Knowing the precise locations of all weapons in Gears of War: Reloaded multiplayer determines who controls the pace and flow of each match. Gears of War: Reloaded keeps matches balanced by giving every player the same starting loadout, but the real advantage comes from grabbing map-specific weapons before your opponents. This guide explains how to identify, locate, and secure every weapon on all multiplayer maps, so you can plan your routes and maximize your kill potential from the opening seconds of every round.

Starting Weapons and Map Pickups

Every player spawns into a multiplayer match with three standard weapons: the Lancer Assault Rifle, Gnasher Shotgun, and Sub Pistol. These are always available and do not require pickup. While these weapons can hold their own in most firefights, the real power lies in map pickups—special weapons placed at strategic points that can shift the outcome of an engagement or entire round.

Special weapons, such as the Longshot, Torque Bow, Boomshot, and others, only appear on certain maps. Mastering weapon locations, respawn timers, and optimal pickup routes is critical for maintaining map control and consistently winning encounters.

Step 1: Use Tac/Com Vision to Spot Weapons

Weapon pickups are visually highlighted using tac/com vision. Press L1 on PlayStation or LB on Xbox to activate this mode. The screen will gray out, and all available weapons in your immediate area will appear as bright outlines, making it easy to identify their exact locations even in the heat of battle.

Step 2: Identify Weapon Locations by Map

Each multiplayer map contains a specific set of weapon pickups. The following table lists every map alongside the weapons you can find there. Use this information to decide your initial route and prioritize high-value pickups:

  • Bullet Marsh: Longshot, Frag Grenade.
  • Canals: Torque Bow, Frag Grenade.
  • Clocktower: Boltok Pistol, Hammerburst.
  • Courtyard: Hammer of Dawn.
  • Escalation: Longshot, Boltok Pistol.
  • Fuel Depot: Frag Grenade.
  • Garden: Boomshot.
  • Gold Rush: Hammerburst.
  • Gridlock: Longshot.
  • Mansion: Longshot, Boltok Pistol, Boomshot.
  • Mausoleum: Boltok Pistol, Frag Grenade.
  • Old Bones: Boomshot.
  • Process: Longshot.
  • Raven Down: Frag Grenade.
  • Rooftops: Longshot, Boltok Pistol, Hammer of Dawn, Frag Grenade.
  • Sanctuary: Torque Bow, Boltok Pistol, Boomshot, Frag Grenade.
  • Subway: Longshot.
  • Tyro Station: Torque Bow.
  • War Machine: Longshot, Frag Grenade.

Some weapons, like the Longshot sniper rifle, appear on numerous maps, while others are more limited in placement. For example, the Hammer of Dawn is only found on Rooftops and Courtyard, making it a rare but powerful pickup.

Step 3: Plan Your Route and Secure Pickups Quickly

At the start of each round, rush toward your preferred weapon spawn before opponents can intercept you. Since weapon pickups are limited and respawn on a cooldown, timing and speed are crucial. Control over powerful weapons like the Boomshot or Torque Bow can tip the balance in your favor, especially in close matches. Make sure to communicate with teammates and coordinate pickups to avoid overlap and wasted efforts.

Step 4: Monitor Weapon Respawn Timers

After a weapon is picked up, it will not be available again until a set cooldown period passes. Keep track of when weapons are taken so you can return to the spawn point just as the weapon becomes available again. This tactic prevents the enemy team from regaining control and gives your squad repeated access to the most impactful gear.

Step 5: Adapt to Map and Team Strategy

Not all maps offer the same weapon types or quantities. Some may have only one or two pickup weapons, while larger maps can feature up to four. Adjust your strategy based on the map’s layout and the weapons present. For example, prioritize long-range pickups like the Longshot on open maps, while focusing on close-quarters power weapons such as the Gnasher or Boomshot in tighter environments.

Additional Tips for Weapon Mastery

  • Use tac/com vision frequently, especially after respawns, to ensure you don’t miss newly available pickups.
  • Communicate with your squad to assign weapon roles and avoid competing for the same pickup.
  • Practice with each weapon in private matches to learn their strengths, weaknesses, and optimal engagement ranges.
  • Remember that starting weapons are always reliable, but map pickups can break stalemates or shift momentum rapidly.

Learning every weapon location and pickup strategy in Gears of War: Reloaded multiplayer gives you a measurable edge in every match. With practice and map knowledge, you’ll find yourself controlling the battlefield and consistently outperforming your rivals.