A game about fighter pilots from each side of the war, Star Wars: Squadrons takes place after the formation of the New Republic, following the adventures of the New Republics Vanguard Squadron, along with the Empire’s Titan squadron.
A fascinating story focused not on the conflict between Jedi and Sith but rather their respective starfighters, there are many callbacks to Star Wars’ extensive canon. With a slew of Easter Eggs, Cameos, and Surprises. As such, here is a list of some references and Easter Eggs featured in the game.
10 Wedge Antilles
Wedge was one of Luke Skywalker’s original wingmen and one of the few surviving original members of the infamous Red squadron. Which was the group that made the original attack run that destroyed the Death Star in ‘A New Hope’. He was also a well-respected member of Rogue Squadron and is heavily featured in the expansive Star Wars universe.
During the game, Wedge tasks the Vanguard to seize control of the Imperial Star Destroyer, Victorum. He mentions he’d normally consider Rogue Squadron for a mission this dire. He also reveals he once flew for the empire at Starstrike Academy, before defecting.
9 Alphabet Squadron
Introduced in the 2019 Star Wars novel Alphabet Squadron written by Alexander Freed, this squad is one of the best of the best squadrons of the New Republic. Their diverse mix of ships allows them to handle almost every mission.
Their name was established because the group was an amalgam of all the previous ships seen throughout the series: the X-Wing, Y-Wing, B-Wing, U-Wing, A-Wing. Led by New Republic general Hera Syndulla, the squadron was tasked with finding and stopping the rogue imperial, Shadow Wing squadron.
8 The Pilot Names
Over the years, there have been many Star Wars Space Combat dogfighting games, as the franchise has provided some of the best flight simulators in gaming history. This is why there have been various leading pilots in its over 20-year history. Some of whom, are in this game.
When choosing the Imperial or Rebel pilot, there are immediately some memorable names. Keyan Farlander is from the original X-Wing, Ace Azzameen is from X-Wing Alliances, and Maarek Steel is the protagonist of the original Tie Fighter Game.
7 Pazaak
A game similar to blackjack that’s showcased almost everywhere throughout Star Wars history, the goal of this one is to reach 20 points without going over, all while utilizing a side deck to change the odds.
The card game was first shown in Obsidian’s original Knights of the Old Republic II. In the loading dock, even Frisk asks you to play.
6 Hera Syndulla
Hera Syndulla is a major character featured in Star Wars Rebels, Hera Syndulla is a Twi’lek revolutionary who became a prominent figure within the Rebel Alliance. She’s briefly mentioned in Rogue One and her ship is seen in The Rise of Skywalker. One of the best pilots in the galaxy, she’s become a full-on General as seen in Star Wars: Squadrons.
Syndulla and her ragtag crew, known as the Spectres, led an insurgency on Lothal, which in turn, gained the attention of Senator Bail Organa. Leading to the establishment of the Phoenix Cell, one of the largest sects of the rebellion that often conflicted with the Empire’s Grand Admiral Thrawn.
5 Rogue Squadron
One of the most famous Star Wars squadrons introduced in the battle of Hoth, Rogue Squadron is mentioned in the game’s second mission. It was founded by Luke Skywalker along with Wedge Antilles; both of whom had gained renown fame for their efforts at the Battle of Yavin.
Rogue Squadron not only has its own acclaimed game for the N64, but it was also given an origin to its name in Star Wars: Rogue One. The story about Jyn Erso and her crew, and how they led a secret mission to obtain tactical readout plans needed to destroy the Death Star.
4 Rae Sloane
Commodore Rae Sloane, was a very prominent figure for the First Order, and its technical first leader during the New Republic, having rallied the remains of the empire immediately after the battle of Endor. Introduced in the comic, ‘A New Dawn’.
Sloane is known for her composure, ruthlessness, and cunning; becoming one of the youngest captains of her own star destroyer at the age of 30. Eventually promoted to Grand Admiral, early in the story, Rae Sloane tasks LindonJaves to hunt for any remaining Aldeeran Refugees.
3 Project Starhawk
Making the ship’s first onscreen appearance, The Starhawk is a big component of Star Wars Legends, as the Starhawk-class battleships were produced in the Nadiri dockyards, with the Mark I even participating in the Battle of Jakku.
The ship has been mentioned in Battlefront II, the Star Wars: Aftermath trilogy of books, and even the novelization of The Last Jedi. And rightfully so, as the ship also has many of the destructive qualities of a Star Destroyer, given that its prototype is actually a bunch of recycled ones.
2 Mon Cala
During the 9th mission, aptly titled, ‘Chaos At Mom Cala’ Titan squadron attacks the Mon Calamari homeworld. Who are the squid-like alien people in Star Wars and the species everyone’s favorite trap-sayer, Admiral Ackbar.
In order to plan an all-out attack against the New Republic’s greatest weapon, the Starhawk, several Imperial attacks are conducted simultaneously across the galaxy. All in order to lure the New Republic fleet away from the Nadiri Dockyards.
1 Gunny And The Battle Of Mimban
The leader of the Vanguard Squadron, Kierah Kooven “Gunny” was the leader of the Vanguard and a Mimbanese female. She had fought with the 224th during the Clone Wars. As seen in the Clone Wars TV series in the episodes ‘Rookies’.
Gunny’s cybernetic arm is similar to that of Anakin Skywalker’s, given that they were created about the same time. She had lost it during the battle, having to severe it to free herself from a piece of wreckage.
