- Star Wars Zero Company clone squads: Yes, you can unlock and field a full squad of clone troopers after a certain story point.
- Clone cosmetics: Every operator can wear clone armor from the start, and clone helmets add unique voice modulation.
- Astromech squads: You can build a complete astromech squad early in the game once recruitment unlocks.
- Enemy units: You cannot recruit or play as Separatist B1 battle droids or other enemy factions.
- Squad limits: The operator roster caps at 20, with up to 4 deployable operators on most missions.
Unlocking Clone Troopers in Star Wars Zero Company
The most frequently asked question across the community is whether players are restricted to the default operator Trick, or if they can build a dedicated squad of clone troopers. BitReactor CEO and Creative Director Greg Foertsch confirmed that every operator can equip clone armor cosmetics from the very beginning of the game. However, fielding actual clone trooper units requires story progression.
Video Highlights:
- Full clone trooper squads unlock after a specific story milestone
- Clone helmets feature authentic voice modulation for any operator
- The campaign offers 30 to 40 hours of tactical gameplay
- Over 150 planets appear on the galaxy map with a dozen unique tactical maps
- Dee Bradley Baker voices both Trick and the clone troopers
From the moment you start the game, you can customize any operator with clone trooper armor cosmetics. This includes a wide selection of paint jobs, patterns, and helmet styles. Note that Phase One ARC Trooper armor is exclusive to the Grand Army of the Republic cosmetic pack in the Deluxe Edition.
Clone Trooper Progression Path
| Stage | Availability | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Clone Cosmetics | From start | Any operator can wear clone armor and helmets |
| Voice Modulation | From start | Clone helmets add authentic voice filters to any wearer |
| Clone Trooper Units | Story unlock | Recruit actual clone troopers after reaching a story milestone |
| Full Clone Squad | Post-unlock | Fill all deployable slots with clone troopers |
| ARC Trooper Armor | Deluxe Edition | Phase One ARC Trooper armor locked to Grand Army pack |
Squad Composition Options Beyond Clones
While clone troopers are a major draw, Star Wars Zero Company offers diverse squad building options. Your operator roster caps at 20 total characters, and you begin with room for seven. This cap expands through Den upgrades, story progression, and when authored operators join your cause.
Lead Designer James Brawley confirmed that astromechs unlock early in the campaign. The moment you can recruit them, you can build a complete astromech squad. With Hawk sidelined, every other squad slot can be filled by a droid, creating unique tactical opportunities.
Clone Troopers
- Unlocked via story progression
- Authentic voice modulation with helmets
- Multiple paint jobs and patterns
- Can fill entire deployable squad
Astromech Droids
- Available early in campaign
- Full astromech squad possible
- Mobile weapons platform potential
- Can carry fire bombs and thermal detonators
Custom Operators
- Fully customizable species and name
- Unique backstories
- Personalized appearance and clothing
- Choose your own specialization
Deployable Squad Rules
| Mission Type | Squad Size | Restrictions |
|---|---|---|
| Story Missions | Up to 4 operators | Hawk required on every story mission |
| Skirmish Missions | Up to 4 operators | Any operator combination allowed |
| Special Missions | More than 4 | Certain missions allow expanded squad control |
| Galaxy Map Operations | Varies | Operations can expire if ignored |
If Hawk goes down during combat on a story mission, it triggers an automatic mission failure and you must restart. Position Hawk carefully and use overwatch zones from bonded squadmates to protect your commander.
Building Your Clone Squad: Step-by-Step
Constructing a full clone trooper squad requires careful progression through the story and smart resource management at your base, known as the Den. Follow these steps to maximize your clone trooper potential.
Progress Through the Main Story
Clone trooper units are locked behind a specific story milestone. Focus on completing story missions to reach the unlock point. Hawk is required on every story mission, so keep them well-protected throughout the campaign.
Upgrade the Den
The Den serves as your base of operations. Upgrading facilities at the Den increases your operator roster cap from the starting seven toward the maximum of twenty, giving you room to recruit clone troopers as they become available.
Equip Clone Cosmetics Early
While waiting for the story unlock, customize your existing operators with clone armor cosmetics. Every operator can wear clone armor from the start, and clone helmets add voice modulation. This lets you visually preview your future squad aesthetic.
Recruit and Deploy Clone Troopers
Once unlocked, recruit clone troopers to fill your roster. Deploy them on skirmish missions first to test their capabilities. Story missions still require Hawk, but the remaining slots can all be filled with clone troopers for a full Republic squad experience.
Optimize with Bond System
Use the bond system to cross-train your clone troopers with other specialists. Bonded units share skills and stats, meaning your clones can inherit valuable abilities from astromechs, snipers, or other operators they have formed connections with.
Time only advances when you take a tactical mission. Spend intel on galaxy map operations carefully, as operations can expire. Story-critical missions become obligatory after a certain point, so balance optional operations with main story progression.
Tactical Advantages of Clone Squads
Clone trooper squads offer distinct tactical advantages in Star Wars Zero Company. Understanding how to leverage their strengths against the three enemy factions is essential for mission success. Each enemy type presents a different challenge that requires adapted squad composition.
Enemy Faction Breakdown
| Faction | Behavior | Recommended Counter |
|---|---|---|
| Separatist Alliance | Straightforward droid enemies, ion weapons effective | Equip ion-based weaponry, focus on systematic elimination |
| Infinite Core | Buff nearby allies when killed, requires careful kill order | Plan elimination sequence carefully, isolate targets before striking |
| Outlaws | Overwhelm with sheer numbers | Use area denial, overwatch zones, and explosive crowd control |
PC Gamer's hands-on preview revealed that killing an Infinite Core enemy buffs the nearest surviving ally. This transforms kill order from a convenience into a critical tactical decision. Prioritize targets that will buff the weakest remaining enemies.
