Star Wars Zero Company preview: tactical squad combat returns

Bit Reactor, a studio formed in 2022 by former Firaxis developers, and publisher Electronic Arts will release Star Wars Zero Company on Aug. 27, 2026 for PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. The game is rated T for Teen. Standard editions are priced at $49.99 on PC and $59.99 on consoles; deluxe editions cost $59.99 on PC and $69.99 on consoles.

Star Wars Zero Company is a turn-based tactics title in which players command a mercenary unit called Zero Company. The campaign frames the unit as working for the Republic while the leader owes a debt to a Hutt named Gorga. Combat plays out on isometric maps with four Operators deployed per mission. Positioning, cover and coordinated actions affect outcomes.

Each Operator carries a primary weapon type-Blaster Pistols, Repeaters, Blaster Rifles or Longarm Blasters-and weapons can be modified in an in-game Armory. Operators begin with a Talent and a Specialisation that can be upgraded and respec’d; a second Specialisation becomes available later in the campaign. The weapon and specialisation systems allow players to create roles such as Assault, Gunslinger, Heavy, Medic, Scoundrel, Scout, Sharpshooter and Soldier.

A Bonds system tracks relationships between squadmates. Fielding characters together and supporting each other in combat increases bond levels and grants synergies, including duo attacks, action-point sharing and combo moves that amplify effects such as debuffs followed by coordinated strikes. Focus points earned through bonds are spent to improve Talents and Specialisations.

The game’s hub, the Den, is located in a hangar on the Ring of Kafrene. The view switches to third-person when exploring the Den, which contains stations for the Armory, Medbay, Personnel, Recruitment, Customisation and the Pit. Missions are selected at a war table that presents main objectives and side jobs. Some side jobs resolve through decision-based encounters at the war table and can affect crew morale, reputation and rewards; other side jobs open short combat scenarios separate from the main campaign.

Star Wars Zero Company includes an injury and permadeath system. Injuries sustained during missions reduce combat effectiveness and require Medbay recovery or treatment in a Bacta Tank. An Operator who accumulates three injuries faces permanent death. The ship contains a memorial for fallen squad members.

Visually, the game uses animated cutscenes, voice work and detailed visual effects for explosions and particle effects. The preview build showed technical issues such as occasional odd character rotation and camera blockage during special attacks.

Character creation supports a range of cosmetic options, including non-human appearances. The game’s core systems combine squad composition, weapon variety and bond-driven progression. Star Wars Zero Company will be available Aug. 27, 2026 on PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.