When I downloaded and started playing Star Wars Hunters, I have to admit, I was a bit skeptical. The game had been rumored to be ready for release off and on for about two years, and with characters that are new to everyone who plays it, the lack of connection to classic Star Wars characters was a major concern, as I wrote about a month ago. But I have to admit, after 4 weeks of playing this game nearly every day as my schedule has allowed, I am still enjoying Star Wars Hunters. Here is al look at why I could see this game be a long-term success:
- Creative New Characters – One of my favorite pieces of this game is, despite not having classic Star Wars characters like Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader or even Greedo because it is set on the Star Wars timeline after Return of the Jedi, is that they have been extremely creative with the 13 characters available at launch. An Ugnaught driving a Droideka, a tech wiz-kid who built a “Jedi” droid and a pair of Jawa brothers is a nice touch as I am starting to feel like I “know” these characters a bit after reading their backstories and using them all time and time again.
- Changing Game Modes – With Matchup Clash currently running, the Star Wars Hunters calendar is constantly updating and changing the game modes that have a major focus. In addition, Casual mode is always available to level up and test new characters or those with events around them and Ranked mode is always available for your more competitive players.
- Multiple Events & Rewards – With Matchup Clash we have challenges around Imara Vex and Aran Tal while other current Events include rewards for using Grozz and more. Each character has a Mastery track with rewards for using them in specific events or just using them anywhere, and Daily rewards are also available. Once you get a chance to play a good bit and start to wrap your head around all of the rewards, there are a ton of ways to upgrade and gain traction in-game.
- Free-To-Play (FTP) Friendly – While I, myself, have put a little bit of money into the game, there is no need to spend to be competitive. The PTP features are visual with Skin, Poses and Weapon Wraps, and the seasonal Battle Pass and character unlock associated with it is the only competitive advantage I can recall.
- A Different Star Wars Game – As someone who downloaded Star Wars Galaxy of Heroes in December 2016 and has played every day since, you’re hitting your target audience right here with Star Wars Hunters. How the devs continue to evolve this game and keep it interesting wheel also monetizing it, will be key to the long-term success. But having something different than SWGoH has been refreshing and has kept me coming back.
I do not know the future for Star Wars Hunters and while I have seen mixed reviews from others, all I can say is that I am enjoying it and will continue to play as long as the game remains interesting and fresh. I look forward to seeing who the next character will be and how the game will progress, but for now, Star Wars Hunters is getting a lot of my attention and will continue to do so.
UPDATE: As of March 2025, developer Zynga has announced that Star Wars Hunters is closing down the game later this year.