Gears 5 is available now to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers and will launch fully in just days. There's a lot to look forward to in Gears 5. The co-op campaign is especially interesting. Players can partner up and play through the campaign as a duo or trio. A trio requires a player take on the role of robotic companion Jack, but Jack is playable as a duo, too. Developer The Coalition is even encouraging players to pick this robotic companion by providing achievements specific to it.

Jack's odd role in Gears 5, which has traditionally either been a duo or squad-based co-op franchise, is causing some confusion. Jack has been listed as the "third player" in Gears 5's co-op, which is true. But it's also a unique experience. It starts without much exciting gameplay but can grow over time as abilities are unlocked. It's a great option for inexperienced players, or for a more relaxed experience.

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How To Play As Jack

As mentioned, Jack is only available in co-op. Solo players will have to take on the role of the level's main protagonist. Co-op players will be prompted to choose a character within Gears 5's campaign lobby.

Not every character is available on every level, and Jack is no different. Jack's only available past the campaign's first chapter. So in any other chapter than the first, highlight the character select in the lobby and switch through characters with the bumper buttons.

To earn all of Gears 5's achievements, players will have to play a lot of Jack. Achievements for Jack include reaching level 15, acquiring all of Jack's Ultimate abilities, and fully upgrading Jack's abilities and passives. Knowing how to select Jack is just the start.

gears 5 jack screenshot

With Jack, The Coalitions is trying to do multiple things at once. It's trying to bridge the gap between two-player co-op and four-player co-op, while also offering a way for inexperienced players to join in the fun, all while adding a unique experience to Gears 5 at the same time. Playing as Jack isn't for everyone, but that's okay. Having Jack provides players with just one more option.

Gears 5 releases September 10 on PC and Xbox One, but is available now for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers.

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