Early reactions to Star Wars Zero Company, a new tactical game developed by a collaboration between Respawn Entertainment and Bit Reactor, are overwhelmingly positive, with several reviews suggesting it could be a contender for Game of the Year in 2026. The game, which adapts the Clone Wars era into an XCOM-like turn-based tactical formula, currently holds an 86 on the aggregator Metacritic.
Critics have highlighted the game's strong characters and engaging tactics gameplay. Ted Litchfield of PC Gamer described it as "one of the best games of 2026," while Windows Central labeled it a new benchmark for the genre. The game incorporates base debriefings with squadmates and features permadeath for a more challenging experience.
Reviewers have noted its cinematic presentation, reminiscent of Respawn's Star Wars Jedi series, and its focus on non-Force users and unconventional villains. Dan Stapleton pointed out the emphasis on cooperation and flexibility, with smaller maps encouraging a more aggressive playstyle. While acknowledging it might not match XCOM 2's replayability, he found the lengthy story campaign highly satisfying.
Elijah Gonzalez praised the writing for its humor and quick wit, adding that the game effectively conveys the experience of being a background player. He noted that squad members' allegiances and political views create compelling friction that surfaces throughout the narrative, depicting a "slow descent into fascism with uncomfortable poignancy."
James Galizio, from a studio founded by former XCOM developers, stated that while the game is more than just an XCOM-like with Star Wars elements, the description still holds true. He found the tactical gameplay and resource management to be strong, even if the story and characters were merely competent.
Jade King lauded Star Wars Zero Company for making her care about the Star Wars universe again, a feat she found remarkable given its recent predictability. She described the battles as nuanced chess matches and the companion stories as surprisingly moving, appreciating the game's portrayal of shades of grey rather than a simple light versus dark dichotomy.
Alex Donaldson called it the best Star Wars gaming experience in years, potentially since Knights of the Old Republic. Despite noting some rough edges and bugs, he found the experience thrilling and anticipates hundreds of hours of gameplay. He also highlighted the game's accessible $50 price tag.
Conversely, Lucas White of Shacknews expressed disappointment with the "uninspired Star Wars-themed storytelling and character work," finding the narrative between skirmishes to be dull. He felt the game failed to fully realize the potential of Star Wars' grittier settings.
Minor issues notwithstanding, the consensus suggests Star Wars Zero Company offers a substantial and highly replayable experience. Ted Litchfield also mentioned its $50 price point as a pleasingly anachronistic feature. Despite some criticisms of its narrative, the game's tactical depth and character-driven stories have earned it significant praise early on.