Star Wars Zero Company resembles XCOM but with Jedi and droids
New strategy game blends Star Wars with XCOM mechanics.
Star Wars Zero Company is set to draw in fans with its compelling mix of strategy and iconic Star Wars elements. Co-developed by Respawn and the newly established Bit Reactor, the game was first revealed at the 2025 Star Wars Celebration in Japan. As part of a trio of titles from Respawn, this game promises to meld the intense strategy of XCOM with the rich narrative universe of Star Wars, focusing on the Clone Wars era. The collaboration also brings together Greg Foertsch, former senior art director on XCOM, adding further to the game's tactical depth.
The game invites players into the boots of Hawks, a former Republic officer. You'll lead an elite squad through a gritty narrative, maintaining the essence of Respawn's cinematic storytelling flair. The game's strategy components are heavily influenced by XCOM, as implied by Foertsch's role in its development. Bit Reactor, infused with personnel like lead animator Hector Antunez from Firaxis, lends its strategy expertise to craft an experience that's both complex and accessible. The game's design not only invites fan engagement through its storytelling but incentivizes meaningful tactical decisions.
Foertsch outlines the game's philosophy, emphasizing an engaging turn-based tactical combat system that remains faithful to the immersive Star Wars universe. Importantly, he doesn't equate complexity with depth, aiming instead to differentiate the two within gameplay. The anticipated game aims to strike a balance between a mass Star Wars audience and niche strategy fans, ensuring it neither loses its focus on storytelling nor neglects tactical satisfaction. Drawing on his XCOM experience, Foertsch aims to retain this balance by integrating an approachable game design with cinematic flair.
Star Wars Zero Company is not simply another strategy game; it's impact lies in drawing parallels with beloved titles while introducing a novel Star Wars adventure. The single-player narrative is set to expand the Clone Wars story, already a popular era within the Star Wars anthology. Player choices within the game are designed to have meaningful consequences, thus enhancing replayability and engagement. It's slated for release in 2026 on major platforms including PC, Xbox Series X/S, and PlayStation 5, providing broad accessibility from its launch.
The creators behind Zero Company aim to innovate within the strategy genre while expanding the Star Wars universe through games. As fans await its release, the game promises to deliver the familiar tactical gameplay with a Star Wars twist, ensuring that the new title not only captivates strategy enthusiasts but also immerses them within its beloved universe.
Sources: Engadget, PC Gamer, Respawn Entertainment, Lucasfilm