Gears of War 4’s New Swarm Enemy Makes the Locust Look Like Chumps

Swarm vs. Locust

Gears of War 4 has finally released and sees players battling it out with the Swarm. Though we’d seen the Lambent variation of the Locust in previous games these were only mutated and infected versions of the creatures we were so used to killing. Of course, with a new enemy fresh on the scene after countless years of Locust rule, the obvious question arises of how the Swarm stack up against their counterparts, so we decided to answer that for you.

Before we go any further, we’re going to drop a quick spoiler warning here. While we won’t necessarily be jumping into any major plot points of Gears of War 4, the Swarm can be a spoiler-sensitive topic. If you want to enjoy Gears of War 4 spoiler-free, we advise turning back now and returning later to check out our comparison.

The Locust

The Locust were certainly a formidable opponent. Over the course of the three numbered games in Delta Squad’s adventures, we’d come up against General RAAM, huge Brumaks which could obliterate small villages in a matter of seconds, the terrifying Corpsers, and a hell of a lot more. With such a vast array of Locust coming in all different shapes and sizes, there was certainly never a dull moment as we took Marcus and the rest of Delta squad on their mission to put an end to their reign.

It’s worth bearing in mind that the Locust did have time to really show us what they were made of over the course of three games. We saw their forces become fiercer with each game that passed, and even saw the Lambent mutation lead to some even more volatile foes. That’s not to say that their competition is completely out of the race, though.

The Swarm

Okay so let’s get the obvious statement out of the way. When it comes to the standard Drones and Juvies of the Swarm, they are incredibly similar to that of the Locust Drones and Wretches we fought for three games with Delta squad. Yet, looking beyond their aesthetic similarities, the Swarm actually have the upper hand.

We’ve already seen the different creatures in the Swarm’s army with Pouncers and Snatchers most certainly mixing things up for a more fast-paced and unpredictable opponent. However, with only one chapter of this new saga against the Swarm down, there’s still the potential for plenty other variations of the Swarm lurking deep within their ranks.

It’s not just about the different enemy types, though. After all, the main drawing point to an enemy is how their attacking prowess stacks up against your own. In that aspect, the Swarm are a far more unpredictable and interesting opponent to take on. Rather than sticking behind the same piece of cover like the Locust Drones did, they’ll hop between different pieces seeking out the best angle. Juvies will leap and bounce unpredictably off walls and cover, and if you’re not popping out of cover enough, a Drone isn’t afraid to bring the fight to you. The Swarm are unpredictable and intelligent. A lethal combination in the world of Gears of War 4.

How Do They Stack Up?

From what we’ve seen of the Swarm so far in Gears of War 4, they certainly look set to equal the Locust in terms of a varied and enjoyable enemy to shotgun, chainsaw, and Boomshot our way through. While the Locust certainly had a little bit more lore behind them by the end of their three-game-run, it’s still early days for the Swarm.

The Swarm certainly has the upper-hand in terms of a combat opponent, however. While the Locust were by no means dumb, the Swarm just feel a lot more intelligent and this brings a new dynamic to encounters with your enemy.

Ultimately, it’s too early to make the definitive call, especially with such strong similarities between them. What this does mean, though, is that the Swarm are going to be interesting to watch evolve over the course of this next Gears of War saga.