Star Wars Battlefront Rogue One X-Wing VR Mission title logo on starry background

On This Day in Battlefront History: The Death Star Expansion Was Unleashed at Gamescom

Soeren Kamper Star Wars: Battlefront

Nine years ago today, Star Wars Battlefront fans got hit with one of the biggest announcements of the game’s era—EA and DICE unveiled the long-rumored Death Star Expansion Pack at Gamescom 2016, along with the now-legendary Battlefront X-Wing VR Mission for PlayStation VR.

And suddenly, players everywhere were asking the same thing: “Wait… we can do what in space?”

The Expansion That Took Us Inside the Ultimate Battle Station

Up until that point, Star Wars Battlefront (2015) had done a fine job scratching that galactic war itch. But ground battles only got you so far—especially when the biggest moon-shaped gun in the galaxy was still off-limits. Enter the Death Star.

The Death Star DLC delivered:

  • Epic space battles around the station’s exterior
  • Trench run dogfights that screamed nostalgia
  • Interior firefights in sterile white corridors and detention blocks
  • New playable heroes, including Chewbacca and Bossk
  • And, of course, a chance to blow the whole thing up (or stop the Rebels from trying)

It was Star Wars video game fantasy turned reality. Every element of the expansion leaned into cinematic drama, fan service, and fast-paced chaos in all the right ways.

The VR Mission That Made You Feel Like a Pilot

While the Death Star expansion got all the headlines, Battlefront’s unexpected VR experience for PlayStation VR was the sleeper hit. Short? Sure. But unforgettable? Absolutely.

The X-Wing VR Mission let players strap in, glance around their cockpit, and experience the thrill of a space dogfight firsthand. You weren’t just pressing buttons—you were looking over your shoulder for TIE Fighters, navigating debris fields, and doing your best impression of Wedge Antilles.

It was immersive, cinematic, and one of the few times Star Wars VR actually delivered on its promise. And yes, even nine years later, it’s still one of the most talked-about VR demos on Reddit.

Why It Still Holds Up

Even in a post-Battlefront II world, the Death Star expansion remains one of the highlights of the EA era. It was one of the first times Star Wars Battlefront truly felt like Star Wars—not just in aesthetics, but in pacing, tension, and spectacle.

Players weren’t just grinding kills—they were reenacting the trench run from A New Hope, escorting droids through hangars, and having chaotic laser fights that felt straight out of the movies.

Whether you’re a die-hard Rebel pilot, an Imperial sharpshooter, or someone who just wanted to fly casual, this expansion was your moment.

Impact on the Larger Galaxy of Gaming

In hindsight, the Death Star DLC set the tone for what players expected from Star Wars games going forward. Expansive, cinematic, and dripping with nostalgia, it proved that the right mix of gameplay and fan-service could transform a good game into something unforgettable.

And for VR? It showed that the right Star Wars experience could make even the most skeptical headset-wearer believe in the Force. It’s no surprise that mods, esports communities, and even gambling and casino streamers still bring up Battlefront when talking about iconic moments in game design. It was that kind of expansion.

Stay connected with the galaxy’s latest updates!

Follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest for exclusive content, mod guides, Star Wars gaming news, and more. Your support helps keep the Holonet alive—one click at a time