Star Wars Zero Company has officially arrived to critical acclaim, with review scores placing it among the best-reviewed Star Wars games in franchise history. Reviews went live on August 25, 2026, one day ahead of the game’s official release.
Review Scores at a Glance
| Publication | Score | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|---|
| IGN | 90/100 | “Far more than a simple Star Wars reskin of XCOM” with a standout narrative |
| PC Gamer | 90/100 | Strong story that doesn’t interfere with complex tactical systems |
| TheGamer | 4.5/5 | “The game we need right now” |
| GameRant | 9/10 | “One of the best Star Wars games in years” |
| VGC | 4/5 | Made the reviewer “care about a universe that has grown achingly dull” |
| Game Informer | 80/100 | Competent story, strong RPG systems and mission design |
| Shacknews | 70/100 | Combat is fun but story lacks teeth |
Aggregate Scores
The game currently holds an 86 on Metacritic and an 87 on OpenCritic. These scores place it among the top five highest-rated Star Wars games of all time, tied with Knights of the Old Republic 2.
Critical Consensus: What Reviewers Are Praising
Combat and Tactical Gameplay
Critics widely agree that Zero Company successfully translates the XCOM formula into the Star Wars universe. The turn-based tactical combat is described as “approachable even for players unfamiliar with the XCOM series.” The game offers meaningful difficulty options, including a permadeath system where “if an agent dies in combat, they’re gone for good, and it can even affect the story’s direction.”
The tactical depth comes from choices that matter—players must decide between destroying enemy defense or attack facilities, with consequences carrying forward into subsequent battles.
Story and Characters
Opinions on the narrative are more divided. Several outlets praise the story as a standout element. IGN called it “one of the best Star Wars stories we’ve seen since Rogue One.” The game follows Hawks, a disgraced former Republic officer now leading a mercenary company during the Clone Wars era, investigating a mysterious cult called the Coil.
However, not all critics were convinced. Shacknews found the story “sauceless” with a villain described as “generically evil as possible,” comparing the plot to a “non-canon shonen anime film.” Game Informer similarly described the narrative as “competent if unremarkable.”
RPG Systems and Character Development
The RPG buildcrafting received strong praise. PC Gamer was “surprised at how much RPG buildcrafting there is,” noting it complements the tactical systems effectively. The game features a roster of unique characters rather than interchangeable soldiers, and losing one permanently affects the story.
Common Criticisms
Performance and Technical Issues
Some reviewers noted technical shortcomings. Frame rate drops were observed on PS5, particularly “during transitions to cutscenes.” Quality and performance modes are available, but the performance setting comes with a “noticeable downgrade” in lighting and shadows. Camera obstructions and occasional sluggishness in combat calculations were also reported.
Familiarity and Innovation
Several critics noted that Zero Company doesn’t significantly evolve the XCOM formula. GamesRadar observed it “doesn’t do much to evolve the tactics genre.” The game is essentially “XCOM, but in the Star Wars universe.”
Release Date and Platforms
Star Wars Zero Company releases on August 27, 2026, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. Pricing is set at $49.99 on PC and $59.99 on console.
Is Star Wars Zero Company Worth It?
Based on the current critical consensus, Zero Company appears to be a strong addition to the Star Wars gaming library. For fans of tactical RPGs and the XCOM formula, the game delivers a polished experience with meaningful choices and a compelling Star Wars setting. However, players should be aware of reported performance issues, particularly on PS5, and note that opinions on the story quality vary significantly between outlets.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When did Star Wars Zero Company reviews go live?
Reviews went live on August 25, 2026, one day before the official release date.
2. What is the Metacritic score for Star Wars Zero Company?
The game currently holds a Metacritic score of 86.
3. What is the OpenCritic score for Star Wars Zero Company?
The game currently holds an OpenCritic score of 87.
4. When does Star Wars Zero Company release?
The game releases globally on August 27, 2026.
5. What platforms is Star Wars Zero Company available on?
The game is available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
6. Does Star Wars Zero Company have permadeath?
Yes, the game features a permadeath system where characters who die in combat are permanently lost and can affect the story. This can be disabled in the settings.
7. What era of Star Wars does the game take place in?
The game is set during the Clone Wars era, between Episode II and Episode III.
8. Is Star Wars Zero Company just an XCOM clone?
While heavily inspired by XCOM, critics note it offers unique elements including a strong narrative focus and a roster of fleshed-out characters rather than interchangeable soldiers.