Star Wars Zero Company is a compelling turn-based game set in the Star Wars universe. Being co-developed by newcomer indie studio Bit Reactor and Star Wars Jedi developer Respawn, Star Wars Zero Company is teasing an exciting spin on the popular sci-fi franchise.
What's even more intriguing, though, is that the team at Bit Reactor are no strangers to the turn-based strategy genre. The studio is made up of a variety of industry veterans, with many having experience working on the XCOM series. XCOM has become one of the most notable turn-based franchises in the strategy genre, and while the promise of Star Wars Zero Company is exciting, it also raises the question of when another XCOM game will see the light of day.
9 Best Strategy Games To Play While Waiting For Star Wars Zero Company
While fans eagerly await Star Wars Zero Company, similar strategy games like XCOM and Marvel's Midnight Suns can help fill the void.
Star Wars Zero Company Could Fill an XCOM-Sized Hole
Taking On Alien Invasions One Turn at a Time
- The first game, XCOM: UFO Defense, was released in 1994.
- The last major entry in the series was 2020's XCOM: Chimera Squad.
With over 30 years' worth of games under its belt, the XCOM franchise definitely isn't hurting for content. However, just because a long-running series has plenty of entries to offer doesn't mean that it wouldn't be exciting to get another chapter. After 2001, the original franchise went dormant, but a reboot in 2012 brought new life to the sci-fi series. Developed by Firaxis and published by 2K Games, this rebooted version of XCOM brought the alien-fighting story back from the grave, and it's continued to be quite successful within its genre.
Despite the success, Firaxis and 2K have kept silent on what the future of XCOM has in store. With it now being five years since XCOM: Chimera Squad was released, the series definitely feels due for an update of some kind. It's possible that the rebooted franchise may have run its course, but that hopefully isn't the case.
Bit Reactor was co-founded by CEO Greg Foertsch, who served as the Art Director for XCOM: Enemy Unknown and XCOM 2.
Until a New XCOM Surfaces, Star Wars Zero Company Can Scratch That Turn-Based Itch
- Star Wars Zero Company has yet to reveal its release date, but a 2026 launch target has been confirmed.
- The game is set to launch for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.
Star Wars Zero Company may not be centered around alien invasions, but because Bit Reactor's devs have plenty of experience in the turn-based genre, the gameplay is bound to feel quite similar. Although Star Wars has a very different identity than the alien-centric series, it is still at least within the sci-fi genre, which could also help tie over fans until another XCOM is announced, if ever. Star Wars Zero Company is a fun change of pace for the franchise's video game offerings, and its potential similarity to XCOM could make it a great option for longtime fans in the mood for something new, but familiar.
In Star Wars Zero Company, players take on the role of Hawks as they lead a customizable squad during the events of the Clone Wars.
Turn-Based Gameplay is Back in the Spotlight
- While not tactical games, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and Baldur's Gate 3 are turn-based RPGs.
The incredible success of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and Baldur's Gate 3 have demonstrated just how satisfying turn-based gameplay can be, so Star Wars Zero Company will hopefully continue to showcase this genre's strengths. The two have very different approaches to turn-based mechanics, but it's exciting to see this style of gameplay getting a lot of attention.
Whether it's a turn-based tactics title or a turn-based RPG, both routes require patience from players, and it will be exciting to see how that plays out in a Star Wars setting. The wait for Star Wars Zero Company may be a little bit longer than desired, but it can hopefully pave the way for more XCOM, or simply more turn-based titles.
WHERE TO PLAY
- Genre(s)
- Turn-Based Strategy, Tactical, Sci-Fi
