'Gears of War 4' season pass: Permanent maps access, bonuses and more in $50 collection

Microsoft announces the "Gears of War 4" season pass Microsoft/The Coalition

The "Gears of War 4" season pass is now available for pre-order, with loads of goodies and exciting privileges to enrich the gaming experience in the highly-anticipated third-person shooter. The collection is priced at $49.99, which is marginally cheaper than the game itself.

"Gears of War 4" season pass entitles gamers to "permanent" access to all two dozens of DLC maps coming to the game. That means they get a pair of DLC maps every month for a whole year all ready for private play on dedicated servers.

In "Gears of War 4," Microsoft changed things up by choosing to release DLC maps in rotation. There will be specific maps available for a month and a different pair in the next. Unless players buy the maps, they won't be able to play it privately after its time of availability is done.

With the "Gears of War 4" season pass, however, all maps, regardless of the month, can access all 24 maps. When a player has a certain map, players can invite their friends for a private match on the map, even if these players don't have it themselves.

"Gears of War" season 4 holders are also getting an exclusive VIP Pack, which includes Vintage JD and a couple of Vintage weapon skins. Also in the assortment are six Gear Packs, which users can use to unlock character and weapon skins, emblems, equipment and boosts.

On top of all that goodness, there's an exclusive Developer Playlist, which gives players the chance to try out upcoming maps and modes before they are released to the "Gears of War 4" community.

For those who want to go even bigger, they can opt for the $99.99 "Gears of War 4" Ultimate Edition, which gives them a copy of the game, the season pass, a limited edition steelbook and the luxury of playing the game four days before it officially hits the market on Oct. 11. For $350, players get a limited edition JD Fenix statue. There's also a $59.99 Standard Edition featuring a copy of the game.

Microsoft is offering extra goodies to those who pre-order either of those "Gears of War 4" editions. These goodies include an exclusive Vintage Del Gear Pack, which is inclusive of a Vintage Del character model, emblem, two Vintage weapon skins and a special Vintage Del bounty.

"Gears of War 4" launches on Oct. 11.

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