Respawn Introduces Star Wars: Zero Company – A Tactical Turn-Based Adventure Set in the Clone Wars
At the Star Wars Celebration 2025, Respawn Entertainment officially unveiled its latest venture into the galaxy far, far away: Star Wars: Zero Company. This upcoming title marks a significant shift from the cinematic action of the Jedi: Fallen Order series, adopting a tactical, turn-based strategy approach akin to the XCOM franchise. With a release period planned for 2026 on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S, Zero Company aims to deliver a new perspective on Star Wars storytelling and gameplay.
A New Tactical Landscape in the Star Wars Universe
Star Wars: Zero Company places players in charge of a small, specialized squad during the peak of the Clone Wars — a backdrop cherished by fans for its rich lore, diverse characters, and intense battles. Unlike prior Star Wars games that typically revolve around large-scale engagements or solitary heroes, Zero Company emphasizes close-knit, squad-based tactics, where each action matters and every decision could dictate the outcome between triumph and failure.
Taking cues from the XCOM series, players will maneuver a team of distinctive operatives — including a Jedi Knight, a Mandalorian fighter, and a seasoned clone trooper — through a sequence of demanding missions. These characters are more than just interchangeable avatars; each comes equipped with their own skill trees, backgrounds, and tactical roles, allowing for extensive customization and strategic planning.
Gameplay Mechanics: Chessboard Combat Merges with Star Wars Action
The gameplay footage presented in the official trailer showcases a grid-based combat system where positioning, cover, and ability synergy play crucial roles. Similar to XCOM, players must meticulously strategize their squad’s movements and attacks, leveraging the environment to their benefit while predicting enemy actions.
The Jedi unit, for instance, seems to excel in close-quarters combat and Force abilities, adept at deflecting blaster shots and leaping across the battlefield. The Mandalorian offers flexibility with jetpack mobility and heavy firearms, while the clone trooper delivers dependable ranged support and tactical devices.
Beyond combat, the game will include a central base of operations where players can enhance gear, recruit additional squad members, and make narrative choices that shape the trajectory of the campaign. This introduces an extra layer of strategic complexity and replayability, as varied decisions may lead to different mission paths or character outcomes.
A Narrative-Driven Campaign Set in the Midst of the Clone Wars
Zero Company’s campaign unfolds during the Clone Wars, providing a storyline that examines the intricacies of loyalty, identity, and sacrifice amid one of the most chaotic periods in Star Wars history. Rather than spotlighting familiar figures like Anakin Skywalker or Obi-Wan Kenobi, the game presents an original ensemble of heroes, granting players a new outlook on the conflict.
The narrative is anticipated to explore the moral ambiguities of the war, featuring missions that test the player’s moral compass. Will you adhere to the Republic’s orders at all costs, or make choices that prioritize your squad’s safety and the greater good?
An Exciting New Chapter for Star Wars Games
Star Wars: Zero Company symbolizes Respawn’s ongoing dedication to providing top-tier, narrative-driven Star Wars experiences. By fusing the strategic intricacies of turn-based tactics with the rich history of the Clone Wars era, the game has the potential to captivate both dedicated strategy aficionados and long-time Star Wars fans.
With its 2026 release still ahead, fans can anticipate more information to surface in the upcoming months, including deeper insights into gameplay systems, character customization, and narrative elements. In the meantime, the official trailer provides an exhilarating preview of what could be among the most groundbreaking Star Wars games in recent years.
Stay tuned to Global Esport News and other official platforms for updates as we look forward to the next chapter in Respawn’s Star Wars saga.