Star Wars: Zero Company unexpectedly became one of the highest-rated games of 2026: its average score on OpenCritic reached 88%, with 91% of critics recommending the game.
Initially, the project by Bit Reactor, a studio founded by Firaxis veterans, looked like an interesting proposition for fans of tactical strategies. The developers brought the proven XCOM formula to the Star Wars universe. Players command a squad of mercenaries during the Clone Wars, develop their base, build relationships between fighters, and make decisions on the battlefield.
Journalists particularly praise the tactical battles, character abilities, team interaction, fighter customization, and permanent death of companions. They also note the cinematic presentation, third-person world exploration, and the atmosphere of the Clone Wars. PC Gamer gave the game 90/100, and Windows Central called it one of the best Star Wars games ever.
There are also downsides: reviewers note a small variety of arenas, cautious enemy AI, simple strategic elements outside of battles, and technical issues. Some believe the game relies too heavily on the XCOM formula.