New Star Wars Game is Like Mass Effect Meets XCOM, Permadeath Included

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A new Star Wars game focusing on tactical strategy is on the way! Star Wars Zero Company, developed by Bit Reactor with help from Respawn Entertainment and Lucasfilm Games, will offer turn-based combat and a compelling story. It’s drawing inspiration from popular games like the XCOM series and Mass Effect. Currently, the game is scheduled to release in 2026, though a specific date hasn’t been announced yet.

Set during the Clone Wars, Star Wars Zero Company puts you in charge of a skilled and diverse team of mercenaries—including a Jedi Padawan and a Mandalorian warrior. They’ll battle familiar foes like the Separatist droid army, as well as a mysterious new enemy. Success in combat relies on smart positioning, using each character’s unique abilities, and careful planning. The game emphasizes deliberate, turn-based tactics, which is a less common approach for Star Wars games. This could offer a unique and refreshing experience for fans of the franchise.

Star Wars Zero Company Blends Tactical Combat, Finality, and Squad Storytelling

Bit Reactor’s founder, Greg Foertsch, recently discussed the team’s vision for their upcoming Star Wars game, Star Wars Zero Company, in an interview with PC Gamer. While the game features tactical combat, it also prioritizes compelling characters and a narrative where they matter. Players control Hawks, an ex-Republic officer, and lead a squad made up of both pre-designed and customized characters with diverse backgrounds. A key feature is the freedom players have to build and manage their team, which will directly impact the story’s progression.

Teamwork isn’t just important in combat. Between battles, you’ll create and expand your base, collect information, and send spies across the galaxy to complete tasks that don’t involve fighting. This adds a layer of strategic depth, as you’ll need to carefully develop and manage your team over time, rather than just moving from one fight to the next. The game operates in cycles, with new missions and opportunities appearing regularly.

Similar to games like Mass Effect, your team is central to the story in Star Wars Zero Company. The developers at Bit Reactor are focusing on giving players meaningful choices that have real consequences. Decisions you make throughout the game will affect your squad and the overall story, and success depends on how well you manage your team and resources. The game emphasizes the relationships between squad members, and these bonds will impact combat through combined character abilities. While we’ve seen battles against droids, expect to fight a wide range of enemies from across the Star Wars universe.

Like games such as XCOM, Star Wars Zero Company features permadeath – meaning characters who die in battle are gone for good. This makes each mission more challenging and emphasizes the importance of strategy. The only exception is Hawks; if he falls, you’ll need to replay the mission. According to developer Foertsch, this wasn’t an accident. Losing characters is a key part of the Star Wars universe, and the game aims to reflect that.

Early details suggest Star Wars Zero Company will be a moving and demanding game within the Star Wars universe. It blends strategic, turn-based combat with team management, character relationships, and impactful choices, aiming for a fresh yet recognizable experience. If successful, Star Wars Zero Company could attract players who want a more deliberate and story-focused Star Wars game. With this and other upcoming projects, 2026 looks promising for Star Wars fans.

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2026-03-28 13:04