Turn-Based Tactics Renaissance: Star Wars Zero Company Launches as Ubisoft Reveals Rainbow Six Tactics

Key points

• Star Wars Zero Company launched in August 2026, blending XCOM-style mechanics with Clone Wars lore; it is available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.
• Ubisoft revealed Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Tactics at Gamescom Opening Night Live 2026, a single-player turn-based game set in the Rainbow Six universe.
• Rainbow Six Tactics features 15 operators from Siege, destructible environments, and a 'Breach' mode that allows synchronized squad movement, breaking the standard turn-based rhythm.
• A closed beta for Rainbow Six Tactics is currently open on PC via Ubisoft Connect, with a general release expected in 2027.
• Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave is also upcoming, featuring four protagonists and extensive content, further solidifying the genre's comeback.

Background

The turn-based tactics genre had seen a notable lack of major AAA releases in recent years, with the XCOM series effectively on hiatus. Prior to this period, titles like Classified: France ’44 were among the few notable releases, leading to a perceived gap in the market. The current cluster of releases, including Star Wars Zero Company and the upcoming Rainbow Six Tactics, marks a significant shift, indicating renewed developer interest and publisher investment in the genre. This follows a period where fans had to wait years for new tactical experiences, making the 2026-2027 window particularly notable for the genre's revival.

How outlets are covering it

GameSpot emphasizes the emotional impact of Star Wars Zero Company, comparing it to the excitement of early XCOM games and noting the scarcity of similar titles previously. Ubisoft and Xbox Wire focus on the strategic depth of Rainbow Six Tactics, highlighting how the game retains the franchise's core DNA of planning and high-stakes decision-making while adapting it to a turn-based format. Wccftech provides technical details, noting the game's development by Ubisoft Paris and its availability across multiple platforms, including Ubisoft+ and GeForce NOW. While GameSpot expresses hope for an XCOM 3, Ubisoft focuses on the natural transition from FPS to turn-based gameplay, suggesting that the genre's core mechanics are versatile across different franchises. All sources agree on the genre's resurgence but differ in their emphasis: GameSpot on nostalgia and scarcity, Ubisoft on strategic continuity, and Wccftech on platform accessibility and technical details.

Why it matters

The simultaneous launch and announcement of multiple high-profile turn-based tactics games indicate a broader industry trend toward reviving the genre, which had been dormant for several years. This could lead to increased competition and innovation in tactical gameplay, potentially attracting new players to the genre. The success of Star Wars Zero Company and the anticipation for Rainbow Six Tactics suggest that there is a strong market demand for these types of games, which could influence future game development and publishing strategies. Additionally, the availability of these games across multiple platforms, including consoles and PC, ensures broad accessibility, potentially expanding the player base for turn-based tactics beyond traditional fans.

What to watch

Players can expect to play Star Wars Zero Company immediately, as it has already launched. For Rainbow Six Tactics, a closed beta is currently open on PC, with a general release expected in 2027. Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave is also set to release soon, offering another turn-based strategy option. The success of these games will likely influence future releases in the genre, potentially leading to more AAA titles and increased competition. Additionally, the closed beta for Rainbow Six Tactics will provide early feedback, which could shape the final product and its reception upon release.