Last week EA revealed some exciting new details about Star Wars: Squadrons. These show how this game is going to keep you coming back for more. It’s not that it’s an online only game that you need to play in order to make the most of, it’s that it has a lot to offer in a very small package, and there are loads of levels to climb through too.
Progression
EA revealed the progression mechanics for this upcoming game, and they look very tasty. Since it’s a closed game, you’ll have your own stats that are built up over time just by playing. That’s all you need to do! Just play, and your stats will build up. However, outside of this are Challenges and Level.
Think of Challenges as you would with daily and weekly missions in MMOs. That’s exactly what they are, but they’re for you alone. Some challenges award experience and in-game currency to purchase cosmetics with, while Operation Challenges award rare cosmetics that you’ll struggle to find elsewhere. I love that this is possible, because it gives you the option to play a simple mission if you don’t want to spend too much time in the game, or invest an entire evening.
Levelling goes on seemingly forever. EA says that the game is built to open up more options with more levels, rather than making you more powerful. As such, everyone is on a level playing field in this game, apart from when it comes to skill, developed over time.
Finally, we have Fleet Battles rank. This is a system that basically has a battle going on at all times, and you’ll be pushing the effort for your side when you play the game. The more you play, the more work you’ll be doing for your side. At the end of every 8-week cycle, rewards are given out, and the battle is shifted. This is very similar to the war system in For Honor, which sees territory gained for certain actions in the main game. I think that this will be why some players stick around in Star Wars: Squadrons. It’s a community battle effort that everyone can be a part of. I can see squads building up over time, and eventually a few recognisable ones ruling space around each and every battle.
One thing is sure. This isn’t going to be a game you play once, it’s one you’ll almost certainly be playing every day.