When the player reloads a weapons ammunition, they have an opportunity for an 'active reload', shown by a small cursor moving over a line with a marked section on the player's heads-up display (HUD). Most weapons feature a secondary fire mode the game's signature rifle, the Lancer, includes a chainsaw bayonet that can be used at close range to slice through enemies. The player's character can carry four weapons: one pistol, one set of grenades, and two other weapons, all which can be swapped with other weapons dropped by fallen foes or at stockpiles throughout the game, along with ammunition.
Gears of War 3, like its predecessors, is a third-person shooter that emphasizes the use of cover and squad tactics in order to survive combat situations.
