Today, Star Wars Zero Company, often likened to an “XCOM Star Wars game,” was unveiled in detail at the Star Wars Celebration Japan. The reason for the comparison stems from Greg Foertsch, who is both CEO and Creative Director at Bit Reactor, the studio behind this game. Foertsch brought his extensive background in turn-based titles from his time at Firaxis, where he worked on the renowned XCOM series.
Foertsch shared his insights in a press release to Polygon, stating, “Our vision for Star Wars Zero Company is deeply rooted in crafting gameplay that blends the rich Star Wars universe with captivating turn-based tactics.” The intent, he explained, is to craft a Clone Wars-era story where player decisions have significant impacts, all wrapped in a tactically deep, yet accessible and visually striking experience.
At the heart of this single-player adventure is Hawks, a former officer of the Republic. Tasked with leading a motley crew of hired specialists from across the galaxy, Hawks faces the challenge of uniting these diverse personalities. Known as Zero Company, this squad must overcome daunting odds to confront a rising threat with galaxy-wide stakes if left unchecked.
According to the press release, the game’s format bears a familiar resemblance to the XCOM series, offering a refreshing throwback. Players embark on galaxy-spanning tactical missions and investigations, all the while managing a base of operations and leveraging a network of informants to outsmart their enemies. The game emphasizes player agency, allowing customization of squad members and introducing a brand-new lineup of Star Wars characters to engage with.
Perhaps the most exciting aspect is this introduction of fresh characters within the Star Wars realm. Personally, seeing no familiar faces and diving into an entirely unique narrative would be ideal. The success of “Andor,” brimming with new stories in the Star Wars universe, exemplifies how invigorating fresh narratives can be. Hopefully, Zero Company will follow a similar path.
Fans will, however, need some patience, as there is no specific release date yet, only a broad window slated for 2026. When it does arrive, courtesy of Bit Reactor’s collaboration with Respawn Entertainment and Lucasfilm Games, Star Wars Zero Company will be available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X.
