Star Wars videogames have always been where the sci-fi universe shines brightest. From the large-scale conflicts of Battlefront to the Force-driven power fantasy of Jedi Survivor, Star Wars is so vast that any genre can easily find a home there. Now, that’s true of XCOM-inspired turn-based strategy games, as proven by the new Star Wars Zero Company trailer. Buckle up, because Zero Company looks like the best the galaxy has ever seen.
Set during the final years of the Clone Wars you’ll bring together a ragtag group in Star Wars Zero Company, who put the best strategy game crews to shame. You take control of Hawks, a former Republic officer in charge of an elite squad, who’s flanked on all sides by eclectic characters. There’s the witty clone soldier Trick, anti-Republic sharpshooter Luco Bronc, Mandaloran gunslinger Cly Kullervo, and Jedi Padawan Tel. To me, this is where Star Wars games work best, by pulling on every corner of the universe to create unique characters and gameplay opportunities.
With a cinematic trailer and a few screenshots, you can easily see how developer Bit Reactor is leveraging its XCOM talent for Zero Company. Turn-based combat is played from a top-down perspective, and you’ve got plenty of abilities to use to come out on top. You can customize appearances, loadouts, and skills how you see fit, depending on the mission at hand. The members of Zero Company you choose to send out together will also forge their own bonds, and can unlock powerful synergies to help you succeed.
In between missions you’ll go to Zero Company’s base on the Ring of Kafrene. There’s an expansive map to help you choose your next task, and the opportunity to get prepared for whatever awaits you in the cold, dark corners of the galaxy. You’ll want to head out prepared, though, because you have no idea if you’ll face a B1-series battle droid, or something much worse.
You’re not locked into Bit Reactor’s own characters, either, as you can actually make your own to fill out the ranks of Zero Company. This feels ripped straight out of modern XCOM, where you design your own heroes and send them out into the frontlines to be unceremoniously slaughtered.
I wouldn’t leave Bit Reactor’s own characters on the sidelines, though. The team says you can actually change the fate of some the crew if you endeavour to improve their relationships by sending them out on missions together. From what I’ve seen so far, Star Wars Zero Company sounds like a delightful mix of XCOM and Mass Effect, and I can’t wait to see more.
Bit Reactor and Respawn Entertainment have Star Wars Zero Company set for a 2026 launch window on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
If you want more while waiting for Zero Company, we’ve got all the best turn-based strategy games and grand strategy games to keep you busy.
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