Zero Company, a new Star Wars strategy game from a team of ex-Firaxis developers, is shaping up to be one of the best games of 2026, according to a 15-hour hands-on preview. The game blends the tactical combat of XCOM with the base-building and character interactions of Marvel's Midnight Suns, set during the Clone Wars.
A promising blend of tactics and storytelling
The game puts players in command of a mercenary group with financial troubles, owing money to the Hutts. After securing a contract with the Republic, they investigate a mysterious cult called the Coil, which uses scorpion-like insects to spread a virus and invades planets with Separatist droids. The story features three distinct enemy factions: droids, the Coil, and random mercenaries.
Combat is familiar to XCOM fans, with an isometric view and action points, but it's more approachable. The meta-game, back at base, allows third-person exploration and conversations with teammates, reminiscent of Mass Effect, with shorter, better-written dialogues than Midnight Suns. Players can customize loadouts, upgrade weapons, and manage recruitment and medical care.
Unique mechanics and character variety
The game introduces a unique overwatch system with vision cones, affecting hit chances. There's no fog of war, and permadeath only occurs after two injuries. The AI is competent, and the Coil's 'resonance' effect makes surviving enemies stronger when one is killed, adding tactical depth.
Characters include a sassy medical droid, a sarcastic CFO, and a Rodian engineer, alongside an ex-clone trooper and a new alien. Players can also recruit astromechs (like R2-D2) as support units, and a Jedi with Force powers, though her lightsaber isn't an instant kill. In a preview level, Anakin Skywalker temporarily joins, showcasing his power.
Impressive presentation and mainstream appeal
The game's graphics are better than XCOM, with third-person preludes to story missions that set the scene on backwater planets. The script, by a writer from the Star Wars Jedi series, is genuinely fun. While it's a tactics game, the controls are simple, and the presentation aims to attract a mainstream audience.
Zero Company is published by EA and developed by Bit Reactor and Respawn Entertainment. It's set for release on August 27, 2026, for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S, priced at £49.99. The preview suggests it's a strong contender for game of the year, offering a fresh take on the Star Wars universe in gaming.
