The galaxy far, far away is about to become a little more accessible. Yes, you heard it right. Star Wars Hunters, the squad-based arena combat title teasing fans like an elusive Wookiee hiding behind a tree, is finally making its way to PC in 2025. While that might seem like an eternity for eager gamers, fret not, there’s a playtest coming up soon that could quench your thirst for lightsaber duels and blaster fire.
Mark your calendars because, from December 13-16, players will have the chance to dive into the Star Wars Hunters experience via a Steam playtest ahead of its Early Access launch on January 27, 2025. Developed by Zynga’s NaturalMotion studio, yes, that Zynga, the game will be free-to-play and promises all the chaos we’ve expected from arena shooters steeped in Star Wars lore.
Unleash your inner assassin with Nox, the new Damage Hunter in Star Wars: Hunters Season 4! This Zabrak Archer strikes from afar with her Composite Bow, ready to fight on an Endor-inspired battlefield. Now available on Nintendo Switch! ⚔️🌲 pic.twitter.com/O78CgACcsE
— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) November 26, 2024
Let’s rewind a bit. Initially announced in February 2021 (oh how time flies), Star Wars Hunters was supposed to land on consoles and mobile devices later that same year but encountered multiple delays. Finally hitting Nintendo Switch, iOS, and Android in June 2024 after quite the rollercoaster ride, it appears this latest venture onto PC will aim at recapturing that momentum without throwing us off track again.
“The Early Access version of Star Wars: Hunters brings everything you love from the Nintendo Switch and mobile versions, Hunters, game modes, and core gameplay, right to your PC,” says their Steam page, a promise we hope they can deliver on without any hiccups this time around.
But let’s get real for a second. Free-to-play titles can be hit or miss, depending on how they handle monetization. The balance between providing enough content for free players while still enticing those willing to shell out cash can often lead developers into murky waters filled with microtransactions that feel less “Jedi mind trick” and more “greedy Sith Lord.” That said, if they stick closely with community feedback, which they’ve vowed to do, they may Explore these treacherous waters successfully.
Speaking of community input: Season 4 has recently introduced Nox, the Zabrak Archer who wields her Composite Bow like she’s auditioning for the next big blockbuster, and she’s already causing quite a stir among players as they explore Endor-inspired battlegrounds full of surprises just waiting to unfold.
The developers have committed to keeping players engaged during Early Access through regular updates focused on gameplay enhancements and new features explicitly tailored for PC enthusiasts. This could mean anything from better graphics options (please!) to optimized controls that make sense outside the realm of consoles.
As we look toward this exciting transition from console/mobile experiences over to our gaming rigs at home, one can’t help but wonder whether these changes will breathe fresh life into what some view as an already crowded genre or if it’ll get lost among other shooter titles clamoring for attention in an ever-evolving gaming landscape. In any case, whether you’re planning on giving Nox a spin or looking forward to seeing what happens when Star Wars: Hunters hits Early Access next year, there’s no denying plenty of excitement brewing in anticipation of its arrival!
Until then… see you around!
