The Gears of War franchise has always offered a healthy variety of collectibles, achievements, and experiences. Gears 5 introduces players to a semi-open world that provides exploration opportunities to uncover 17 unique variations to classic weaponry.

In previous games, the Crimson Omen symbol has indicated the locations of COG tags. Gears 5 takes a different approach by using these symbols to point players in the direction of Relic weapons. These weapons provide a unique and sometimes unexpected edge.

Today, I’ll be going over the top 10 Relic weapons in Gears 5. I’ll be covering what these weapons are, how they differ from the norm, where to find them, and why they’re worth your time. 

10. Enforcer Relic

The Enforcer Relic is one of the earliest acquirable relics in the Gears Campaign. You can obtain this relic either during Chapter 2 or 4 of the campaign’s second act.

Like all relic weapons, the Enforcer Relic is similar to its standard counterpart with a few notable changes:

• Increased damage.
• Slower fire rate.

While the Enforcer Relic is a far cry from the best relics in Gears 5, it’s certainly a decent starting weapon. 

9. Longshot Relic

The Longshot Relic is another Relic that can be acquired early on. The best friend of any sniper, longshots are fantastic for dishing out headshots.  

Pick up the Longshot Relic as early as Chapter 2 in Act 2 to enjoy:

• Properly timed Active Reloads grants two shots rather than one.

Stay bloodthirsty out there.

Start at 0:39

8. Talon Relic

While the Talon Relic cannot be obtained until Chapter 1 of Act 3, it’s one of the easiest to find. 

Take a closer look around the airfield where you begin Act 3 to get your hands on:

• More damage on Active Reloads.
• Better Accuracy on Active Reloads.

The best part? The Talon Relic is a pistol, which means you won’t need to get rid of your bigger firepower options.

Start at: 4:36

7. Hammerburst Relic

If you’re a fan of Hammbursts, this one’s for you. You can snag the Hammerburst Relic as early as Chapter 1 of Act 3 after getting the Skiff.

The Hammerburst Relic features:

• Longer bursts of fire.

Longer bursts make it far easier to shred through smaller enemies, particularly Poppers.

Start at: 5:00

6. Gnasher Relic

Another Act 3, Chapter 1 relic, the Gnasher Relic is an instant favorite. The Gnasher Relic redefines “up-close-and-personal with:

• Greater damage.
• An alternate firing mechanism. This Gnasher fires one slug instead of a spread.

The worst part about this relic? Waiting until Act 3!

Start at: 8:05

5. Retro Lancer Relic

The Gears 5 version of the Retro Lancer has been vastly improved upon compared to its predecessors.  The Retro Lancer Relic even more so.

The Retro Lancer Relic is the most unique relic in Gears 5 as it:

• Fires explosive rounds instead of standard ammunition.
• Causes explosive area-effect damage.

The Retro Lancer Relic can be picked up early on in Act 2, Chapter 4.

Start at: 4:01

4. Boomshot Relic

”Booooom…”

While the Boomshot vs. Dropshot argument is unlikely to do die anytime soon, the Boomshot Relic is something everyone can enjoy.

The Boomshot Relic includes similar damage and range as the standard version, but features:

• Three additional explosive rounds.

The Boomshot Relic is one of the first guns that can be acquired in Gears 5. You’ll find it in Chapter 4 of Act 2.

Start at: 1:52

3. Boltok Relic

The Boltok Relic was my favorite secondary weapon throughout the Gears 5 campaign. Obtainable early on, you can get your hands on this Relic as early as Chapter 4 of Act 2.

The Boltok Relic packs a powerful punch and features:

• Faster fire rate.
• Improved accuracy when firing off the hip.

The hip-fired accuracy is improved so dramatically that I was popping heads left and right without the need to aim.

Start at: 1:10

2. Overkill Relic

While you’ll have to wait until Act 3 to get your hands on the Overkill Relic, it’s well worth the wait. Trust me.

• The Overkill Relic has significantly improved on its predecessor by:
• Incorporating a fully-automatic overkill.

The Overkill Relic shines on larger enemies, including Scion, Pouncers, and bosses.

Start at: 6:53

1. Lancer GL Relic

Lancer GLs pump out an extreme amount of damage VIA motor fire, but weapon delays can make it difficult to strike moving targets. The Lancer GL Relic offers a unique take on the secondary fire option.

Instead of raining a strike down on enemies, the Lancer GL Relic:

• Fires motor barrages in a straight line.

This makes the Lancer GL Relic the best weapon for bosses and other heavy hitters. Unfortunately, you’ll have to wait until Chapter 1 of Act 3 to get your hands on it.

Start at: 8:50

You may also be interested in:

• Gears 5 Best Horde Weapons for Every Character
• [Ranked] Gears 5 Best Horde Characters​
• Gears 5 Best Jack Upgrades and Which to Get First​