STAR WARS: Squadrons is a first-person space combat game centered on piloting starfighters in the Star Wars universe. Players take control of fighters from the New Republic and Galactic Empire in a focused experience that emphasizes cockpit instrumentation, power allocation, and squadron coordination. The title launched on PlayStation 4 with both a single-player campaign and competitive multiplayer options, delivering an authentic feel for those interested in starfighter combat rather than broad open-world exploration.
Gameplay
The core loop revolves around managing power between weapons, engines, and shields while navigating dogfights from a strict first-person cockpit perspective. Each starfighter belongs to one of four classes: fighter for balanced performance, interceptor for speed and agility, bomber for heavy ordnance, or support for repairs and shielding allies. Pilots adjust energy distribution on the fly to boost speed during pursuits, strengthen defenses under fire, or maximize firepower for quick eliminations. Loadouts include primary weapons, auxiliary abilities such as missiles or jammers, countermeasures, and hull upgrades that trade durability for maneuverability or vice versa. The game supports precise control schemes suited to flight sticks on compatible hardware, and the entire experience runs in virtual reality on PlayStation VR.
Game Modes
Two primary multiplayer formats define the competitive side. Dogfight pits two teams of five against each other in a straightforward elimination match where the first side to reach thirty kills claims victory. Matches emphasize quick reflexes and positioning without additional objectives. Fleet Battles serves as the deeper, objective-driven mode. Teams of five work to push a frontline by destroying enemy starfighters and AI-controlled vessels, then advance to eliminate frigates before targeting the opposing capital ship. This mode supports ranked play and can also be experienced cooperatively against AI opponents. Practice sessions allow solo experimentation with all available ships and an obstacle course for refining flight skills.
Single-Player Campaign
The story unfolds after the events of Return of the Jedi and follows two squadrons locked in conflict over a major New Republic project. Players alternate between the New Republic Vanguard Squadron and the Imperial Titan Squadron across a series of missions that highlight the tension between the factions. Each mission incorporates optional objectives and multiple difficulty settings, with challenges that reward precise flying even without a heads-up display. The narrative focuses on the pilots' roles in larger fleet actions rather than extensive character development.
Factions, Ships, and Progression
The New Republic fields ships such as the X-wing, A-wing, Y-wing, and U-wing, while the Galactic Empire deploys the TIE fighter, TIE interceptor, TIE bomber, and TIE reaper. Post-launch updates expanded the roster with the B-wing for the New Republic and the TIE defender for the Empire. Progression unlocks components and cosmetics through play, with no microtransactions involved. Both factions maintain distinct ship handling characteristics that influence tactical choices in every engagement.
Is It Worth Playing?
STAR WARS: Squadrons suits players who seek a dedicated starfighter combat experience with strong emphasis on flight mechanics and cockpit immersion. The single-player campaign provides a self-contained story accessible offline, while the two multiplayer modes deliver distinct pacing for casual dogfights or coordinated fleet operations. Post-launch support included free additions of ships, maps, and balance adjustments, though active development has concluded and the player population has declined over time. Those who enjoy precise power management and team-based objectives will find the systems rewarding, particularly in Fleet Battles. The game remains available on PlayStation 4 for those prioritizing the authentic piloting loop over ongoing content updates or large-scale matchmaking.
