Star Wars: Battlefront

The single-player campaign of Star Wars: Battlefront is structured into two distinct eras: the Clone Wars and the Galactic Civil War, mirroring the narrative progression of the Star Wars film saga.

(32 BBY – 19 BBY)

• Battle of Naboo ( 32 BBY )

The Trade Federation has established a blockade around the peaceful world of Naboo. The Trade Federation's droid army, composed of B1-Series battle droids, advances across the Great Grass Plains with the objective of defeating the indigenous Gungan Grand Army, which stands in opposition on the surface. The Trade Federation forces arrive in Multi-Troop Transports, accompanied by Armored Assault Tanks (AATs). The Gungan Grand Army is prepared with numerous Gungan soldiers, some mounted on kaadu. Their fambaas bring in large, mobile deflector shield generators, which are activated to provide protection for the Gungan army. However, the Trade Federation's assault overwhelms the shields and destroys the generators, enabling the AATs to break through the Gungan lines.

• Rebellion on Theed (32 BBY)

The inhabitants and security forces of Theed, the capital city of Naboo, launch an attack on the Trade Federation's army of battle droids, supported by P-series droideka, aiming to aid Queen Amidala in reclaiming control of the planet. Despite their efforts, the Trade Federation eliminates all Royal Guards who attempt to defend the city.

• Aggressive Negotiations ( Separatist Crisis )

The Wookiee Trade Guild opposes the taxes levied by the Trade Federation, now a part of the Confederacy of Independent Systems (CIS). In response, the CIS dispatches Darth Sidious's new apprentice, Count Dooku, along with an army of battle droids, P-series droideka, and the advanced B2 super battle droids, to resolve the conflict. The CIS force directly targets the Trade Guild's headquarters on Kashyyyk. The CIS successfully defeats the Wookiee Trade Guild and its associated military.

• The Battle of Geonosis ( 22 BBY )

The Galactic Republic has recently acquired a clone army from the Kaminoans of Kamino. Led by Jedi Master Mace Windu, the clone army arrives at the Separatist stronghold on Geonosis to engage a Separatist force comprised of battle droids, super battle droids, W-series droideka, and Geonosians. Utilizing AT-TEs, the clone army destroys the Techno Union ships used by the CIS for evacuation, and the clone troopers eliminate the majority of Geonosian fighters and annihilate the droid army.

• Assault on Kamino (22 BBY)

The CIS has discovered the cloning facilities on Kamino and has dispatched a droid army, including battle droids, super battle droids, and W-series droideka, with the goal of destroying them. The defending Republic clone army successfully eliminates all attacking droids.

• Mountaintop Defenses (22 BBY)

The Republic uncovers a long-range sensor station on Rhen Var established by Count Dooku. They deploy a clone trooper force with AT-TEs and a limited number of TX-130 Saber-class fighter tanks to Rhen Var in order to seize the station. The clone army, along with a separate operation led by Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi, destroys all battle droids, super battle droids, W-series droideka, and AATs defending the facility.

• The Battle of Kashyyyk ( 19 BBY )

The CIS launches a major offensive against the Wookiee homeworld of Kashyyyk. A Republic clone army is dispatched to Kashyyyk to aid in the defense against the invading force of battle droids, super battle droids, droideka, OG-9 homing spider droids, and AATs. They successfully eliminate the entire Separatist army during the battle, ensuring the safety of the Wookiees.

(0 BBY – 4 ABY)

• Desert Extermination (0 BBY)

The Galactic Empire deploys a legion of stormtroopers with armored support to the Dune Sea on Tatooine to eradicate both Rebels and hostile indigenous populations. The stormtrooper legion proceeds to eliminate all Rebels and Tusken Raiders encountered within the Dune Sea.

• Siege of Mos Eisley (0 BBY)

The Empire's stormtroopers, under the command of Darth Vader, initiate a search of Mos Eisley on Tatooine in pursuit of the droids that possess the plans for the Death Star. With the droids having already escaped, the stormtroopers and Darth Vader eliminate all locals suspected of assisting their departure.

• Sabotage at Rhen Var (0 BBY)

The Rebellion discovers an Imperial listening post on Rhen Var and deploys a company of soldiers to capture it. The Rebels reinforce the captured outpost as the Empire prepares a counterattack. A stormtrooper force assaults the station and successfully defeats the Rebels, resulting in the outpost's destruction.

