The Hollow
Where the earth breathes poison and monsters dwell in the dark.
In the depths beneath Sera's fractured crust, 'The Underworld' is the canonical term for the vast, subterranean network created by Imulsion deposits and expanded by Locust engineering. These dark, labyrinthine spaces serve as the primary habitat for the Locust Horde and later the Swarm, functioning as both breeding grounds and strategic fortresses hidden from surface view. While not always a singular, named location on official maps, The Underworld represents the terrifying underground network that defines much of the war's history.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Subterranean Network; Imulsion Cavity
- Inhabitants
- Locust Horde
- Swarm
- Lambent (Historical)
- Primary resource
- Imulsion Deposits
- Status
- Active; Contested
Lore & Background
Throughout the conflict following E-Day, these tunnels remained active and accessible to the Locust Horde, serving as their primary stronghold until the final assault on the Underworld. Contrary to belief, the COG did not seal off this entire network; while Emergence Zones were contained, the Locust maintained control over their excavated domains. The Lambent plague later mutated within these spaces, turning them into toxic death traps where light could not penetrate and sanity was lost to the hum of the infection. In modern times, remnants of these networks still pose a threat, often inhabited by feral Locust or Swarm minions waiting for an opportunity to breach the surface again.
Reader's Guide
Survivors should treat any mention of The Hollow with extreme caution. These areas are unstable due to Imulsion erosion and often lack structural integrity. Locust or Swarm activity is highly probable in uncharted tunnels. Standard COG weaponry may be less effective against heavily armored variants found deep underground. Navigation is nearly impossible without specialized equipment, as the magnetic interference from Imulsion deposits disrupts compasses and comms. Historical data suggests these networks connect to major surface cities via hidden shafts, making them potential invasion routes.
More in Lore & History
Elsewhere in Gears of War
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced