Star Wars Zero Company Release Date 2026: Everything We Know About the XCOM-Style Tactics Game
The Clone Wars are raging, and the galaxy’s fate rests on the shoulders of an elite squad of misfits. Star Wars Zero Company is the turn-based tactics game that Star Wars fans and strategy enthusiasts have been waiting for, bringing XCOM-style combat to a galaxy far, far away.
Developed by Bit Reactor, a studio founded by veterans of Firaxis Games, in collaboration with Respawn Entertainment and Lucasfilm Games, this single-player tactical RPG puts you in command of an unconventional outfit of professionals for hire. According to EA’s official announcement, the game was unveiled at Star Wars Celebration Japan in April 2025. The game launches worldwide on August 27, 2026, for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. Here is everything you need to know about Star Wars Zero Company.
Why Star Wars Zero Company Is Trending Right Now
The excitement around this tactical strategy game has been building since its initial reveal. Several factors are driving the hype:
- Former XCOM Developers Are Leading the Project. Bit Reactor was founded by Greg Foertsch, the senior art director on XCOM: Enemy Unknown and XCOM 2, alongside other former Firaxis developers. This pedigree has made the game one of the most anticipated strategy titles in years. Rock Paper Shotgun notes that the game is “channeling that series in a major way.”
- A Fresh Take on the Clone Wars Era. The game explores a “shadow war” happening beneath the surface of the Clone Wars, introducing players to a clandestine conflict that feels fresh and authentic. IGN reported that Director Greg Foertsch described it as “this other war happening beneath the war.”
- Anakin Skywalker Makes a Surprise Appearance. The Summer Game Fest trailer revealed that Anakin Skywalker will appear in the game, wielding his blue lightsaber during the twilight of the Clone Wars. GameSpot covered this reveal in their preview.
- Deep Customization and Squad Management. Players can customize their protagonist Hawks and create custom operators from seven Star Wars races, including Twi’lek, Togruta, and Zabrak. Polygon highlighted the game’s “Star Wars meets XCOM” approach.
- XCOM-Style Permadeath with a Star Wars Twist. Like XCOM, your squad members can die permanently in battle. IGN confirmed that while the story is canonical, “your experience will be different from mine” based on who lives and dies.
Game Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Developer | Bit Reactor (in collaboration with Respawn Entertainment and Lucasfilm Games) |
| Publisher | Electronic Arts |
| Genre | Turn-Based Strategy, Tactical RPG |
| Game Type | Single-Player Turn-Based Tactics |
| Engine | Unreal Engine 5 (confirmed) |
| Release Date | August 27, 2026 |
| Price | $49.99 (PC) / $59.99 (PS5, Xbox Series X) |
| Platforms | PC (Steam, Epic Games Store, EA App), PS5, Xbox Series X/S |
Star Wars Zero Company is the debut title from Bit Reactor, a studio founded in 2022 by former Firaxis developers. As Shacknews reported, the game has been in development for several years, led by a team composed of former Firaxis, XCOM, and Elder Scrolls Online devs. The game is set during the final years of the Clone Wars and follows Hawks, a former Republic officer who leads an elite squad of mercenaries. The game features a single-player campaign with turn-based tactical combat, squad management, and a cinematic story.
What We Know So Far
Confirmed Information ✅
- Release Date: August 27, 2026
- Platforms: PC (Steam, Epic Games Store, EA App), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
- Price: $49.99 (PC) / $59.99 (Consoles)
- Developer: Bit Reactor
- Publisher: Electronic Arts
- Protagonist: Hawks, a customizable former Republic officer
- Setting: Twilight of the Clone Wars
- Gameplay: Turn-based tactical combat with cover mechanics, flanking, and squad abilities
- Key Features: Permadeath, Bond System, character customization, base management (The Den)
- Pre-Order Bonus: Crystalline Astromech Cosmetic Pack
Rumors & Speculation ⚠️
These have not been officially confirmed:
- Story expansion DLC.
- Challenge mode.
- New Game+.
- Steam Deck optimization.
Confirmed vs Rumored
| Aspect | Confirmed | Rumored |
|---|---|---|
| Release Date | August 27, 2026 | — |
| Platforms | PC, PS5, Xbox Series XS | — |
| Price | $49.99 / $59.99 | — |
| Developer | Bit Reactor | — |
| Publisher | EA | — |
| Protagonist | Hawks (customizable) | — |
| Permadeath | Yes | — |
| Story DLC | — | Unconfirmed |
| New Game+ | — | Unconfirmed |
Release Date & Timeline
Mark your calendars: August 27, 2026.