• Raid on Yavin 4 (0 BBY)

The Empire dispatches a stormtrooper legion to confirm the presence of a Rebel base on Yavin 4. They eliminate all Rebels within the Massassi Arena, confirming the location of the Rebel base.

• Fall of Yavin 4 (0 ABY)

Following the destruction of the Death Star, multiple escape pods crash on Yavin 4. The surviving stormtroopers launch an attack on the Rebel base but are ultimately defeated by the defending Rebels.

• The Battle of Hoth ( 3 ABY )

The Empire discovers the Rebel Base on Hoth and sends stormtroopers and All Terrain Armored Transports (AT-ATs) to destroy it, protected by a shield generator, before the Rebels can evacuate. With the assistance of Luke Skywalker, the Rebels destroy the AT-ATs and delay the stormtrooper assault long enough for the transports to escape.

• Liberation of Cloud City (Sometime 3-4 ABY)

The Rebellion sends a company of Rebels to attack the Imperial garrison on Bespin. The Rebels then eliminate the Imperial forces in Cloud City.

• Battle in the Clouds (Sometime 3-4 ABY)

Following the liberation of Cloud City, the Rebellion moves to eliminate all of the stormtroopers on the main mining platform on Bespin.

• The Battle of Endor (4 ABY)

The second Death Star is under construction above the forest moon of Endor. The Rebellion sends a legion of Rebels, allied with the native Ewoks, to destroy the shield bunker that protects the second Death Star with a shield. The Rebels succeed in their mission, enabling the destruction of the battlestation.

Galactic Conquest enables players to choose a faction and lead it to galactic domination. As a result, it is considered non-canon.

Star Wars: Battlefront II made its debut on November 1, 2005 across PS2, Xbox, PSP, and PC platforms. Both the original game and its sequel saw a re-release on March 14, 2024, under the title Star Wars Battlefront Classic Collection.

On May 10th, 2007, LucasArts unveiled Star Wars Battlefront: Renegade Squadron, a PSP-exclusive addition to the Star Wars: Battlefront franchise, which was released on October 9, 2007. Furthermore, Star Wars Battlefront: Elite Squadron, a game exclusive to mobile platforms, was introduced in 2009.

A reimagined version of Star Wars: Battlefront, developed by DICE Studios, was revealed at E3 2013 and launched on November 17th, 2015. This reboot also spawned a sequel in 2017.

Within Star Wars: Battlefront, players assume the role of a soldier, experiencing the action from either a first-person or third-person perspective. The game also provides access to a variety of vehicles, including both ground-based and airborne options.

The game showcases four primary factions, drawing from both the prequel and classic trilogies. These include the Galactic Republic and the Confederacy of Independent Systems (Separatists) from the prequel era, as well as the Rebel Alliance and Galactic Empire from the classic trilogy. However, factions are restricted to engaging only their historical adversaries; for example, Rebels cannot battle Separatists. Each faction offers five distinct character classes.

Four of these classes exhibit similarities across factions: a standard infantry soldier, a heavy weapons trooper equipped with a rocket launcher, a pilot, and a sniper. The fifth class is unique to each faction. The Imperials feature the dark trooper, equipped with a jump pack for short, high jumps, along with a blast cannon, pistol, and grenades. The Republic presents the jet trooper, utilizing a jetpack for extended, low jumps, an enhanced pistol, grenades, and an EMP launcher. The Separatists deploy the droideka, a formidable and swift unit with a personal shield, although it cannot operate vehicles. The Rebels utilize the Wookiee Smuggler, possessing increased health, time bombs, a bowcaster, and a grenade launcher. Players select their class during the spawn screen.

Jedi heroes make appearances in the game: the Rebel Alliance gains Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader wields his lightsaber for the Empire, Mace Windu supports the Republic, and Count Dooku aligns with the Separatists. Other Jedi characters are present but remain non-playable, serving only as allies under specific conditions. Heroes may occasionally join the player in campaign battles, in which case the opposing team will not have a hero. Heroes can be enabled in Instant Action mode, allowing both teams to have a Jedi hero. Once a team's reinforcement count falls below a certain threshold, the hero is automatically defeated.

The game also includes non-playable characters (NPCs): Tusken Raiders wander the Dune Sea of Tatooine, attacking both sides, Jawas patrol the streets of Mos Eisley, Ewoks inhabit the jungles of Endor, Gungans engage in combat on the Naboo Plain, Royal guards patrol Theed, Wookiees defend Kashyyyk, and Geonosians aid the Separatists on Geonosis. Additionally, droids are available to provide ammo or health refills. Players also have the option to control turrets.

