Pixel Twelve
Star Wars Zero Company: What We Know About the Clone Wars Tactics Game

Explainer

Star Wars Zero Company: What We Know About the Clone Wars Tactics Game

See how cover, injuries, Operators and the Den fit into the confirmed single-player tactics structure before the August 2026 release.

By Tess CalderGame: Star Wars Zero CompanyVerified Aug 16, 2026
Add to list
Guide Type
Explainer
Last Verified
Aug 16, 2026

Guide details

Overview

See how cover, injuries, Operators and the Den fit into the confirmed single-player tactics structure before the August 2026 release.

Watch

Official Trailer

Official trailer

Star Wars Zero Company official reveal trailer

Electronic Arts and Lucasfilm Games

Story and setting

Star Wars Zero Company is scheduled to release on August 27, 2026, for PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. It is a single-player, turn-based tactics game developed by Bit Reactor in collaboration with Electronic Arts and Lucasfilm Games. The campaign is an original story set during the Clone Wars, rather than a retelling of a film or television episode.

This guide separates confirmed systems from details that are still subject to change. The official EA material describes the game through trailers, developer information and a gameplay overview; it does not provide a finished review build. Nothing below is a hands-on report, a recommendation for a final squad or a complete mission guide.

You play as Hawks, a former captain in the Grand Army of the Republic who now leads Zero Company, a group of operators hired from across the galaxy. While the Republic and Separatist Alliance fight the Clone Wars, Hawks and his team investigate the Infinite Coil, a separate threat led by Kundri Fathom.

The central threat is the Infinite Coil, a Separatist-aligned cult led by Kundri Fathom. EA describes the campaign as a hunt to stop Fathom before the group's actions push the galaxy beyond the breaking point. The confirmed cast mixes familiar Clone Wars roles with original characters, including the clone trooper Trick, Tognath Jedi Padawan Tel-Rea Vokoss, Mandalorian Cly Kullervo, Umbaran sniper Luco Bronc, Jae Mordant and the original Felshi character Kabb Uppercut.

The game's locations include the Ring of Kafrene, where Zero Company operates from its base, and mission destinations such as Bespin, Dantooine, Lothal and Ryloth. EA has also confirmed appearances at locations including Vandor and Mapuzo. The announced setting is broad, but EA has not published a complete list of planets, missions or returning characters.

How the turn-based battles work

Tactical Missions use an isometric camera. Your entire squad acts first, followed by the enemy, and each Operator receives three Action Points (AP) per turn. The AP system lets you combine movement, attacks, utilities and abilities in different orders.

Movement costs more AP over longer distances. Attacks use line of sight and range, and the interface displays a Chance-to-Hit value affected by factors such as distance and cover. Weapon types can have different AP costs, with some attacks using all of an Operator's available AP.

Overwatch is a separate action that lets an Operator fire during the enemy turn. You place it as an adjustable cone; an enemy moving through or acting inside that area can trigger the shot, and a hit while moving can interrupt the enemy's movement. Spending more AP can allow the Operator to fire at more enemies, while a longer cone can reduce the Chance-to-Hit. Overwatch ends that Operator's turn, so it is designed as a final action.

Utilities include Medkits and Concussion Grenades, and they typically cost one AP. Abilities can raise combat statistics, expose an enemy or perform a strong melee attack. Calling for Backup costs no AP and lets one Operator ask a teammate to assist with the next attack, usually by adding firepower to the target.

Advantage, cover and injuries

Successful hits build Advantage, a separate resource that can reach a maximum of 10. Advantage does not cost AP, so it can provide an emergency action after an Operator has used every AP. Confirmed examples include granting an ally an extra AP, calling a rocket strike, increasing the squad's Chance-to-Hit or taunting nearby enemies so they focus on one Operator.

Cover affects survivability and accuracy. Partial cover makes an Operator harder to hit, while full cover provides a stronger defensive benefit. Flanking or attacking from higher ground can improve Chance-to-Hit, but some cover can be destroyed by incoming fire. A position that is safe at the start of a turn can therefore become exposed before the next enemy phase.

An Operator who loses all Health becomes Downed and suffers an Injury. An ally can Rally a Downed Operator so they return to the fight, but Injuries reduce combat statistics. EA's gameplay overview says that accumulating three Injuries causes permanent death on standard difficulty. A July 21 community Q&A adds that permadeath is enabled by default but can be toggled off. EA has not published the final save rules for every difficulty, so check the launch settings before treating them as final.

