Active Reload

From Gears of War

Active Reload is a feature that is unique to the Gears of War games. It is a minigame that changes the reloading mechanism of the held weapon. By tapping the Right Bumper when the progress bar reaches the grey or white area of the meter, the reload is much faster and is nearly instantly done. There are three types of Active Reload: A quick reload is performed once the progress bar meets the grey area of the meter, a Perfect Reload is performed by matching the bar with the solid white area, and a failed active reload is when the bar is stopped in the black area.

[edit] Perfect Active Reload

"Nice!"

— Marcus Fenix, upon making a Perfect Reload

"I am in the zone!"

— Benjamin Carmine, upon making a Perfect Reload

The Perfect Reload is achieved when the reload bar at the top of the screen hits the solid white part of the bar, and pressing the reload button the second time will make the reloading process take less than half a second. The damage per shot is also increased by around 8% for all ammunition returned to the weapon. The shots that have increased damage is shown as flashing ammo. The Perfect reload is a type of Active Reload, and can be used in Multiplayer for a much needed boost. However, if one doesn't fire any rounds, the perfect reload round(s) will disappear and he/she will be left with regular rounds.

The Perfect Active Reload is accompanied by its very distinctive sound.

All weapons have damage increase, some weapons have a side effect. The Hammerburst II gets only 15 rounds in its clip instead of the 17. So when you actively reload this weapon, you best watch how many bullets you have. The Boltok receives a massive rate of fire increase, which works well when aiming at the head. Now we move on to explodable weaponry. Torque Bow gets to charge up faster, so want to get out of the line of sight fast when you here the Torque Bow's charging. The Boomshot is kind of dangerous to active reload when in close quarters combat. Reason being, that when actively reloaded, the Boomshot's grenade receives an aftershock of mini explosions. Last but not least, the Scorcher. This weapon only receives a range increase.

[edit] Failed Active Reload

"Goddamn son-of-a-bitch!"

— Marcus Fenix, upon failing an Active Reload

"Come on! Don't do that to me NOW!"

— Benjamin Carmine , upon failing an Active Reload

Once the needle passes the Active Reload meter's gray section, you should let it go all the way to the end. Stopping it in the black results in the weapon to jam and the reloading process will therefore take longer than if you hadn't attempted an active reload. A failed attempt at the active reload will result in the character forcefully inserting the ammunition cartridge, whilst muttering a curse, which differs from character to character. Also, a failed reload results in not only a longer wait, but leaves the player completely vulnerable. They can no longer roll, switch weapons, run, or take cover. Their motion is also slowed to a walk.