- Playable races & classes: Zero Company features 12 distinct classes spanning Humans, Mandalorians, Jedi, Astromechs, and more.
- Standard vs. Exotic: 8 standard classes can be freely assigned, while 4 exotic classes represent unique Star Wars species and archetypes.
- Squad composition: You can field multiple Astromechs, but Jedi Padawans and Mandalorian Warriors may be restricted to specific characters.
- Respec flexibility: Standard class operators like Trick can be respecced into any of the 8 standard roles to adapt your strategy.
- Permadeath risk: Losing a unique exotic character in a permadeath run might permanently lock you out of that class.
Understanding Playable Races and Classes
In Star Wars Zero Company, the term "playable races" encompasses both the diverse species populating your squad and the 12 distinct combat classes they can adopt. The game blends tactical role-playing mechanics with rich Star Wars lore, allowing you to recruit various species and train them under specific combat disciplines. Your squad operates as a mercenary company, meaning you have the flexibility to assign standard classes to your operatives while utilizing exotic classes for unique, lore-heavy characters.
Video Highlights:
- Breakdown of all 8 standard and 4 exotic classes
- How the respec system works for existing characters
- Restrictions on Jedi Padawan and Mandalorian Warrior units
- Ability to field a full squad of 4 Astromechs
- Theories on the unannounced 12th exotic class
You are not locked into your initial choices for standard classes. If an operative like Trick starts as a Heavy, you can respec them into a Medic, Scout, or any of the other standard options to better suit your current tactical needs.
The 8 Standard Classes
Standard classes form the backbone of your mercenary company. Any standard operative can be recruited or respecced into these eight roles, giving you unparalleled freedom to adapt your squad to different mission profiles.
Assault
- Close-range specialist
- Excels at flanking
- Front-line fighter
Gunslinger
- Multi-target attacks
- Fast strikes
- Area-of-effect damage
Heavy
- Soaks up damage
- Thickly armored
- High survivability
Medic
- Heals injuries
- Boosts teammates
- Essential for survival
Scoundrel
- Wild card tactics
- Uses environment
- Unpredictable combat
Scout
- Reconnaissance focus
- Gathers intel
- Benefits entire team
Sharpshooter
- Long-range expert
- Single-target kill
- Ideal for overwatch
Soldier
- Versatile arsenal
- Grenades and rockets
- Medium-range all-rounder
Standard Class Combat Profiles
| Class | Optimal Range | Primary Role | Key Strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assault | Close | Front-line offense | Maneuvering and flanking |
| Gunslinger | Medium | Multi-target damage | Spreading offense across enemies |
| Heavy | Close | Damage soak | Survivability in the open |
| Medic | Medium | Support | Healing and injury prevention |
| Scoundrel | Variable | Opportunist | Exploiting combat situations |
| Scout | Medium | Reconnaissance | Planning and tactical timing |
| Sharpshooter | Long | Precision damage | Singling out chosen enemies |
| Soldier | Close/Medium | All-rounder | Diverse weapon access |
Classes like the Assault and Heavy thrive on the front lines, while Sharpshooters need elevated or distant positioning. Sending a Sniper into close quarters or leaving an Assault in the backline will drastically reduce their combat effectiveness.
The 4 Exotic Classes and Unique Races
Exotic classes represent the most iconic archetypes in the Star Wars universe. Unlike standard classes, these come with unique mechanics and restrictions. Currently, three of the four exotic classes have been confirmed, with the final one remaining a closely guarded secret.
Confirmed Exotic Classes
| Exotic Class | Associated Character | Squad Limit | Special Traits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jedi Padawan | Tel Rya | Likely 1 | Force abilities, Melee combat |
| Mandalorian Warrior | K'Kruhk Lovero | Likely 1 | Beskar armor, Advanced weaponry |
| Astromech | Custom / Generic | Up to 4 | Utility, Hacking, Support |
| Unknown (Class 12) | Unannounced | Unknown | Details pending launch |
If Tel Rya (Jedi Padawan) or K'Kruhk Lovero (Mandalorian) dies during a permadeath run, you may permanently lose access to that class for the rest of the campaign. Always protect your exotic operatives or reload your save if you want to preserve their abilities.
The Astromech class operates differently from the Jedi and Mandalorian. You can recruit multiple Astromechs and even deploy a full squad of four if you choose. This makes them highly flexible for players who want a utility-heavy approach to missions.
