Developers Bit Reactor and EA have shared fresh details on Star Wars: Zero Company, their upcoming turn-based tactics game set during the Clone Wars. The preview highlights third-person exploration, permadeath mechanics, and squad bonding features. The game is slated for release in 2026 on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
Star Wars: Zero Company, announced last year after a leak, draws inspiration from XCOM with its single-player turn-based tactical combat. Players lead a squad of five, including customizable protagonist Hawks, a disgraced non-clone former Republic officer who forms Zero Company to battle Separatists without Republic support. The game unfolds during the Clone Wars era across planets like Geonosis, Felucia, and Umbara, facing droid enemies and a mysterious Dark Side cult that empowers foes with stacking buffs, as detailed in PC Gamer's exclusive preview. Bit Reactor founder Greg Foertsch emphasized blending tactical combat with exploration. During story missions, players can walk around levels in third-person, akin to Jedi: Fallen Order, to immerse in Star Wars environments. Animation lead Hector Antunez told PC Gamer: “The heart of the game is in the tactical combat, but we really wanted to add an element that allowed players to spend even more time in the Star Wars environments.” Permadeath applies to all squadmates except Hawks, including named characters like Tognath Jedi Padawan Tel-Rea Vokoss and procedurally generated recruits, potentially altering story threads. Squadmates bicker and bond between missions, yielding narrative and gameplay benefits reminiscent of BioWare titles. Story lead Aaron Contreras, known from Jedi: Fallen Order and Survivor, noted on permadeath: “It was a challenge that we embraced midway through production... it was the right decision for the game.” A galaxy map and cycle system force choices, with consequences like enemy buffs or delayed rewards. Lead designer Grayson Scantlebury described: “I helped this guy... then 10 cycles from now, he comes back with some information or an item.” Eurogamer reported Respawn Entertainment's involvement alongside Bit Reactor, aligning with EA's Lucasfilm Games project.
