Today at Star Wars Celebration in Japan, fans got their first full look at “Star Wars Zero Company,” an exciting game that’s been creating quite a buzz in the community as the “XCOM Star Wars game.” The reason for this nickname stems from the involvement of Greg Foertsch, who’s at the helm of Bit Reactor, the studio behind the game. Foertsch has a legacy with turn-based games, having contributed significantly to the XCOM series during his time at Firaxis.
In an announcement shared with Polygon, Foertsch outlined the game’s vision, saying, “We’re building Star Wars Zero Company on gameplay pillars that blend the rich Star Wars universe with captivating turn-based strategy.” He further shared that the game aims to deliver an original storyline set in the Clone Wars era, promising players that their decisions will matter and that they’ll engage in deep tactical combat presented in a cinematic way.
The heart of this solo experience lies with a character named Hawks, a former officer of the Republic. Hawks leads an eclectic group of freelancers known as Zero Company. This diverse team must put their differences aside to face daunting challenges and tackle a growing threat that could engulf the galaxy if not stopped.
Much of the game’s mechanics, as highlighted in their release, echo the familiar style of XCOM. Players will venture on tactical missions and investigations sprinkled throughout the galaxy. In between these missions, you’ll get the chance to develop a home base, gather intel through informants, and keep your squad a step ahead of the competition. The game allows players to create and customize their squad of operators while also introducing a cast of original Star Wars characters.
To me, what’s truly exciting is the promise of these new Star Wars characters. Personally, I wouldn’t mind if iconic figures from the established Star Wars lore are missing from this title, allowing a brand-new narrative thread to unfold. Much like “Andor,” which brought fresh stories within the extensive Star Wars universe, Zero Company has the potential to be a standout with its innovative storytelling.
However, patience will be our ally, as Zero Company is slated for release in 2026. Bit Reactor is crafting this game alongside Respawn Entertainment and Lucasfilm Games, and it will be available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X.
