Given the chance to play Star Wars: Hunters at PAX West, I jumped at it. I’ve already spent over 40 hours on this game, so playing with the developers was a no-brainer. I didn’t have the heart to mention my hours of experience when I came in second place, but I had a blast playing with the team.
If you haven’t played Star Wars: Hunters, it’s a free-to-play game available on mobile devices and Nintendo Switch. It’s a 4v4 team-based game, much like Overwatch, with roles for tanks, sharpshooters, and support characters like healers. Personally, I gravitate toward playing as a support hero.
One of the things I really love about Star Wars: Hunters is that it’s free-to-play, so spending money isn’t necessary to enjoy the game. Purchases are mostly only for cosmetics (more on that in a moment). Like other free-to-play games, it offers a Season Pass. The free pass gives you some cosmetics, but the paid version provides many more—and they’re far cooler.
Another key feature of the paid season, not available in the free version, is the introduction of new characters. In the first season, we saw Aran Tal, a Mandalorian. The second added K-A0S, a security droid for the Galactic Empire. And in the third, we’ll be meeting Pilbush. When I asked the developers about Pilbush, they explained that she’s an Ewok descendant of those who fought in the Battle of Endor—and she’s a huge fan of them. Pilbush rides in an AT-ET (All-Terrain Ewok Tank), which, I have to admit, made me laugh.
One of the things I appreciate most about Star Wars: Hunters is how short the matches are. Each one lasts about three minutes, so even when I'm losing—and trust me, I’ve lost my share—it doesn’t feel too bad. The matches fly by, and I’m always ready to jump into the next challenge.
There are several different match types, which keeps things fresh each time I play. For example, in Brawl, the first team to score 25 kills wins. In another mode, teams must capture and hold different areas. The team that controls two out of three areas earn percentage points, and the first team to reach 100% wins. Another mode is Trophy Hunt, where the goal is to chase down the player holding a trophy. The team holding it longer than the other wins. Each season also adds a new mode to the game. I asked the developers what the new mode for Season 3 would be, but they couldn’t give any details yet, as it’s still under wraps.
If you're not playing Star Wars: Hunters, you really should be. There’s no excuse. It’s free-to-play, and with plenty of players, there are always matches happening, so you won’t have to wait long to jump in. Beyond the season pass, there’s also a ranked mode where you can unlock new looks. Plus, events offer even more ways to earn cosmetics without spending a dime. Check it out on Nintendo Switch or mobile—it’s totally worth it.
Comments