Players have been enthralled by this fantastic third-person shooter series since its debut. It’s hardly surprising that the games have amassed a devoted following throughout the globe, for their action-packed gameplay, engaging musical score, and captivating plot.
One of the key elements that makes Gears of War so exciting is the intriguing and diverse group of characters. Each character draws you into the story by lending their unique and original personality to the game. While the action is relentless and incredibly gory at times, the series is about so much more than just that. Here are just some of the characters that fans have come to truly care for.
10 Gabriel Diaz
Gabriel Diaz, often known as “Gabe”, is the protagonist in Gears Tactics, a prequel installment of the series. His impact on the overall story arc is minimal, and only appearing once in the series places him in this spot on the list. However, he boasts an unforgettable personality.
Gabe is the squad leader and renowned for his tactical knowledge, leadership qualities, and capacity to motivate his group. He is adamant about finishing his job and he will do everything it takes to keep his team safe. Rightly recognized for his tenacity and ingenuity in conflict, Diaz is a noble and caring warrior through and through.
9 Tai Kaliso
The second installment of the series introduced Tai Kaliso. He also only made one appearance in the main story, before being brought back in a DLC campaign in Gears of War 3’s prequel, RAAM’s Shadow. Tai is a very spiritual and philosophical person, with a strong sense of honor and a deep respect for his history and heritage, despite his intimidating look and fearsome reputation.
His positive and wise comments after surviving another day places him in this spot on the list. He is willing to put his life in danger to defend his friends and allies, because of his deep loyalty to them. Kaliso is a crucial member of his squad since he consistently maintains composure in the face of adversity and arduous struggles.
8 Garron Paduk
Garron Paduk’s introduction to the story came in the prequel which is the fourth installment of the series, Gears of War: Judgement. Paduk is a skilled sniper hailing from the UIR (Union of Independent Republics), known for his sovereignty and tendency to question authority. He is a straightforward individual who is not afraid to speak his truth, no matter the circumstances. In addition to his military expertise, Paduk makes a second appearance in Gears 5 and grows to become a seasoned nomad, able to traverse the desert with ease. Without Paduk, our heroes in that title would be lost.
He is not one to follow orders blindly and will speak out when he feels something is unjust or wrong, especially if orders are coming from anyone wearing a COG (The Coalition of Ordered Governments) uniform. He occupies the eighth slot on the list because of his defiant attitude, which draws some players to like him but may not gel with others.
7 Clayton Carmine
Clayton, commonly known by his nicknames “Grub Killer” and “Carmine”, is a character known for his stoic nature. He is the oldest of his siblings and is introduced in Gears of War 3. Despite his quiet demeanor, his comments in serious situations showcase his impeccable comedic timing, adding a touch of levity to the intense and gritty atmosphere of the game.
Although he faced numerous brushes with death, his resilience surpasses that of his younger brothers, solidifying his seventh place on this list.
6 Damon Baird
Renowned for his cynical and serious demeanor, Baird is also known as being very technologically and mechanically astute. Baird was introduced as a supporting character to the story from the beginning. He later became the protagonist in Gears of War: Judgement.
Despite his pessimistic outlook, he is adept at operating and repairing complicated machinery. His team benefits from his wit and fast thinking, because it frequently gets them out of sticky situations. His sarcasm notwithstanding, Baird is a solid and trustworthy squad member who is always willing to risk his life for his teammates.Baird occupies the sixth spot on the list since he creates robots and machines that help progress within the story.
5 Delmont Walker
Delmont “Del” Walker is renowned for his upbeat and optimistic outlook. He feels strongly about his team’s security and will go to significant measures to protect them. He treats the Dave and Jack robots with more deference and compassion than his squad members do, since he sees them as sentient creatures.
Gears of War 5’s Del is deeply devoted to his friends, and even when they engage in questionable activities, he sticks by them no matter what. He also cares deeply about people, including those who oppose the COG military of which he is a member.
4 Augustus Cole
“The Cole Train” was a nickname given to Augustus Cole when he was a famous Thrashball athlete before joining the COG military. Cole tends to show up as back up just in time to save his squad, placing him in fourth place on this list.
He is known for his love of his sport, often seen boosting morale with battle cries and cheers during combat. Cole is not afraid to put himself in harm’s way to protect his team, showcasing his courage and bravery on the battlefield. His sassy and edgy attitude makes him a unique and refreshing personality to the squad.
3 Marcus Fenix
Marcus Fenix, the protagonist of the series, is a hero famed for his bold leadership, fury, and steadfast commitment to saving humanity. He receives amnesty despite his criminal history in exchange for helping to fend off the Locust Horde. He displays his fierce loyalty by disobeying orders to save his father.
Marcus is a talented warrior who is adept at controlling both a Reever, a kind of Locust mount, and a Brumak, a huge armored Locust beast, in combat. He is an important player in the conflict, using his commanding presence to drive back the monsters that plague humanity. Often being in the thick of the action, though, it’s easier to mistake Fenix for a mere powerhouse.
2 Anya Stroud
Anya Stroud begins her journey as the Intel Officer for Delta Squad. She is known for her exceptional ability to find solutions to challenging situations and her proficiency in providing first aid on the battlefield.
Though she starts off as a support character, she eventually joins the front lines, fighting alongside key characters like Marcus, Cole, and Baird making her second on the list. Her versatility and ability to take on multiple roles and responsibilities have a lasting impact on the Gears of War universe, and the deep and engaging campaign which can be uncommon in shooters.
1 Dominic Santiago
Dominic, commonly known as “Dom”, is a key character in the series. He serves as the second-in-command to Marcus Fenix and is a highly valued member of Delta Squad. He is extremely dedicated to his team and is willing to do whatever it takes to protect them, including sacrificing himself if necessary.
Dom is also motivated by his relentless search for his wife, Maria, who is believed to have been captured by these underground-dwelling creatures. He is determined to eradicate all Locusts. Dom is an aggressive warrior, who is always ready to risk his own life for the greater good. His every act carries great heart and emotion, making him a big reason why the saga is one of the best ever to hit the Xbox family of systems.