Theories for the 12th Exotic Class
The unannounced 12th class has sparked significant speculation within the community. Based on lore and gameplay mechanics, the top theories include:
Wookiee Warrior
- High strength
- Bowcasters
- Awesome gadgets
Clone Commando
- Superior clones
- Elite tactics
- High firepower
Infinite Coil Member
- Plague abilities
- Unique mechanics
- Story-driven unlock
Building Your Squad: Step-by-Step
Assembling the right mix of playable races and classes is critical to surviving the tactical challenges in Zero Company. Follow these steps to optimize your squad composition.
Establish a Core Front Line
Start by selecting a Heavy to absorb damage and an Assault or Soldier to push enemies out of cover. Your front line dictates the flow of battle and protects your more vulnerable backline operatives.
Secure Long-Range Support
Add a Sharpshooter to your roster to handle high-value targets from a safe distance. Position them on elevated terrain and utilize the overwatch system to control the battlefield.
Integrate a Medic
A Medic is almost mandatory for sustained campaigns. They prevent injuries from taking your operatives out of action and provide crucial physical and psychological boosts during firefights.
Assign Your Exotic Unit
Decide whether your strategy benefits more from a Jedi Padawan's melee prowess, a Mandalorian's heavy ordnance, or the utility of an Astromech. Adapt your exotic choice to complement your standard squad.
Adapt and Respec
If a mission fails or your tactics need to shift, use the respec system to change your standard classes. Transform a Scoundrel into a Scout if you need more reconnaissance, or swap a Gunslinger for a Heavy.
A balanced squad typically consists of one Heavy, one Sharpshooter, one Medic, and one exotic unit. This gives you damage mitigation, precision kills, sustain, and unique utility all in one team.
Class Synergies and Tactical Tips
Understanding how different classes interact is the key to mastering Star Wars Zero Company. The game features no fog of war, meaning you can see enemy positions from the start, but class abilities will help you deduce health, behavior, and weaknesses.
Class Synergy Matrix
| Class A | Class B | Synergy Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Scout | Sharpshooter | Scout reveals enemy data, Sharpshooter eliminates targets |
| Heavy | Assault | Heavy soaks damage while Assault flanks and finishes targets |
| Medic | Heavy | Medic keeps the Heavy alive, maintaining a permanent front-line wall |
| Gunslinger | Soldier | Both output massive area damage, overwhelming enemy squads |
Set up your Sharpshooters and Gunslingers in overwatch positions before moving your Assault or Heavy into the open. This creates a deadly kill zone where any enemy attempting to flank your front line will be immediately targeted.
Squad Readiness Checklist:
- Ensure at least one Medic is in the active squad
- Position Sharpshooters on elevated terrain before engaging
- Keep Heavy units in the open to draw enemy fire
- Protect exotic characters (Jedi/Mandalorian) in permadeath runs
- Utilize the respec system when a strategy is not working
- Experiment with Astromechs for utility-heavy missions
Playable Races and Classes FAQ
Q: What are the playable races in Star Wars Zero Company?
While the game focuses on classes, the exotic classes represent unique races and archetypes such as Jedi (Tel Rya), Mandalorians (K'Kruhk Lovero), and Droids (Astromechs). Standard classes can be applied to various recruited operatives across different species.
Q: Can I change my character's class in Zero Company?
Yes, you can respec any standard class character into one of the 8 standard classes. However, exotic classes like Jedi Padawan and Mandalorian Warrior appear to be locked to specific characters.
Q: Can I have multiple Astromechs in my squad?
Yes, unlike Jedi and Mandalorians which are limited, the developers have confirmed you can field up to four Astromechs simultaneously if you want a full droid squad.
Q: What happens if my Jedi dies in a permadeath run?
If Tel Rya dies during a permadeath run, you likely lose access to the Jedi Padawan class for the remainder of that campaign. You can choose to reload a previous save to keep her alive.
Q: What is the unannounced 12th exotic class?
The 12th class has not been officially revealed. Community theories suggest it could be a Wookiee Warrior, a Clone Commando, or a recruitable Infinite Coil member with unique plague abilities.
Star Wars Zero Company is actively developing, and class details may evolve. Always check official channels for the latest patch notes and roster updates as launch approaches.