Star Wars: Squadrons dev heard fans loud and clear, so they’re adding the B-wing

Star Wars: Squadrons, the hit game from Electronic Arts’ Motive Studio, is keeping its promise to the fans. On Wednesday, the developer announced a pair of major new updates for the VR-compatible spaceflight simulation, and they’re going to be absolutely free. Better still, upgrades include the fan-favorite B-Wing starfighter.

“Humbled,” developers wrote on the official EA website. “That’s the word of the hour for all of us on the team. [...] We showed the game to everyone and the reception was so much more than we could have hoped for. It only became more intense after release, too, so we couldn’t help but start working on something a little extra.”

Titled Update 3.0, the new content arrives on Nov. 25. It will include Fostar Haven, based on the very first location visited in the single-player campaign. Developers say that it has been updated since the game has launched, and offers cramped combat inside its distinctive dockyards and plenty of action in open space.

Image: Motive Studios, Lucasfilm/Electronic Arts

Motive is also adding some new components to the game, including the Boost Extension Kit for both fighters and bombers which will add a speed boost whenever you need it. There’s also a focus on allowing players more ways to damage capital ships. Fighters and interceptors will get access to Ion Rockets, while fighters and bombers will both get access to Prototype Piercing Torpedoes. Meanwhile, support vessels like the U-Wing and the TIE reaper will be getting Anti-Material Rocket Turrets to fill a similar role.

Finally comes the upcoming December update. Motive heard fans loud and clear, and they’re busily working on the A/SF-01 B-wing starfighter — the goofiest ship to ever leave a Mon Calimari dockyard. It might actually be a great addition to the game, as the gyrostabilized cockpit could make the game easier to play for those with motion sickness. They’ll also be adding the TIE defender, a lithe little attack ship with three paired sets of turbolaser batteries and powerful shields.

Image: Motive Studios, Lucasfilm/Electronic Arts

“These functions and a couple unique components will help them differentiate themselves from the other starfighters in their classes and factions,” Motive said in the blog post, “but we’ve also made sure they aren’t outright better by default. There’s still going to be good reasons to pick a Y-wing over a B-wing or a TIE fighter over a TIE defender and vice versa. It’ll depend on your playstyle and what the situation calls for.”

Custom matches will also be making an appearance, and will be just the thing for community-run tournaments and the like. For more, check out the official blog post.