The game was originally announced during Star Wars Celebration Japan in April 2025. The official release date was confirmed during Summer Game Fest 2026. As Eurogamer reported, pre-orders are now live across all platforms.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| April 2025 | Revealed at Star Wars Celebration Japan |
| June 2026 | Release date confirmed at Summer Game Fest |
| August 27, 2026 | Worldwide release |
Platforms
Star Wars Zero Company is launching on:
- PC: Steam, Epic Games Store, EA App
- PlayStation 5
- Xbox Series X|S
No PlayStation 4 or Xbox One version has been announced. The game is designed for current-gen hardware and PC. Push Square provided detailed coverage of the PS5 version’s performance.
Gameplay & Features
Turn-Based Tactical Combat
Star Wars Zero Company features XCOM-inspired turn-based combat with cover mechanics, flanking, and action points. Players command a squad of up to four characters in each mission, utilizing their unique abilities and positioning to overcome Separatist forces and a Dark Side cult. GameSpot highlighted the combat system as familiar to XCOM players.
The Bond System
Teamwork is integral to the experience. The bond system allows characters to develop relationships through combat actions. As relationships grow, characters gain focus points to spend on leveling up their skills. According to IGN, this is “the backbone of how our characters progress.”
The Den: Your Base of Operations
Between missions, players operate from The Den, a hub where you can
- Talk to squad members and help them with personal tasks
- Buy items from the black market
- Customize loadouts and level up skills
- Send operators on non-combat missions for intelligence and resources
Character Customization
Players can customize their protagonist Hawks, choosing appearance, species (from seven Star Wars races), and class specialization. Additionally, players can create custom operators to fill out their roster.
Permadeath
Like XCOM, Zero Company features permadeath. If a squad member dies in battle, they are gone for good, and the story moves on regardless. The developers have confirmed that while the story is canonical, “your experience will be different from mine” based on who lives and dies.
A Linear Story with Character-Driven Moments
While the overall story is linear, there are story moments that can alter based on who you have in your squad. Eurogamer noted that the game features a “grittier style of Rogue One” and the prestige TV prequel Andor.
Anakin Skywalker Appears
The game’s trailer confirmed that Anakin Skywalker will appear as a Jedi General, suggesting the game is set before the events of Revenge of the Sith. GameSpot noted that Anakin was known as “a bit of a rebel during the Clone Wars who engaged in unorthodox tactics.”
Comparison Section
Star Wars Zero Company draws clear inspiration from several beloved titles. Here is how it compares:
Compared to XCOM 2
| Aspect | XCOM 2 | Star Wars Zero Company |
|---|---|---|
| Combat | Turn-based tactics with cover | Turn-based tactics with cover |
| Permadeath | Yes | Yes (toggleable) |
| Base Management | Avenger | The Den |
| Customization | Extensive | Extensive (species, appearance, class) |
| Story | Player-driven | Linear with character-driven moments |
Compared to Marvel’s Midnight Suns
| Aspect | Marvel’s Midnight Suns | Star Wars Zero Company |
|---|---|---|
| Combat | Card-based tactics | Turn-based tactics |
| Hub | The Abbey | The Den |
| Relationships | Friendship system | Bond System |
| Setting | Marvel Universe | Star Wars Universe |
Compared to Mass Effect
| Aspect | Mass Effect | Star Wars Zero Company |
|---|---|---|
| Hub | Normandy | The Den |
| Squad | Recruitable companions | Recruitable operators |
| Story | Player-driven choices | Linear with character-driven moments |
What sets Star Wars Zero Company apart is its combination of XCOM-style tactical combat with the rich lore and cinematic storytelling of the Star Wars universe. As Bit Reactor CEO Greg Foertsch noted in an interview with Rock Paper Shotgun, the game tasks you with strategically guiding “an unconventional outfit of professionals” through the waning days of the Clone Wars.
Expectations & Predictions
What Players Expect
Based on community discussions and early previews, players are expecting:
- Deep, rewarding tactical combat that lives up to the XCOM legacy.
