Lucasfilm and EA set the gaming world afire this week with the announcement of STAR WARS: SQUADRONS game landing October 2, 2020. This latest adventure into a galaxy far far away will be playable via virtual reality (VR) on PlayStation 4 and PC and promises first-person, 5v5 multiplayer space dogfights, monumental fleet battles, and an original story set during the final days of the Galactic Empire and the rise of the New Republic after the events of Star Wars: Return of the Jedi.

The first-person game realizes many a fan’s dream to pilot a starfighter — either X-wing or TIE fighter — with an attention to detail perhaps unlike ever before. Players will also be able to squad up with their friends and play against others, regardless of platform, as crossplay will be supported on Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PC, and VR.

Gameplay

Developed by Motive Studios, the upcoming STAR WARS: SQUADRONS will feature deep craft customization, in-depth strategy, and gripping gameplay modes. Players will enlist as starfighter pilots, stepping into the cockpits of legendary starfighters from both the New Republic and Imperial fleets. They’ll plan skirmishes with their squadron in the briefing room before taking off to space battles across the galaxy. Players will also engage in strategic 5v5 multiplayer space battles with the goal of demolishing the opposing flagship in Fleet Battles and feel the rush of first-person multiplayer combat as they work with their squadron and execute the best tactics to defeat as many opponents as possible in Dogfights.

Pilots will triumph as a team, adjusting the composition of their squadrons to suit their playstyles as they progress, crushing their opponents and completing objectives across known and never-before-seen locations, including the gas giant of Yavin Prime and the shattered moon of Galitan.

As players move up the ranks, they’ll earn components to modify and enhance their starfighters such as weapons, hulls, engines and shields; gain cosmetic items to customize their cockpit, ship exteriors, flight suits and helmets; and receive bonuses, all unlocked via gameplay, in a clear path for progression.

New Gameplay Details

In-universe details abound in this game whether it actual cockpit readouts that you’ll have to monitor or the subtle differences between the game’s ships, this will be a completely immersive jump into the galaxy far, far away.

Lending to the customization is the ability to custom paint your ship or even accentuate your cockpit with custom swag like an Ewok bobblehead.

Single Player Story Mode

STAR WARS: SQUADRONS will also feature a single-player story that brings to life events following the Battle of Endor when the Rebel Alliance has successfully destroyed the Death Star II. The authentic story features a diverse cast of original characters, as well as some cameos from familiar faces in the Star Wars galaxy.

Through the story, players  will learn what it means to be a pilot as they battle from the alternating perspectives of two customizable pilots, one serving in the New Republic’s heroic Vanguard Squadron, while the other fights for the Galactic Empire’s fearsome Titan Squadron.

Pick a Side

Light or Dark? The choice is yours to make as you either join the New Republic freedom fighters of the Vanguard Squadron (an elite response unit whose motto is “Fearless to the finish”) or or the Empire and its glory-bound Imperial soldiers of the Titan Squadron.

New Ships

Players will also see an array of new ships in the Rebel Alliance and Imperial fleets, including the Temperance, the Overseer, and the Starhawk.

Familiar Faces

From the trailer fans were quick to point out the cameo of two familiar faces: Wedge Antilles from the saga films and Hera Syndulla from STAR WARS REBELS. Many more surprises are promised in the game… who or what is yet to be determined.

See it for Yourself

STAR WARS: SQUADRONS is available now for pre-order and arrives on retail and digital storefronts on October 2, 2020.