A great tactical game has a lot to achieve. You need a tense atmosphere, compelling characters that immerse you in the world, a selection of skills and specializations that let you approach situations in a variety of ways, and finally, real consequences that make you pay when you're playing fast and loose.
That's why Star Wars Zero Company is one of the most hotly anticipated games of 2026, earning a spot last year on our PC Gaming Show: Most Wanted list and only building in buzz since. Set just one year before Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith you'll command a team of elite operators during the twilight of the Clone Wars. Pulling inspiration from some of the most well-loved sci-fi games of the past few generations, Zero Company's turn-based strategy, vivid locales, and engaging cast of characters deliver a game that's primed to be a memorable experience.
Every moment counts
You take on the role of Hawks, a disgraced Republic officer. Hawks is completely customizable, including their appearance and combat specialization. Maybe they're a human soldier having trouble leaving their past as an officer behind. Or maybe they're a Twi’lek scoundrel whose gear is a mish-mash of whatever was available. Whatever your choices, Hawks will be completely your own.
You'll be leading a company made up of some of the Clone Wars' finest Separatist and Republic operatives. They'll either be custom-made or unique, original characters voiced by fan-favorite actors. Some of these operatives include the clone commando Trick (Dee Bradley Baker), former mining planet baroness Jae Mordant (Judy Alice Lee), and the lone Jedi operative Tel-Rea Vokoss (Nicole Rainteau). Like Hawks, you can suit their appearances and loadouts to fit your style. These compatriots help drive the cinematic original story through some of the most heart-pounding missions the galaxy has ever seen.
Every move counts
A tactics-first strategy game only works if the gameplay is watertight. Developer Bit Reactor has the bona fides to make us believe Zero Company will create tactical, authentic Star Wars moments borne out of battles that require players to pay close attention, lest their crew of characters gets laid out.
Permadeath is a genre staple and undeniably adds stakes to every single fight. You have to use every tool at your disposal to outmaneuver your foes and guide your crew to their next fight. There are a wide variety of objectives and map types that will keep you engaged and moving from moment to moment with care.
Each member of your team will have specializations that define what they bring to the battlefield. The majority of your team has access to eight specializations, including close-range tanks like the Heavy, front-line specialists like Assault and Soldier, a long-distance Sharpshooter, wildcards like the Scoundrel and Gunslinger, and support characters in the Medic and Scout. Some specializations are so special that you can't respec your characters into them. After all, there's only one Jedi operator in this game. You can also mix and match the specialization with various talent, weapons and utilities, taking the tactical depth to a new level.
Every choice counts
You plan your strategy at The Den, your base of operations. In between keeping an eye on the ever-shifting battlefield, you can also connect with your story characters in conversations, engage in side stories, or send them on intelligence gathering operations that serve your overall goals. You can spend focus points to upgrade your squad, customize their appearance or modify their weapons. Maybe you want to add to the team and or check on your injured compatriots in the medbay. Approach the Holotable to get a sense of the available operations and watch your influence in the zone tick up. You can even upgrade The Den itself, making life easier during and between missions. Whether here on in the scrum, think about your choices. After all, the wrong one could lead to ruin.
Want to dive into more Zero Company? We've published lots of coverage, including a hands-on reaction, a closer look at some of the cast members, and a digestible guide that serves as a catchall for everything we know. Star Wars Zero Company is coming out on August 27 at $49.99 (PC) or $59.99 (Console) for the standard game and $59.99 (PC) or $69.99 (Console) for the deluxe edition, which features cosmetic items inspired by the Clone Wars era, like a Republic Officer uniform, a Pyke company helmet, and a batch of tattoos and weapon cosmetics.
