Five years ago, Star Wars: Squadrons launched on October 2, 2020, giving fans the starfighter combat game they’d been craving. Developed by Motive Studios and published by Electronic Arts, Squadrons put players right into the cockpit of iconic ships from both the New Republic and the Galactic Empire.
It was pitched as a focused, skill-based experience, and for many, it delivered some of the best space dogfights the Star Wars gaming galaxy has ever seen.
TL;DR – 5 Years of Squadrons
- Released October 2, 2020 by Motive Studios & EA.
- Focused on 5v5 dogfights with no microtransactions.
- Featured a short but fun campaign post-ROTJ.
- Delivered VR cockpit support for full immersion.
- Gained cult status but never reached full esports potential.
Five years later, Star Wars: Squadrons remains one of the most underrated gems in the galaxy far, far away.
A True Starfighter Experience
Unlike some modern live-service titles, Star Wars: Squadrons went in the opposite direction. The devs promised no microtransactions and no loot boxes, focusing instead on tight 5v5 battles and a single-player campaign. Players could:
- Master starfighters like the X-Wing, TIE Fighter, A-Wing, and TIE Interceptor.
- Balance shields, weapons, and engines in real time — a throwback to the X-Wing vs. TIE Fighter sims of the ‘90s.
- Play in VR for full immersion, making it one of the most intense cockpit sims of its time.
The campaign took players through a post-Return of the Jedi storyline, alternating between a New Republic squadron and an Imperial one. While short, it offered some fun cameos and plenty of nostalgia for Expanded Universe fans.
Esports Potential That Never Fully Landed
When Squadrons released, some believed it might grow into a competitive esports title. The mechanics had depth, the learning curve was steep, and coordinated teams could pull off incredible plays.
But the competitive scene never reached the heights of other titles. Limited support and the niche appeal of space combat sims meant it stayed a cult favorite rather than a mainstream esport. Still, community tournaments and fan-run leagues kept the competitive spirit alive long after official updates ended.
Updates, Support, and Community
Initially marketed as a “one-and-done” package, Squadrons did get a few free updates post-launch:
- New maps like Fostar Haven were added.
- Two new starfighters — the B-Wing and TIE Defender — arrived as a surprise bonus in late 2020.
- Balance patches helped fine-tune competitive play.
Fans also embraced the customization options, from cockpit trinkets to unique ship paint jobs, letting pilots add personal flair to their fighters.
Legacy and Lasting Impact
While Star Wars: Squadrons never became a long-running live-service juggernaut, it carved out a special place in Star Wars gaming:
- It reminded the industry that fans still want space combat sims.
- It proved a mid-budget Star Wars title could be successful without leaning on predatory monetization.
- It remains a go-to game for players craving cockpit immersion, especially in VR.
With EA’s Star Wars license shifting and titles like Star Wars Outlaws on the horizon, Squadrons stands as a bold experiment that gave us some of the best starfighter combat since the LucasArts golden age.
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
