Star Wars Squadrons – Ships, Modes & Multiplayer Tips
Star Wars Squadrons is a space combat video game that focuses on starfighters, team battles, and strategy-driven multiplayer missions.
Star Wars Squadrons is a space combat video game that focuses on starfighters, team battles, and strategy-driven multiplayer missions.
Overview of Star Wars Squadrons
Star Wars Squadrons is developed by Motive Studio and published by Electronic Arts. The game is set after the events of Return of the Jedi and lets players fight for either the New Republic or the Galactic Empire. It is available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC platforms with full support for cross-play and virtual reality headsets. Players control different starfighter classes and engage in strategic dogfights across well-designed space maps.
Star Wars Squadrons Ship Classes
Star Wars Squadrons offers multiple classes of ships, each with unique roles and abilities that fit different play styles. Choosing the right ship is key for mission success.
Fighter Class
- New Republic: X-wing
- Galactic Empire: TIE Fighter
Balanced ships designed for all-purpose combat. They provide a mix of speed, armor, and firepower. Ideal for new players who want stability and flexible options.
Interceptor Class
- New Republic: A-wing
- Galactic Empire: TIE Interceptor
Fast and agile, best for attacking enemy fighters quickly. They rely on high maneuverability and quick kills but have weaker shields and armor.
Bomber Class
- New Republic: Y-wing
- Galactic Empire: TIE Bomber
Heavy-duty ships specialized in taking down capital ships and structures. They carry powerful torpedoes and bombs, but they are slower and easier to target.
Support Class
- New Republic: U-wing
- Galactic Empire: TIE Reaper
Provide team support through repairs, supply drops, and tactical aids. These ships help maintain squad health and shield strength during long battles.
Additional Starfighters
Post-launch updates added extra ships like the B-wing for the New Republic and the TIE Defender for the Empire. These offer stronger firepower and unique abilities to diversify strategies in battles.
Game Modes in Star Wars Squadrons
The game features two main multiplayer modes and a story-driven single-player campaign. Each mode rewards teamwork, planning, and skillful flying.
Story Campaign
The single-player story alternates between the New Republic’s Vanguard Squadron and the Galactic Empire’s Titan Squadron. Players experience missions tied to Project Starhawk, a secret plan to build a powerful shipyard. The campaign introduces ship controls and tactics while providing lore set after Return of the Jedi.
Dogfight Mode
Dogfight is a classic 5v5 team deathmatch. Two teams fight until one reaches the required kill count. Success depends on strong teamwork, quick reflexes, and selecting ships that complement each other’s roles.
Fleet Battles
Fleet Battles is the most strategic mode. Two teams fight to destroy each other’s capital ships through three stages:
- Win dogfights to gain morale advantage.
- Attack and destroy enemy cruisers.
- Launch the final assault on the flagship.
It requires coordination between bombers, support ships, and fighters to secure victory.
Multiplayer Tips for Star Wars Squadrons
Strong multiplayer performance depends on smart tactics and cooperation. The following tips can help improve team success.
Master Ship Controls
Practice precise controls to improve movement and targeting. Adjust sensitivity and learn advanced maneuvers like drifting to evade missiles and enemy fire. Use power management to switch energy between engines, weapons, and shields depending on combat situations.
Choose the Right Role
Select ships based on team needs:
- Fighters for balance and flexibility
- Interceptors for aggressive dogfights
- Bombers for heavy damage on large ships
- Support to repair and supply teammates
Balanced team composition improves survival and objective completion.
Use Communication
Voice chat or quick commands help share enemy positions and coordinate attacks. Good communication lets teams call for support, organize bomber runs, and defend weak spots in capital ships.
Upgrade Loadouts
Customize ship weapons, hulls, and shields for your preferred style. Options include proton torpedoes for heavy damage, advanced shields for protection, and faster engines for mobility. Experiment to find the best setup for each map and mode.
Target Priority
Focus on high-value targets first. In Fleet Battles, prioritize enemy bombers and support ships to weaken their offensive power. In Dogfights, take out skilled enemy pilots to reduce pressure on your team.
Use the Environment
Asteroids, space stations, and wreckage can be used as cover. Fly close to obstacles to avoid missile locks or to break enemy line of sight. Learn each map’s layout for quick escape routes and ambush positions.
Power Management
Shift power between shields, weapons, and engines to match the fight.
- Weapons: When attacking or dogfighting
- Shields: When defending or retreating
- Engines: When chasing or escaping
Efficient energy use can turn battles in your favor.
Visuals and Sound Design
Star Wars Squadrons delivers authentic Star Wars visuals with detailed cockpits, vibrant space backdrops, and realistic explosions. The first-person view immerses players with HUD elements integrated into the cockpit. Sound effects, including engine roars and blaster fire, enhance the atmosphere and give critical clues about enemy activity.
Progression and Rewards
The game uses an experience-based progression system. Players earn Glory points and Requisition tokens by completing matches and objectives.
- Glory Points unlock cosmetic upgrades like paint jobs, decals, and cockpit decorations.
- Requisition Tokens unlock gameplay upgrades such as new weapons and ship parts.
The system is fair and free of microtransactions, allowing players to unlock items through gameplay.
Technical Features
Star Wars Squadrons supports VR headsets on PC and PlayStation VR, making space battles highly immersive. It also allows HOTAS (hands-on throttle and stick) controls for realistic piloting. Cross-play functionality means players on PC, Xbox, and PlayStation can fight together without platform barriers.
Community and Updates
Since release, the game has received updates adding new ships like the B-wing and TIE Defender, bug fixes, and balancing changes. Community-driven events and patch updates keep multiplayer modes competitive and fresh. Active communities on platforms like Reddit and Discord share strategies, organize matches, and provide ongoing support for players.