- A compelling Star Wars story with memorable characters.
- Meaningful squad customization and progression.
- High replayability through different squad compositions and permadeath outcomes.
- Strong post-launch support.
Predictions (Speculation)
These are my predictions based on community expectations:
- Story DLC could add new missions and operatives.
- Challenge scenarios could offer additional difficulty for veterans.
- Performance optimizations will likely be a priority across all platforms.
Trailer & Media
An official gameplay trailer was released during Summer Game Fest 2026. The trailer showcased the game’s tactical combat, character customization, and cinematic story, ending with the reveal of Anakin Skywalker. You can watch the Summer Game Fest trailer on the official YouTube channel.
The trailers highlight the following:
- Turn-based tactical combat with cover and squad abilities.
- Character customization for Hawks and operators.
- The Den, base of operations.
- Anakin Skywalker’s appearance.
- Cinematic story sequences.
You can watch the trailers on IGN’s website and the game’s official Steam page.
System Requirements
Minimum (PC)
| Component | Requirement |
|---|---|
| OS | Windows 10/11 (64-bit) |
| Processor | Intel Core i5-10400 / AMD Ryzen 5 3600 |
| Memory | 16 GB RAM |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 / AMD Radeon RX 6600 XT |
| Storage | Approximately 50 GB available space |
Recommended
Official recommended PC requirements have not yet been published.
Community Reactions
What Players Are Saying
The community reaction has been largely positive. XCOM fans are excited that former Firaxis developers are leading the project. Star Wars fans appreciate the original Clone Wars-era story instead of another movie adaptation. Many consider it one of EA’s most promising Star Wars games in years.
Reddit and YouTube Trends
Gameplay breakdowns compare the game heavily to XCOM. Fans discuss squad compositions and character customization. Videos analyzing combat mechanics and companion relationships are trending. Community excitement centers on tactical depth rather than action gameplay.
FAQs
What is the Star Wars Zero Company release date?
Star Wars: Zero Company releases on August 27, 2026, for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.
Is Star Wars Zero Company similar to XCOM?
Yes. The game features XCOM-style turn-based tactical combat with cover mechanics, flanking, and permadeath. It is developed by former XCOM developers.
Which platforms will Star Wars Zero Company release on?
The game is coming to PC (Steam, Epic Games Store, EA App), PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
Who is Hawks in Star Wars Zero Company?
Hawks is the customizable protagonist, a former Republic officer who leads Zero Company.
Does Star Wars: Zero Company have multiplayer?
No. The game is a single-player experience with no competitive multiplayer or co-op announced.
Can you customize your squad in Star Wars Zero Company?
Yes. You can customize hawks (appearance, species, and class) and create custom operators from seven Star Wars races.
Conclusion
Star Wars Zero Company is shaping up to be one of the most exciting tactical strategy games of 2026. With its XCOM-inspired combat, deep customization, and a rich Star Wars story set during the Clone Wars, it offers something for both strategy enthusiasts and Star Wars fans alike.
The involvement of former Firaxis developers ensures that the tactical gameplay will be polished and rewarding, while the collaboration with Lucasfilm Games guarantees an authentic Star Wars experience. The addition of permadeath, the Bond System, and the customizable protagonist Hawks adds layers of depth that will keep players coming back for more.
If you are a fan of XCOM, Star Wars, or turn-based tactics in general, this is one to watch. The game launches on August 27, 2026, for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
For the latest updates on Star Wars: Zero Company, check out coverage from:
- IGN – For the official IGN Live panel and gameplay details
- GameSpot – For the Anakin Skywalker reveal and gameplay trailer
- Polygon – For analysis and the Summer Game Fest update
- Eurogamer – For the release date announcement and gameplay details
- Shacknews – For the Summer Game Fest 2026 coverage
- Push Square – For PS5-specific coverage
- Rock Paper Shotgun – For the release date leak and XCOM comparison
- EA Official Site – For the official game announcement
- PC Gamer – For the studio visit and gameplay impressions
- Steam Page – To pre-order and wishlist on Steam
- Epic Games Store – To pre-order on Epic Games Store
- PlayStation Store – To pre-order on PS5
- Xbox Store – To pre-order on Xbox
- YouTube Trailer – For the Summer Game Fest trailer
Don’t miss what could be one of the best strategy games of 2026.
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