Locust Horde

The subterranean threat that rose from the Hollows to consume Sera.

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The Locust Horde is a subterranean reptilian humanoid race that emerged from Sera's depths to wage total war against humanity. Their sudden appearance on Emergence Day wiped out 25% of the human population within the first day and week, forcing the Coalition of Ordered Governments (COG) into a desperate retreat. Led by Queen Myrrah, this organized civilization utilized the underground tunnel networks known as the Hollows to launch surprise attacks on human cities. For over a decade, they overwhelmed COG forces, forcing the evacuation of the capital Ephyra after Emergence Day—though the city would not fall until the later Battle of Ephyra—and driving survivors to the Jacinto Plateau. Their conflict with humanity defined the first three installments of the Gears of War series.

Lore & Background

Originating in the underground caverns called the Hollow, the Locust Horde traces its roots to experiments at the New Hope research facility, where scientists experimented on children with Rustlung to create the Sires—the precursors from which the Locust later evolved. While initially viewed as mindless beasts, they possessed a complex society led by Queen Myrrah. Their conflict with humanity escalated when they began mutating into the Lambent, organisms infected by Imulsion that threatened to consume all life.

Faced with this pandemic, Myrrah devised a desperate strategy: sink the Jacinto Plateau using a gargantuan Riftworm to destroy the human stronghold, with the resulting flood of the Hollows being a consequence rather than the primary goal. The COG discovered that the New Hope research facility had experimented on children ill with Rustlung, leading to the creation of the Sires, revealing a tragic biological connection between the two species before the final flooding.

Reader's Guide

The Locust Horde serves as the primary antagonist in Gears of War, Gears of War 2, and Gears of War 3. They are best countered by understanding their tunnel networks and the threat of the Lambent infection. Key units include standard Drones, heavily armored Brumaks used as mobile fortresses, and the massive Riftworm capable of sinking cities. Players must navigate the Hollows to locate strategic points like New Hope and Mount Kadar. The enemy's motivation shifts from territorial conquest to survival against the Lambent, culminating in their intentional flooding of the Hollows. Tactics involve utilizing cover-based combat to survive ambushes in dark tunnels and avoiding the corrosive effects of Imulsion pollution that turns life into Lambent organisms.

Did You Know?

General RAAM commanded the frontlines while Queen Myrrah orchestrated strategies from the throne in Nexus.
Adam Fenix was revealed to be alive after a helicopter crash during the evacuation of Ephyra, having been rescued and held on Azura.