Gears of War: E-Day Dares Players to Rack Up 25,000 Kills With a Smash Mouth Easter Egg — And It’s Brilliant

For over two decades, the Gears franchise has defined itself through brutal co-op mayhem and jaw-dropping set pieces. But Microsoft’s latest entry into the series is quietly proving that its developers still know how to have fun behind the grind. Following a massive Steam leak that exposed achievement lists across upcoming titles, Xbox has officially published the full achievement roster for Gears of War: E-Day — and tucked inside it is an Easter egg so delightfully on-the-nose that players are already celebrating.

The nod comes courtesy of one of cinema’s most iconic soundtracks. In 2001, DreamWorks’ Shrek featured Smash Mouth’s chart-topping anthem “All Star,” which quickly became a cultural touchstone for an entire generation of gamers. Now, that same song has found its way into the Gears universe — and it’s working wonders.

The Achievement That Breaks the Fourth Wall

Players can unlock an achievement titled “HEY NOW, YOU’RE AN ALL STAR…” by accumulating 25,000 kills in the Versus multiplayer mode. At just 25 Gamerscore, it may seem modest on paper — but its real value lies in tone. Rather than leaning into the franchise’s trademark grimdark seriousness, E-Day winks at its audience with a callback that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly bold.

This is exactly what long-time fans have wanted from the series for years: a studio willing to inject personality into an otherwise relentless war epic. The achievement rewards the kind of casual-to-dedicated player who spends countless hours dominating multiplayer, turning a tedious stat-chase into a genuine celebration of longevity and skill.

The payoff is substantial when you consider the effort required. Hitting 25,000 kills across Versus matches demands hundreds of hours of consistent play — meaning this isn’t just a trophy for completionists, but a badge of honor for true veterans of the Gears multiplayer scene.

The True Gauntlet: “Dead Serious”

If the Smash Mouth gag is the fun entry point, then the hardest achievement in the game — “Dead Serious” — is a masterclass in developer ambition. To unlock it, players must simultaneously:

• 100% the campaign on the highest difficulty setting, Insane;
• Achieve 25,000 kills in Versus multiplayer;
• Reach maximum player level;
• Max out all four classes.

That is an enormous undertaking. Layering a flawless campaign run on Insane with a full-versus kill count and complete class mastery creates one of the most punishing single achievements in modern Xbox history. The reward, however, justifies every hour: 85 Gamerscore — the highest payout for any individual achievement in E-Day.

This design philosophy signals something important about how Microsoft is approaching its flagship IP. It’s not enough to simply deliver a competent shooter; they want players to chase perfection, to treat the campaign as an art form and multiplayer as a competitive battleground.

A Tale of Two 25th Anniversaries

This year marks a significant milestone for both Xbox and Shrek, each celebrating their respective 25th anniversaries. The original Shrek film was re-released in theaters last summer, while the ogre himself made appearances across various video games this cycle.

Meanwhile, Xbox’s own quarter-century has been defined by turbulence. Microsoft’s biggest news event for the anniversary was a wave of layoffs, studio closures, and canceled projects — a stark reminder of the financial pressures facing even the most powerful gaming conglomerate.

The juxtaposition is telling: while the broader industry grapples with consolidation and cutbacks, Gears’s achievement list proves that creative passion still lives on within Microsoft’s ecosystem. A little humor in a time of austerity isn’t just welcome — it’s essential.

Release Details & Platform Outlook

Gears of War: E-Day launches October 6 for Xbox Series X|S and PC, with early access arriving October 1 for those willing to pay more. The title will also be available on Xbox Game Pass at launch, making it immediately accessible to the platform’s massive subscriber base.

Notably absent from the confirmed lineup is a PlayStation version — despite strong evidence that Microsoft canceled a PS5 edition at the last minute. While Microsoft has officially denied this claim, skepticism remains widespread within the community.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the “All Star…” achievement in Gears of War: E-Day?

A: It’s an Easter egg that pays homage to Smash Mouth’s “All Star” from the 2001 film Shrek. Players unlock it by accumulating 25,000 kills in Versus multiplayer mode and are rewarded with 25 Gamerscore.

Q: Which achievement is considered the hardest to unlock?

A: “Dead Serious” is widely regarded as the most difficult. It requires players to 100% the campaign on Insane difficulty, reach 25,000 Versus kills, hit max player level, and max out all four classes — earning a hefty 85 Gamerscore.

Q: Is Gears of War: E-Day available on PlayStation?

A: Not officially. There is strong evidence that Microsoft canceled a PS5 edition at the last minute, though Xbox has denied this claim. The game launches exclusively on Xbox Series X|S and PC.

Q: When does Gears of War: E-Day release?

A: The standard version arrives October 6 for Xbox Series X|S and PC, with early access beginning October 1. It will also be available on Xbox Game Pass at launch.

big Steam leak that revealed achievement lists and more
officially released the list of Achievements
Shrek himself showed up in various video games
lay off thousands of people, close development studios, and cancel games
Microsoft denies this, but no one believes them