Star Wars Celebration did not disappoint with the trailer reveal of Star Wars Zero Company, the turn-based single player strategy game coming in 2026. From Respawn, Bit Reactor, and Lucasfilm Games, video game fans got their first real look at the trailer after the poster was revealed earlier this week.
The story follows a formal Republic officer named Hawks who puts together an elite squad to do the grittiest battles of the Clone Wars that no one writes stories about. The game is set in the waning days of the war (which makes me nervous for the Jedi padawan and the Clone Trooper paired up together) as the group pushes back against a force that is taking over the galaxy outside of the ongoing conflict.
In a detailed StarWars.com article, the creative team don't hold back on their inspirations coming from The Clone Wars animated series, Andor, the original trilogy, and Rogue One to help set the tone of the game.
Lucasfilm Games’ Executive Producer Orion Kellogg shared, "This isn't just a Clone Wars game. This is a game in the Clone Wars, but from a new angle. This is really Bit Reactor's vision. It's their Star Wars story and we're here to help them tell it. So you're also going to see influence from the political intrigue of Andor; you’re going to see the gritty battles of Rogue One. You're going to see the wit and wisdom of A New Hope. It’s a Star Wars game through and through."
The creators were careful not to lose the heart of Star Wars despite the more gritty inspiration. Found family has always been one of the ongoing themes of the franchise, and Bit Reactor’s Game Director Greg Foertsch truly made sure that players knew that, saying, "This is a Star Wars game where you can really have a found family. You’re playing with multiple characters, leveling them up, building their relationships and their bonds. For me, ever since being a 4 year old seeing the original Star Wars in the theaters, it's always been about found family. This is such a perfect combination for me as a developer and as a fan. I can't wait for people to see and experience that.”
Despite being a person who isn't very good at video games, I am very excited about Star Wars Zero Company. Some of the few strategy games I have played like Fire Emblem I really enjoyed, and I would love to tackle a Star Wars version of that.
I'm particularly interested in the character Tel, the Jedi padawan in the group. According to StarWars.com, she is "on a quest to complete her fallen master's last mission," but how did someone young and learning the Force end up on this team? Again, if this is the end of the Clone Wars, I'm nervous about the clone trooper Trick alongside her. It could be setting up for a tragedy. However, the team's Mandalorian Cly Kullervo is also interesting with the history of the Jedi and the Mandalorians. I want to play Tel's story and find out more about her.
Also, the one Umbaran on the team, Luco Bronc, is mentioned in the article that he's salty toward the Republic for invading Umbara, putting the game firmly after the Season 4 arc. I'm sure that person and Trick won't be the best of buds either.
Star Wars Zero Company sounds awesome, and I can't wait to play it in 2026. If it gets a non-gamer like me excited, I'm stoked for my friends who love Star Wars video games.
Check out the full interview with Zero Company's creators on StarWars.com.