How STAR WARS Zero Company Gameplay Works
Learn the complete Zero Company loop: Cycles, The Den, Operations, Tactical Missions, Action Points, Advantage, Bonds, and equipment.
Zero Company gameplay has two linked layers: strategic planning at The Den and turn-based Tactical Missions on the ground. The game calls one pass through those choices a Cycle. Your goal is not simply to win a firefight; it is to spend limited time, Intel, Credits, and squad availability on the missions that move your campaign forward.
What each part of the loop does
- The Den: recruit Custom Operators, treat injuries, upgrade facilities, change equipment, talk to teammates, and open the Holotable.
- Operations: non-combat assignments that spend Intel and can return Credits, items, influence, or relationship changes.
- Tactical Missions: ground encounters where each operator receives three AP to move, attack, use items, or activate skills.
- Advantage and progression: damage builds Advantage for powerful actions; Focus Points improve Talents, Abilities, and Passives; weapon modifications change stats and effects.
Why choices carry forward
Hawks leads a mixed roster of Authored and Custom Operators. Repeatedly deploying compatible teammates develops Bonds, and higher Bonds can unlock Cross Training bonuses. The same choice can therefore solve a combat problem while changing which relationships and abilities are available later. Missions also award regional influence, while Operations consume Intel, so choosing every available activity is impossible.
How to make a turn useful
- Check the objective and enemy sight lines before spending AP.
- Move into cover, attack when the chance is acceptable, and leave AP for Overwatch or a safer position.
- Use Call for Backup when a nearby teammate can add damage without spending AP.
- Spend Advantage on a special action when it changes the outcome more than another ordinary attack.
- Return to The Den after the mission to heal, adjust gear, develop Bonds, and resolve time-limited Operations.
These are system rules, not a claim that one squad or build is universally best. Exact stat values and patch-specific balance should be checked in the current game. Sources: the official StarWars.com guide and EA’s gameplay overview, checked 2026-08-29.