Each match pits players against the opposing faction. Victory is achieved by reducing the enemy's reinforcement count to zero or by capturing all five Command Posts scattered across the map.

Multiplayer matches can be played online or offline across the available maps. Single-player skirmish missions are referred to as Instant Action.

Players can engage in battles independently with NPCs or participate in online multiplayer games via the Internet, LAN, or direct connection. Multiplayer supports up to 16 players on consoles or up to 40 on PC. PC servers can be dedicated or standard and may be password-protected.

Additionally, the Tatooine: Jabba's Palace map was included with the 1.2 update.

These vehicles replicate many capabilities seen in the films; a Republic Gunship can transport up to five individuals, and Rebel Snowspeeders can deploy a tow cable from their rear to disable AT-ATs. Furthermore, blaster turrets and emplaced guns are available on various maps, including unique turret designs on maps such as the Yavin temple and Hoth.

• Basic Infantryman: Clone trooper , Super Battle Droid , B1-Series battle droid (Campaign only), Rebel Soldier , Stormtrooper . These units are equipped with blasters and explosives.
• Sniper: Clone Sharpshooter , Assassin Droid , Rebel Marksman , Scout trooper . These units utilize sniper rifles and Recon Droids.
• Engineer: Clone Engineer , Droid Engineer , Rebel Smuggler , Imperial Engineer . These units carry specialized launchers and ammunition dispensers.
• Heavy: ARC Trooper , Assault Droid , Rebel vanguard , Shock trooper . These units are armed with rocket launchers and mines.
• Special: Jet Trooper , Droideka , Wookiee Smuggler , Dark Trooper . These units employ unique weaponry. Jet Troopers and Dark Troopers are equipped with jet packs, while destroyer droids can transform into a wheeled form for enhanced mobility.

In late 2004, LucasArts and Pandemic Studios introduced the Star Wars: Battlefront BFBuilder, an unsupported modding tool that allows players to design new battle environments for Star Wars: Battlefront. It was distributed with many of the source files utilized in the creation of Star Wars: Battlefront, including maps, factions, and sound configuration files; however, it lacked certain files necessary for specific modifications to the core game (e.g., menu configuration files or font files). Two demonstration maps were also provided. Sound effects and music used in the game's creation were not included due to copyright restrictions, although it is possible to import custom music and sound effects into the game.

Map editing within BFBuilder is facilitated by a program called ZeroEdit, which is used to shape landscapes, place objects, command posts, and vehicle spawn locations. Additional scripting is accomplished through LUA files for maps and ODF (Object Definition Files) files for objects.

User-generated levels and modifications undergo a process referred to as munging, which compiles assets and maps into formats readable by the game. These are then compiled into container files for in-game use. While BFBuilder differs slightly from the Battlefront II mod tools, assets can be imported between the two.

On the date of January 13, in the year 2004, the company LucasArts made the announcement that Star Wars: Battlefront would be a multiplayer-focused action title.

According to Greg Borrud, the Executive Producer, the game's development commenced in November of 2002 at Pandemic Studios. The core concept was to be "the ultimate fan's dream." Dean Betton and Matt Palmer, the Lead Artists, spearheaded the art team's efforts to craft a diverse collection of unique planets and characters originating from the expansive Star Wars universe.

The development team utilized SoftImage:XSI as their primary software. The character models were initially constructed as fixed, non-moving objects through a 3D modeling process referred to as "boning and skinning," which involves creating a digital "skeleton" at the start. Lead programmer John Northan mentioned that the single-player component's experience is governed by Artificial Intelligence, wherein each entity's AI is computed across multiple layers, from the controller AI to a strategic AI. He further elaborated that the various soldier divisions each possess distinct personalities. Sound Supervisor Nick Peck detailed that the sound creation process involved identifying sound requirements, producing the sounds, and subsequently integrating them into the game using programming software. He and his team researched the original Star Wars sound effects, modified them, and then incorporated them into the game. Given that Battlefront is an action-oriented game, Peck's team ventured to Skywalker Ranch and dedicated two days to generating 1200 new foley (sound) effects, a process that was highly intricate.

A playable demo for the Xbox platform is included within the Star Wars Trilogy DVD collection, which was released on September 21, 2004. The gameplay within this demo is restricted to the Battle of Endor level and exhibits slight variations from the final game. A PS2 demo was also distributed with Sony's PlayStation magazine, also featuring solely the Battle of Endor. A notable bug within this demo was that the Rebel Wookiee Smuggler class communicated orders in Basic instead of their characteristic growls.

