Star Wars Zero Company: Story, Characters, Gameplay, Release Date Revealed

EA has officially announced Star Wars Zero Company, a new turn-based tactics game set in the Star Wars universe.

First teased on April 14, the game received a full reveal at Star Wars Celebration Japan through a cinematic trailer and developer interviews.

Star Wars Zero Company is being developed by Bit Reactor in collaboration with Respawn Entertainment—the studio behind Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order and Survivor—and Lucasfilm Games. 

While Bit Reactor might be a new name to many gamers, the studio consists of industry veterans with experience on popular strategy titles like XCOM and Civilization.

Game Setting and Characters

Set during the Clone Wars, Zero Company puts players in the role of Hawks, a former Republic officer leading an elite squad of operatives from diverse backgrounds. 

Players will build a team that can include Mandalorians, Clone Troopers, Astromechs, and even Jedi (similar to characters seen in Rogue One).

While the primary antagonists haven't been revealed, the trailer featured battles against droids, with developers teasing an "emerging threat" that could endanger the galaxy if left unchecked.

In an interview with PC Gamer, game director Greg Foertsch described the tone as darker and more grounded than typical Star Wars titles—more in the spirit of Rogue One than A New Hope. 

The game will feature fully voiced, authored characters with distinct personalities and backstories integrated into the narrative.

Gameplay

Zero Company is a single-player turn-based tactics game, drawing inspiration from titles like XCOM and Gears Tactics. Players will command their squad in strategic, cover-based combat, using terrain and positioning to outmaneuver enemies.

Between missions, players will manage a headquarters, where they can recruit new members, send out informants, and gather intelligence. 

Both Hawks and squadmates can be customized in terms of appearance and combat class, allowing players to tailor their team for different playstyles.

A key feature is the bond system, where characters build relationships through shared missions, unlocking new combat abilities and team synergies. This system adds depth to both strategy and storytelling.

Additionally, the game will include permadeath, meaning fallen squad members will be lost permanently—though this feature can be toggled off via difficulty settings for players seeking a less punishing experience.

What Sets Zero Company Apart

Star Wars Zero Company marks the first major turn-based tactics game in the Star Wars franchise. While mobile games like Galaxy of Heroes have explored turn-based mechanics, Zero Company is the first AAA entry to fully commit to the genre on console and PC.

The focus on original characters rather than legacy figures signals a push to expand the universe with fresh stories. As Greg Foertsch explained:

“It’s our aim to deliver a game with an original Star Wars story from the Clone Wars era that has meaningful outcomes from player choices, and deep turn-based tactical combat with an approachable and cinematic presentation.”

Release Timeline

While no specific release date has been confirmed, Star Wars Zero Company is targeting a 2026 launch. Given its lengthy development cycle, reports suggest it could arrive in the first half of the year.

At launch, it will be available on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC.

With its ambitious blend of tactical gameplay, narrative-driven squad dynamics, and a fresh take on the Star Wars universe, early impressions are positive. As the launch date approaches, we will get to see more details.