Ahead of its August 27 release, information is emerging about Star Wars Zero Company, and developer Bit Reactor suggests players might benefit from some pre-release homework. Specifically, narrative director Aaron Contreras recommends familiarizing oneself with Star Wars: The Clone Wars animated series, particularly its "Umbara Arc." This four-episode arc from Season 4 is highlighted as crucial for understanding the backstory of protagonist Hawks, who is presented as a scapegoat for a disastrous military operation.
"The intended effect of the line worked, then," Contreras explained, referring to how the game introduces Hawks. "Like, [Republic Intelligence] is talking about whether they can trust this guy, because he's a washout and a loser—he worked for Pong Krell. And so every [player] who knows this guy is like, 'It's not [Hawks'] fault then. That's the worst boss ever.'"
The game is set during the final days of the Clone Wars, a period extensively covered by the seven seasons of The Clone Wars. The narrative director elaborated that Pong Krell's name alone carries significant weight, implying that Hawks has likely witnessed or been implicated in severe war crimes, though not necessarily by choice. For players unfamiliar with Krell, watching the Umbara Arc is the most direct way to grasp the character's infamy and the impact of his command on Clone Troopers.
The Umbara Arc details Krell's leadership over a legion of Clones after Anakin Skywalker is called away. Krell, known for achieving victory at a high cost to his troops, treats the clones as expendable. The arc explores the clones' internal conflict as they grapple with loyalty, orders, and their emerging sense of personhood, a theme often explored in The Clone Wars as Jedi encouraged clones to develop individual identities.
This story arc delves into the clones' status as property under Republic law, contrasting it with the Jedi's influence that fostered their individuality. The clones debate whether Krell's harsh methods are merely the intended treatment of soldiers or if their newfound sense of self dictates a need for respect. The conflict escalates on the planet Umbara, a world of perpetual darkness and dense forests, where the clones face both a determined local resistance and internal division.
The Umbara Arc culminates in a disturbing event that underscores Krell's cruelty, prompting a reevaluation of what is acceptable for a children's program. For players, this arc frames Hawks' alleged past failures not as personal shortcomings, but as potential framing, making them a more complex protagonist.
Beyond the Umbara Arc, Zero Company is expected to draw from a wide range of Clone Wars era lore. Locations like Serolonis, first seen in The Bad Batch, are featured, and other planets, such as Courtsilius, make appearances. Even Anakin Skywalker himself is confirmed to be in the game, mere months before his transformation into Darth Vader. Contreras noted that his writing team has a deep enthusiasm for the Clone Wars era, suggesting that dedicated fans will find numerous references and lore connections throughout the game. The game is scheduled to launch for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC on August 27.