





Star Wars: Commander, a base-building strategy game set during the original Star Wars trilogy, was released in August of 2014. In the five years since, it has been supported with movie-tie-in events as well as significant expansions, opening up even more of the galaxy to players hoping for a deep, rewarding combat experience on mobile devices. With a special anniversary event underway, and exciting content you can’t experience anywhere else, now’s the perfect time to check out this fun, free-to-play game. Here’s why.

1. It’s easy to jump in.

Just download Star Wars: Commander on the App Store or Google Play. After a brief tutorial in which you scuffle with the forces of Jabba the Hutt, your partner, a grizzled mercenary named Saponza, suggests it’s to pick a side in the Galactic Civil War. After you’ve joined up with the Rebellion or enlisted in the Empire, Saponza will help guide you through the story as new gameplay elements are introduced.

2. You can choose your side.

As you fight your way across six different planets, you’ll have access to items, story content and allies unique to your chosen faction. Familiar faces include Darth Vader, Han Solo, Luke Skywalker and Leia Organa. Add in the iconic sound effects, authentic music and a balanced focus on combat and storytelling, and this is one of the most Star Wars-y games available on your phone or tablet.

3. Discover characters and planets you won’t find elsewhere.

Sure, you’ll visit Tatooine, Hoth, Takodana and Yavin 4, taking on womp rats and a krayt dragon — but Star Wars: Commander is the only way to explore Er’Kit and Dandoran . You also get to ally yourself with original characters like Jennica Pierce, former senator Johhar Kessen, Imperial Captain Kosh, and the shadowy Devaronian Kada Jahr.

4. Enjoy rich strategy in an evolving galaxy.

The core of the game involves building and maintaining your base; upgrading your headquarters (and HQ level) grants you access to additional unit types and better fortifications. Once you’ve learned the ropes by playing through the story campaign, you can squad up with other players online and take on rival squads in all-out wars.

5. The war is just beginning.

The team at NaturalMotion is marking Star Wars: Commander’s five-year anniversary with a special two-week event, offering players two new pieces of defensive equipment: “Guard Reserve: Mercenaries” and “Reinforced Cantina Bracing.” From August 22 through August 28, you’ll be able to grab a free daily Anniversary Crate as a reward for logging in, and the in-game store will hold a sale with up to 30% bonus crystals on certain purchases.

Star Wars: Commander is available now on the App Store and Google Play.

Alex Kane is a journalist based in west-central Illinois. He has written for Fangoria, Polygon, the website of Rolling Stone, Variety, and other publications. Follow him on Twitter at @alexjkane.

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