At Star Wars Celebration Japan on April 19, 2025, Bit Reactor, in collaboration with Respawn Entertainment and Lucasfilm Games, unveiled Star Wars Zero Company, a single-player turn-based tactics game slated for release in 2026 on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S. Set during the twilight of the Clone Wars, this XCOM-inspired title promises a gritty, immersive experience that blends strategic depth with a fresh Star Wars narrative, captivating fans and strategy enthusiasts alike.
Players step into the boots of Hawks, a customizable former Republic officer leading Zero Company, a ragtag squad of operatives for hire. From Mandalorians to Jedi and astromechs, the team’s diverse roster, featuring both authored and player-created characters, faces an emerging galactic threat. Hawks’ appearance, combat class, and even species are fully customizable, allowing for deep personalization. Squadmates’ load-outs, abilities, and bonds, which unlock powerful combat synergies, further enhance tactical flexibility, ensuring each playthrough feels unique.
Drawing inspiration from Andor and Rogue One, Zero Company delivers a boots-on-the-ground perspective of the Clone Wars, exploring complex characters and moral dilemmas. The game’s story, set in a galaxy wavering on the edge of chaos, emphasizes meaningful player choices that shape narrative outcomes. Missions span diverse locales, from familiar planets to uncharted worlds, with players managing a base of operations and an informant network between tactical operations.
Bit Reactor infuses Zero Company with genre-defining mechanics, including optional permadeath for heightened stakes. Game Director Greg Foertsch emphasizes accessibility for newcomers while preserving depth for hardcore fans, balancing cinematic storytelling with strategic rigor. Leaked screenshots from March 2025, though outdated, hinted at an isometric view and settings like the Ring of Kafrene, fueling speculation about XCOM-like gameplay, now confirmed by the official reveal.
The game’s announcement has sparked excitement, with posts on social media praising its detailed customization and Clone Wars setting. Despite Respawn’s recent challenges, including canceled Star Wars projects, their collaboration with Bit Reactor signals a bold step forward. Star Wars Zero Company is set to redefine Star Wars gaming, offering a tactical, story-driven adventure that honors the franchise’s legacy while forging a new path, very similar to what the single-player campaign from Star Wars Outlaws has to offer. Check out the best prices for Star Wars Outlaws while waiting for the new release of Zero Company.