In an exciting turn of events for Star Wars fans, Ubisoft's recent foray into the franchise with the anticipated game, Outlaws, is being followed up by EA, which is gearing up for another single-player adventure. This new title, Star Wars: Zero Company, is being developed by Bit Reactor, a studio with ties to the acclaimed Respawn Entertainment, known for their work on the Star Wars Jedi series. The game promises to be a turn-based tactics experience that fans of the franchise have been eagerly awaiting.

Unlike the previous entries such as the Jedi games or Star Wars Squadrons, which explored narratives set during and after the Original Trilogy, Zero Company takes players back to the tumultuous era of the Clone Wars. At this past weekend's Star Wars Celebration panel, which featured insights from Bit Reactor, Respawn Entertainment, and the team at Lucasfilm Games, new details were unveiled, including an action-packed trailer that showcases the games features.

Douglas Reilly, General Manager and Vice President of Lucasfilm Games, shared his enthusiasm, stating, At Lucasfilm Games, were huge tactics fans and we have wanted to make a game like this for a long time. The best tactics games are all about meaningful choices, and were confident we have chosen the right squad in Bit Reactor to deliver a compelling and innovative title that is authentic to Star Wars. His remarks underscore the studio's commitment to creating an engaging experience for players that resonates with the beloved franchise.

In Zero Company, players will step into the shoes of Hawks, a customizable leader tasked with commanding a specialized unit formed during the Clone Wars for covert operations. This elite squad comprises a diverse range of characters, including a resourceful astromech droid, a Jedi padawan named Telia Tria, a sharpshooter from the Umbaran race named Lucco Bronk, a Clone Trooper known as Trick, and a Mandalorian warrior named Klive. Notably, players will have the freedom to create and customize their own team, allowing for unique combinations and strategies, including the possibility of fielding a unit comprised entirely of astromech droids.

Taking cues from popular tactical games like Firaxis XCOM seriesmany of whose developers have transitioned to Bit Reactorplayers will engage in grid-based combat, utilizing each characters unique abilities to navigate tactical challenges. The narrative will unfold in a shadow war that spans the galaxy, offering players the chance to influence the outcome of the conflict significantly.

The decision to set the game during the Clone Wars era is particularly intriguing, as it presents a unique dynamic where both sidesthe Jedi and Clones versus the Separatistsare relatively evenly matched. This balance will challenge players to make critical decisions that can lead to major, and sometimes irreversible, consequences. According to the developers, the game map promises to be the largest ever featured in a Star Wars title, enhancing the scope and depth of exploration.

Moreover, Star Wars: Zero Company will include a bond system that encourages players to form relationships among squad members, which will in turn lead to various narrative branches. This means that no two playthroughs will be identical, adding a layer of replayability that fans of tactics games will surely appreciate.

Musically, the game will feature compositions by Gordy Haab, a well-regarded composer in the gaming community known for his previous work on titles such as Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order and its sequel, Survivor. Fans can also look forward to special cameos from beloved characters from the Star Wars universe.

Scheduled for release in 2026, Star Wars: Zero Company will be available on PlayStation 5, PC, and Xbox Series X|S, promising to deliver a captivating and strategic experience as players immerse themselves in the rich lore of the Star Wars saga.

In conclusion, Star Wars: Zero Company not only expands the horizons of the franchise but also marks a promising venture into turn-based tactical gameplay that could redefine how stories are told in the galaxy far, far away.