Star Wars fans are buzzing with excitement as Lucasfilm Games, alongside developers Respawn Entertainment and Bit Reactor, has officially revealed Star Wars: Zero Company, a single-player, turn-based tactics game set to make waves in the galaxy far, far away. The announcement dropped just ahead of a major showcase at Star Wars Celebration Japan, scheduled for April 19, where gamers will get their first real look at this intriguing addition to the franchise. With its promise of strategic combat, a ragtag crew of heroes, and a fresh spin on Star Wars storytelling, Zero Company is already shaping up to be a must-watch for fans and strategy buffs alike.
Gameplay: XCOM Meets Star Wars
So, what’s the deal with Star Wars: Zero Company? Think XCOM meets Star Wars, with an isometric view where you command a squad of operatives on high-stakes missions. The game’s set during the Clone Wars era, a turbulent time of galactic conflict that’s ripe for gritty, tactical tales. You’ll lead an unconventional team—picture a mix of a Tognath Jedi wielding a lightsaber, a battle-scarred Clone Trooper in customized Phase-I armor, a Mandalorian from an unknown house, an Umbaran separatist, and a human scoundrel with an R5 droid in tow. They’re not your typical heroes, which is exactly what makes this crew so exciting. Your job? Deploy them on missions that range from stealthy prison rescues to all-out firefights against Stormtroopers and beyond, all while managing resources and making tough calls that could shape the story.
Strategic Depth and Immersive Design
The vibe is strategic and immersive. Leaked screenshots from a 2023 build—floating around before the official reveal—showed off gameplay where you position your squad, pick actions like tossing thermal detonators or entering defensive stances, and weigh risks with hit percentages, much like XCOM. There’s also a hub world, reportedly set in the Kafrene Mining Colony from Rogue One, where you’ll tweak your team’s loadouts, hit up the armory, or dig into a black market for gear. The game’s running on Unreal Engine 5, so expect visuals that pop, with detailed environments that pull you into the Star Wars universe. While it’s single-player, there’s talk of base management, maybe even defending your headquarters from attacks, adding a layer of depth that’s got fans hyped.
The Developers Behind the Galaxy
Bit Reactor, packed with ex-XCOM devs from Firaxis, brings serious strategy chops to the table, while Respawn’s track record with Star Wars Jedi: Survivor ensures the game will feel authentically Star Wars. Lucasfilm Games is keeping the story under wraps for now, but early imagery hints at prequel-era vibes, with a nod to The Clone Wars animated series. Could we see familiar faces like Ahsoka or Bo-Katan? Nothing’s confirmed, but the idea of Jedi survivors teaming up with Mandalorians post-Order 66 has fans speculating wildly. The game’s not chasing multiplayer or live-service trends—it’s a focused, story-driven experience, which is music to the ears of players tired of grind-heavy titles.
What to Expect at Star Wars Celebration Japan
The reveal’s timing is perfect. Star Wars Celebration Japan is set to be a big moment, with a panel hosted by Lucy James where developers will share gameplay footage and maybe even drop a trailer. Posts online are already hyped, with fans praising the idea of a tactics game that dives into the Clone Wars’ chaos. But not everyone’s sold—some are bummed it’s not a real-time strategy game like Empire at War, while others worry it’ll lean too heavily on XCOM without enough Star Wars soul. There’s also chatter about platforms—PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC are likely, but no word yet on Nintendo Switch 2 or a release date, though spring 2026 is a safe bet given typical game cycles.
A New Tactical Era for Star Wars Gaming
For now, Star Wars: Zero Company is shaping up to be a bold swing, blending tactical depth with the franchise’s knack for unforgettable characters and epic stakes. Whether you’re itching to lead a Jedi into battle or just curious about a new corner of the galaxy, this one’s worth keeping on your radar. Tune in to Star Wars Celebration this weekend for the full scoop—it’s bound to be out of this world.