Can a turn-based tactics game in the style of XCOM actually work in the Star Wars universe? Oh yes, absolutely! Bit Reactor and EA prove this with Star Wars Zero Company. In fact, it's one of the best XCOM-style games in recent years.
In Star Wars Zero Company, former Republic officer Hawks and the eponymous Zero Company — an elite squad of unconventional mercenaries — are recruited by Republic Intelligence for a mission. Comprising ex-nobles and ex-convicts, they now share one mission: To stop the Infinite Coil, a cult aligned with the Separatists and their leader Kundri Fathom, before their deadly Shadow Plague consumes the galaxy. The game is set at the end of the Clone Wars. Players can customise Hawk's appearance, gender, and class using the in-game editor.
Zero Company, or ZCOM for short (in the style of XCOM), is divided into two main areas: tactical battles and the Den (base of operations). In the turn-based tactical battles, players command a squad. Classic cover mechanics, hit probability indicators and destructible environments are all present. As is customary in the genre-defining XCOM, there is partial and full cover, flanking deals particularly high damage and there is an Overwatch mode. However, the action point system takes a different approach: Each Operator has three Action Points, which can be used to move, attack and use abilities during each turn. Operators can take these actions in any order. Some actions cost multiple AP. XCOM only had two action points, as is well known.
Star Wars Zero Company (c) Bit Reactor, Electronic Arts, LucasFilm, Disney
In addition to this, there are iconic Star Wars weapons, Force abilities and shields, as well as eight classes or specialisations (Sharpshooter, Gunslinger, Medic, Assault, etc.). These classes complement and reinforce one another synergistically in combat. However, managing equipment in the armoury (such as grenades, trauma kits and ion weapons) also plays a decisive role in determining success. This is tactically complemented by Assists, a Call for Backup system, and a cross-team Advantage system for successful attacks, which are necessary for particularly powerful attacks.
The tactical gameplay is fundamentally well designed and has been convincingly adapted to the Star Wars universe. Indeed, it highlights just how much sophisticated tactical games like XCOM are missed. In this respect, the game fills a significant void with ease.
Star Wars Zero Company (c) Bit Reactor, Electronic Arts, LucasFilm, Disney
Between missions, players can move freely around their operations base, the Den, in third-person view, which is reminiscent of Marvel’s Midnight Suns – another game from Firaxis Games. Here, players can select their next missions and interact with team members who are fully-fledged characters with their own personalities, backstories and daily dialogue. Players can fill out the team with original and custom-made Star Wars characters, tailoring their appearances, loadouts and abilities. There are also frequent story choices that influence the relationships with companions depending on how they are made. Good relationships amongst the team unlock passive gameplay bonuses and personal side quests. The game uses a permadeath system. If a companion is lost in battle, they are permanently dead. This ensures that players don't simply take their team for granted, but ideally grow to care deeply for the characters - and that's really good.
However, the main missions do not feature procedurally generated maps; these are handcrafted instead. They are scripted in great detail to create cinematic moments. During each cycle, players can complete operations or tactical missions at the holotable in the Den. Both can be skipped, but story-critical missions become mandatory after a certain amount of time. Each cycle ends with a selection of tactical missions that must be completed with the chosen squad.
Star Wars Zero Company (c) Bit Reactor, Electronic Arts, LucasFilm, Disney
Operations are brief assignments outside the Den that do not involve combat but help the team to gather intelligence, acquire loot or simply replenish the Den's treasury. They may grant rewards, feed into the story or unlock additional operations and missions. Some operations present a dilemma and require decision-making. These decisions can affect the character's relationships with certain companions and impact side missions. Tactical Missions involve turn-based, ground-based combat. These can focus on the campaign story, hero-specific content or skirmish engagements to gain more resources. Mission types include sabotage, combat, rescue, procurement, and story missions featuring the unique narratives of individual heroes.
"After all these years of hard work from our amazing team, Star Wars Zero Company is a go for launch," said Greg Foertsch, Game Director and CEO of Bit Reactor. "On behalf of everyone at Bit Reactor, I want to thank players for their encouragement and passion so far on this journey. We’re incredibly proud of this game and excited to see what Zero Company YOU forge through your choices and playstyle. Getting to create this Star Wars game in collaboration with Lucasfilm Games is a dream come true."
Star Wars Zero Company (c) Bit Reactor, Electronic Arts, LucasFilm, Disney
Star Wars Zero Company is the debut game from Bit Reactor, a studio founded in Hunt Valley, Maryland, USA, in 2021. It was created by strategy game developers as an independent studio that puts developers first. The team comprises individuals who have worked on games such as XCOM, Civilization, Gears of War and The Elder Scrolls Online, among others. The company's size is listed as between 51 and 200 people on LinkedIn, with 92 associated members. A recent media report on Game File stated that, shortly before the game's (strong) release, the development studio had sent the majority of its staff on compulsory unpaid leave (furloughed) as the company had run out of funds. This may also explain why the game was released while still requiring technical adjustments. Furthermore, the report states that there is an ongoing legal dispute between the co-founders, Alison Kelly and Greg Foertsch, concerning company shares and allegations of mismanagement.
The game's publisher is Electronic Arts (EA), which is no longer a publicly listed company following the finalisation of its $55 billion acquisition by PIF, Silver Lake and Affinity Partners in early August. Headquartered in Redwood City, California, EA is recognised for brands such as EA Sports FC, Battlefield, Apex Legends, The Sims, EA Sports Madden NFL and EA Sports College Football.
"We're thrilled to collaborate with Bit Reactor and EA to deliver a deep, tactical experience set in the darker corners of the Clone Wars," said Douglas Reilly, VP and GM of Lucasfilm Games. "Bit Reactor's team of genre veterans brings a fresh perspective to this debut title that pushes boundaries and creates a distinct experience for Star Wars fans. We can’t wait for players to take command of Zero Company and uncover an authentic Star Wars story unlike anything they've experienced before."
Star Wars Zero Company was released on 26 August 2026 in retail stores and on digital storefronts for PC via the EA app, Steam and the Epic Games Store, priced at €49.99. It is priced at €59.99 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. The Digital Deluxe Edition, which features cosmetic items inspired by the Clone Wars era, is priced at €59.99 on PC and €69.99 on consoles. The Collector's Edition, priced at €299.99, includes a Star Wars Zero Company-themed Hasbro Black Series Thermal Detonator, Steelbook, desk mat, and more. To coincide with the game's release, the Star Wars Zero Company soundtrack, featuring an original score by Gordy Haab, is available via Walt Disney Records.
Star Wars Zero Company is one of the best tactical games of the past year. It features both gripping battles and quiet moments of team bonding. A brilliant game!
