If you’ve ever wondered how to reload in Gears of War Reloaded, you’ll quickly learn it’s more than just topping off your ammo. The series’ signature Active Reload system turns reloading into a skill-based mechanic, rewarding precise timing with faster reloads and extra damage. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Active Reload, including Quick, Perfect, and Failed reloads, along with the special effects tied to different weapons.
How Active Reload Works in Gears of War Reloaded
Active Reload is one of the most iconic mechanics in the Gears of War series. Instead of waiting for your weapon to empty before reloading, you can manually reload at any time by tapping the Right Bumper. Once the reload starts, a meter appears on screen. If you tap the bumper a second time while the bar is in the highlighted zone, you’ll perform an Active Reload. Done correctly, this makes reloading faster—and in some cases, boosts your weapon’s power.
There are three possible outcomes when attempting an Active Reload:
- Quick Reload (grey zone): Speeds up the reload time compared to a normal reload.
- Perfect Reload (white zone): The fastest reload possible, adding bonus damage (flashing ammo) to all reloaded shots.
- Failed Reload (black zone): Your weapon jams, leaving you exposed while you wait even longer than a standard reload.
Perfect Reloads
Hitting the white section of the reload bar triggers a Perfect Reload, cutting the reload time to less than half a second. On top of that, your freshly loaded shots deal about 8% more damage and appear in your ammo count as flashing rounds.
This boost works in both campaign and multiplayer, but it comes with a catch: if you don’t fire the powered-up rounds before reloading again, the bonus damage is lost.
Weapon-Specific Active Reload Effects
Every gun benefits from Active Reloads (except the Scorcher Flamethrower, which only gets extra range). A few weapons also gain unique perks:
- Hammerburst II: Magazine size drops from 17 to 15 rounds. Pay attention to your ammo count.
- Boltok Pistol: Gains a huge fire-rate boost.
- Torque Bow: Charges faster after a Perfect Reload, making it deadlier if you hear it winding up.
- Boomshot: Each grenade gains an explosive aftershock—powerful, but risky in close quarters.
- Scorcher: Only receives a range increase.
What Happens on a Failed Reload
Missing the grey or white zones and landing in the black bar jams your weapon. This slows the reload even more than if you hadn’t attempted it at all, leaving you open to enemy attacks. You can still roll, dive, or Roadie Run while the jam clears, but you won’t be able to shoot or swap weapons until it’s done.
Reload Times by Weapon
Here’s how long each reload type takes across the arsenal:
| Weapon | Perfect Reload | Active Reload | Normal Reload | Failed (Jammed) Reload |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lancer | 1.8s | 2.25s | 3.0s | 4.1s |
| Hammerburst II | 2.0s | 2.25s | 3.0s | 4.45s |
| Gnasher Shotgun | 2.0s | 2.2s | 3.2s | 4.5s |
| Snub Pistol | 1.5s | 1.75s | 2.5s | 4.5s |
| Boltok Pistol | 1.75s | 2.0s | 2.5s | 4.5s |
| Gorgon Pistol | 1.5s | 2.15s | 2.0s | 5.0s |
| Longshot | 3.2s | 3.6s | 4.5s | 4.75s |
| Torque Bow | 2.5s | 2.75s | 3.0s | 5.1s |
| Scorcher | 1.5s | 2.0s | 2.5s | 4.5s |
| Boomshot | 1.5s | 2.0s | 2.5s | 4.5s |
| Mortar | 1.25s | 1.5s | 3.6s | 5.0s |
Learning how to reload in Gears of War Reloaded isn’t just about survival—it’s about gaining an edge. With enough practice, you’ll master Perfect Reloads, boost your damage output, and avoid the costly downtime of a failed reload. Whether you’re running through the campaign or squaring off in multiplayer, nailing your Active Reloads will give you the upper hand in every fight. Check out our Gears of War Reloaded hub for more guides like Is Gears of War Crossplay, so you can play with your friends on all platforms!
