XCOM Meets Star Wars: EA's Zero Company Promises Deep Tactical Combat
In a galaxy where Star Wars games often mean frantic action and real-time battles, a new star is about to shine differently: a bold, turn-based, single-player tactics game titled Star Wars Zero Company.
The mystery surrounding Electronic Arts’ new strategy project is finally lifting. Forget first-person lightsaber duels—EA and Lucasfilm Games are banking on tactical depth and solo storytelling for their next foray into the Star Wars universe. And the studios behind it promise something big: Bit Reactor, supported by the action veterans at Respawn, is crafting a unique experience.
Image credit: LucasfilmGames
A powerhouse studio alliance
It’s official: the project once known only as the “tactical Star Wars game” now has a name—Star Wars Zero Company. At the helm is Bit Reactor, a young studio with an impressive pedigree, working alongside Respawn Entertainment, the minds behind Titanfall and Jedi: Survivor.
This dynamic duo clearly intends to break away from traditional Star Wars gameplay formulas, usually centered around action/adventure or shooter mechanics. This time, the focus is on thoughtful planning, strategic positioning, and a solo narrative experience—a bold move in the franchise’s gaming landscape.
Clear XCOM inspiration
Tactical game fans likely got a thrill when the first leaks surfaced. Earlier this April, screenshots from a Bit Reactor artist’s portfolio appeared online. The internal codename, Star Wars Bruno, already hinted at strong XCOM vibes:
- Cover-based tactical zones
- Overwatch mechanics
- Hit chance percentages above enemies
No surprise there, since Bit Reactor was founded by a former XCOM developer, surrounded by veterans from Firaxis who helped shape the beloved franchise. We can expect deep tactical gameplay set in a richly detailed galactic setting.
A first look at Star Wars Celebration
EA has invited fans to tune in on April 19 for an exclusive panel during Star Wars Celebration, where the studio will reveal more details and showcase the game’s first gameplay footage. This annual fan convention, held this year in Japan, promises a galaxy of announcements.
Engage in turn-based tactical combat – STAR WARS Zero Company.
— EA Star Wars (@EAStarWars) April 14, 2025
Join us at #StarWars celebration on April 19 for a panel with @BitReactor, @Respawn, and @LucasfilmGames where we’ll share a world-exclusive first look at our new game. #SWZeroCo
Learn more: https://t.co/B4Ky371FaA
A refreshing gamble in the Star Wars gaming galaxy
With Zero Company, EA is making a bold move—departing from its usual production style. Trusting a turn-based expert studio to deliver a deep solo experience is a risk that might just pay off. The Star Wars universe deserves genre diversity and the freedom to evolve across new gameplay frontiers.
No release date or platform information has been confirmed yet. But one thing’s for sure: anticipation for Zero Company is already sky-high, and strategy fans have every reason to dream of a galaxy where tactics reign supreme.
And to keep the Star Wars hype rolling, don’t miss the trailer for the highly anticipated season 2 of Andor, also revealed during Star Wars Celebration. The series will return to Disney+ starting April 23, with even more political intrigue and gripping tension that promise to push the limits of the small screen space opera.