Operators and Specializations

Zero Company has Authored and Custom Operators. Authored Operators join as the story progresses. Custom Operators are recruited and can be adjusted in appearance, clothing, voice and name. EA says Hawks and many other characters can also be customized, while the official site presents species, outfit, loadout and specialization options.

Most Operators use one of eight standard Specializations, each with an Ultimate, Standard and Passive ability:

  • Assault focuses on moving into medium and close range to attack enemies in cover.
  • Gunslinger uses fast attacks and multi-target blaster fire.
  • Heavy emphasizes armor and surviving enemy attention.
  • Medic heals and helps prevent Injuries while supporting teammates.
  • Scoundrel adapts to opportunities without extensive preparation.
  • Scout uses reconnaissance and timing to create openings.
  • Sharpshooter specializes in long-range attacks against selected targets.
  • Soldier combines close-to-medium-range attacks, grenades, melee and a rocket launcher.

The list describes each role's intended function, not a final ranking. EA says most Operators can change Specialization in the Personnel facility, so the campaign is built around adapting the roster as your needs change.

The Den between missions

The Den is Zero Company's base in a hangar on the Ring of Kafrene. Its third-person view contrasts with the isometric battlefield. From the Den, you can begin missions, recruit and outfit Operators, treat Injuries, upgrade facilities, manage Bonds and review the galaxy map.

The Holotable shows Operations and Tactical Missions available in the current Cycle. Operations are shorter assignments that do not use tactical combat; they can gather information, earn Credits or provide loot such as Weapon Mods and Utilities. They cost Intel, which is gained from Tactical Missions. Tactical Missions advance the main story or award Credits, Focus Points, Zone Influence, Weapon Mods and Utilities.

Operations and Tactical Missions have limited time windows and can disappear when a Cycle ends. Some Tactical Missions are critical to story progression. Completing activities increases Zone Influence in a planet's region, which can unlock Zone Rewards such as upgrades, Utilities and Contacts.

The Personnel facility tracks stats, Bonds and the Focus Tree. Bonds reflect how Operators relate to one another; missions, Operations and Calling for Backup can improve them. A higher Bond allows a pair to Cross Train and gain a permanent combat-stat bonus, with another benefit available when the Bond reaches its maximum. Story Dilemmas can also change Bonds because the squad comments on Hawks' decisions.

The Armory handles Weapon Modifications, Utilities and weapon types. EA lists Longarm, Repeater, Rifle and Pistol categories, with modification slots that can alter weapon stats and add effects. The Upgrade facility improves the Den or the whole roster, while the Medbay treats Injured Operators. Standard beds take one Cycle; a Bacta Tank gives instant recovery for Credits.

Release status and what remains unknown

The confirmed release date is August 27, 2026, on PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. EA has announced pre-order and Deluxe Edition cosmetics, including droid and weapon appearances, but cosmetic bonuses do not describe the campaign's playable content.

Star Wars Zero Company remains in development. EA's gameplay overview explicitly says that discussed material can change. The final version may revise balance, mission availability, difficulty rules, save behavior, character details or system requirements. Until EA publishes those details, readers should not treat promotional footage as proof of a complete final feature list.

FAQ

Is Star Wars Zero Company multiplayer?

No multiplayer mode has been announced. EA describes it as a single-player, turn-based tactics game.

When does it release?

Star Wars Zero Company is scheduled for August 27, 2026, on PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.

Who is the main character?

The player controls Hawks, a former Republic officer and current leader of Zero Company.

What is the Infinite Coil?

It is a Separatist-aligned cult led by Kundri Fathom, the main threat Zero Company is trying to stop.

Does the game have permadeath?

EA says that three Injuries cause permanent death on standard difficulty. A July 21 community Q&A says permadeath is enabled by default but can be toggled off; check the launch settings for the final rules on each difficulty.

Can I create squad members?

Yes. Custom Operators can be recruited and adjusted, while Authored Operators join through the story. EA also confirms appearance, equipment and specialization customization.

More Pixel Twelve coverage

Get Pixel Twelve's biggest stories first.

Add as a preferred source on Google