jam): If you press the button too early or too late, causing the marker to stop outside the gray or white zones, your weapon will jam. This disastrous outcome significantly increases your reload time, leaving you vulnerable and unable to fire for what feels like an eternity mid-combat.
  • Standard Active Reload (Fast): Stopping the marker anywhere within the gray section of the bar results in a successful active reload. Your weapon is reloaded faster than a standard, passive reload, getting you back into the fight quicker. However, you receive no additional damage bonus.
  • Perfect Active Reload (Ultimate Boost): The ultimate goal. By pressing the reload button a second time precisely as the moving marker passes through the narrow white section, you execute a Perfect Active Reload. This elite maneuver grants you a dual advantage:
    • A Significant Speed Boost: The reload animation is completed in nearly half the time of a normal reload.
    • A Damage Bonus: Every bullet in your newly loaded clip deals increased damage (approximately 8%), allowing you to eliminate enemies faster.

    • Unlocking the "Zen and the Art" Achievements


    The game incentivizes players to master this system through two specific trophies or achievements:


    • Zen and the Art of Reloading: Unlocked after performing 25 Perfect Active Reloads.
    • Zen and the Art Part 2: Awarded for achieving 5 Perfect Active Reloads in a row.


    Pro Tip for Farming: If you're focusing on these achievements, a reliable method is to useyour starting pistol. Fire a single bullet, then attempt a PerfectActive Reload. Repeat this process in a safe area to quickly build yourcount and consecutive chain.


    Controller Customization and Remapping


    While the default, alternate, and tournament control schemes all keep reload on the R1/RB button, Gears of War Reloaded offers full controller customization.


    You can remap the reload function to any button you prefer by navigating to:

    Settings > Controls > Controller Customization. Under the "Combat" tab (cycled with the triggers), you will find the"Reload Weapon" option. This allows you to create a control layout thatbest fits your personal playstyle.


    It is important to note that the active reload system itself cannot bedisabled or automated. It is an intentional, integral part of the game's challenge. However, you can always choose to simply not press thereload button a second time, defaulting to a slower, standard reloadwithout the risk of a jam.


    Strategic Conclusion: To Reload or Not to Reload?


    The decision to attempt an active reload is a constant tactical choice. Inthe heat of a close-quarters battle, the risk of a jam might be toogreat. In these moments, a standard reload may be the safer option.However, when you have a moment of cover or are preparing to engage apowerful enemy like a Boomer, nailing a Perfect Active Reload to gainthat crucial damage boost can decisively turn the tide of war. Practiceis key—learn the rhythm of each weapon and make the Active Reload yourgreatest weapon.

    Platform(s): Microsoft Windows, Project xCloud, GeForce Now
    Genre(s): Third-person shooter, action role-playing
    Developer(s): The Coalition
    Publisher(s): Xbox Game Studios
    Release date: August 26, 2025
    Mode: Multiplayer
    Age rating (PEGI): +17
    Video preview▶


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