Advanced Clone Squad Tactics
| Tactic | Execution | Best Used Against |
|---|---|---|
| Overwatch Stacking | Place multiple overwatch zones over reinforcement areas | Outlaws, Separatist reinforcements |
| Force Push into Overwatch | Push or pull enemies into a squadmate's overwatch zone | All factions, tight corridors |
| Bull Rush Elimination | Rush enemies into void areas for instant kills | Turbolift shafts, water, cliffs |
| Gunslinger Chains | Earn action points on kill to extend turns | Separatist droids, clustered enemies |
| Bonded Fire | Multiple bonded units fire on a single target | Infinite Core priority targets |
A full team of snipers is allowed, but line of sight mechanics limit its effectiveness. It is not the automatic win it might appear to be. Mix snipers with close-range operators and astromechs for balanced coverage across different engagement ranges.
Permanent Death and Squad Management
Star Wars Zero Company features a permanent death system that adds significant weight to your squad composition decisions. Permanent death is enabled by default but can be toggled off if you prefer a more forgiving experience.
Tella Re Vercos is the only Jedi Padawan in the entire game. There is no way to recruit additional Padawans or replace her if she falls. If permanent death is enabled and Tella Re is lost, the only Padawan class in the game is gone permanently. Protect her at all costs.
Permanent Death Impact on Squad Building
| Scenario | Consequence | Mitigation Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| Clone trooper falls | Unit permanently lost | Cross-train via bond system to preserve skills |
| Tella Re Vercos falls | Only Padawan class lost forever | Toggle off permanent death or keep her behind cover |
| Hawk falls in combat | Automatic mission failure | Position carefully, use bonded overwatch protection |
| Custom operator falls | Unique backstory and build lost | Invest in secondary specializations as backup |
Clone Squad Preparation Checklist:
- Reach the story milestone that unlocks clone trooper recruitment
- Upgrade the Den to increase operator roster cap beyond seven
- Equip clone armor cosmetics on existing operators for visual consistency
- Build bonds between clone troopers and specialists for cross-training
- Decide on permanent death setting before deploying Tella Re Vercos
- Test full clone squad on skirmish missions before story missions
There is no New Game Plus mode available at launch. However, certain customization options unlock on repeat playthroughs. Plan your first playthrough carefully, as you cannot carry over progression to a second run with enhanced bonuses.
Customization and Cosmetic System
The customization system in Star Wars Zero Company is extensive, allowing you to shape Hawk across species, first name, appearance, clothing, and specialization. Custom operators receive the same treatment, including their own names and backstories. Most cutscenes render in real time, meaning the characters you build appear directly in cinematic moments.
Cosmetic Availability
| Cosmetic Type | Availability | Restrictions |
|---|---|---|
| Clone Armor Paint Jobs | Launch, wide selection | Patterns across helmets and armor |
| Phase One ARC Trooper | Deluxe Edition only | Grand Army of the Republic pack |
| Mandalorian Armor | Restricted | Only Clyde Calovo can wear it |
| Beskar Guard Look | Restricted | Tied to specific character |
| Operator Outfits | Cosmetic only | Does not change gameplay stats |
Most cutscenes are rendered in real time, so the character you built shows up in them. Only a few minor moments use pre-rendered cinematics. This makes your customization choices visible throughout the story, reinforcing the importance of crafting a squad you want to see on screen.
What Is Not Available
| Feature | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Mod Support | Not planned | No official modding support for Zero Company |
| New Game Plus | Not at launch | Certain customization options unlock on repeat playthroughs |
| DLC or Post-Launch Content | Not announced | Team focused entirely on the launch game |
| Microtransactions | Not planned | No in-game purchase systems |
| Romance Options | Not included | No romance mechanics in the game |
| Branching Story Paths | Not included | Linear narrative, squad choice affects bonds and some moments |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can you only have clones in Star Wars Zero Company?
No, clones are not the only option. While you can unlock and field a full squad of clone troopers after a certain story point, you can also build squads of astromech droids, custom operators of various species, and other specialized units. The game offers diverse squad composition options beyond clones.
Q: When do clone troopers unlock in Star Wars Zero Company?
Clone trooper units unlock after reaching a specific milestone in the main story. However, clone armor cosmetics are available from the start for any operator. Once unlocked, you can fill all deployable squad slots with clone troopers for a full Republic squad experience.
Q: Can I play as Separatist battle droids in Star Wars Zero Company?
No, Lead Designer James Brawley confirmed that you cannot recruit or play as Separatist B1 battle droids or any other enemy faction units directly. Enemy units remain exclusive to opposing forces throughout the game.
Q: How many operators can I have in Star Wars Zero Company?
The operator roster caps at 20 total characters. You begin with room for seven operators, and the cap increases through Den upgrades, story progression, and when authored operators join your squad. On most missions, you can deploy up to four operators, though certain special missions allow more.
Q: Is permanent death mandatory in Star Wars Zero Company?
Permanent death is enabled by default but can be toggled off if desired. This is particularly important for protecting unique units like Tella Re Vercos, the only Jedi Padawan in the game. If she falls with permanent death enabled, the only Padawan class is lost forever.