During the game's development phase, some content was either entirely removed from the final product or underwent significant alterations.

• Flash Speeder (Present in the Clone Wars Campaign and Trailer)
• AT-PT (The design differs from the Imperial variant, featuring a sleeker control pod with an open cockpit)
• AT-XT
• Sentinel-class landing craft
• Multi-Troop Transport
• N-1 starfighter
• K-wing
• An earlier iteration of the Droid Assassin utilized the model of an IG-Series droid. This model was later made accessible through the Mod Tools for Star Wars: Battlefront.
• Initially, a sixth unit was planned for inclusion but was ultimately cut: a Clone Commander unit, employing the ARC Trooper model with red markings. This unit would have been equipped with a grenade launcher, a recon droid, and health/ammo packs. A later version of the Clone Commander unit wielded a blaster pistol in place of the recon droid. A Tactical Droid, armed with a Sonic Blaster, a Blaster Pistol, and a 'Droid Enhancer' that enhanced health, damage, or speed based on the selected mode. The Tactical Droid utilized the standard B-1 Battle Droid model. A Rebel Spy, equipped with a Seeker Rifle, Remote Detonators, and a Disguise Kit capable of cycling through enemy appearances. The model employed for the Rebel Spy was that of a Bothan. An Imperial Officer, armed with a Blaster Pistol and a powerup dispenser for health and ammo.
• The Geonosis map initially featured a different layout.
• Jedi heroes were originally intended to possess Force powers and enhanced jumping abilities.
• Generic Jedi units were planned to support the Republic on Geonosis. Notably, one of the Jedi skins resembled Darth Maul.
• A cinematic sequence was intended to play at the conclusion of each battle.

Potential reasons for these cuts include concerns regarding balance and/or memory constraints. It is also probable that LucasArts wished to avoid revealing Episode III content prematurely (as exemplified by the Kashyyyk: Docks map (Kachirho), which was unidentifiable at the time).

The Clone Commander, Imperial Officer, and Bothan Spy were subsequently made playable in Star Wars: Battlefront II.

The trailer for Star Wars: Battlefront showcased the possibility for players to pilot Droid Starfighters and Jedi Starfighters on Kamino. This feature was likely removed due to gameplay similarities with Bespin: Platforms.

Leland Chee, the Keeper of the Holocron continuity database at Lucasfilm Ltd., has stated that while the technology, characters, and locations within the game are classified as C-canon, the overarching narrative is designated as S-canon. This implies that only elements of the story that have appeared in other C-canon sources are considered canon. Conversely, the storyline of the sequel is categorized as C-canon.

Numerous significant canonical inconsistencies exist within the Star Wars: Battlefront series. However, many of these discrepancies are simply attributable to game mechanics.

• Assault droids (the CIS's heavy-weapons unit) are depicted with blue markings on their bodies, while pilot droids lack any markings. This discrepancy was rectified in Star Wars: Battlefront II.
• In the Clone Wars campaign, ARC troopers (the Republic's heavy-weapons unit) are playable on Geonosis, and Jet Troopers are the new units (instead of ARC troopers) in The Battle of Kamino. [1] Earlier sources indicated that ARC troopers did not participate in the Battle of Geonosis. [18] Furthermore, in the Star Wars: Battlefront II rendition of the Battle of Geonosis, both Jet Troopers and ARC Troopers are playable.
• The first Rhen Var mission of the campaign occurs after the Battle of Kamino, and the mission briefing states that they are establishing a base, rather than defending or retaking one, and does not suggest any prior battle.
• Within the game, Imperial dark troopers are portrayed as soldiers in power armor, rather than droids, and they issue orders and vocalize when struck, similar to stormtroopers. Additionally, dark troopers are observed in a battle preceding their development. These inconsistencies were later retconned by The Force Unleashed Campaign Guide, which reclassified them as Phase Zero dark troopers, a hybrid of clone troopers and cyborgs.
• In the second campaign mission, the Trade Federation emerges victorious instead of the Royal Guards. [19]
• Within the Galactic Civil War campaign, Darth Vader is present during the siege of Mos Eisley, [1] whereas in the film, he was aboard the Death Star during that event. [20] Star Wars novels specify that Vader would never revisit Tatooine due to emotional reasons. [21]
• During the Battle of Hoth in campaign mode, the Rebels achieve victory [1] instead of the Empire. [22]
• Wookiees and Imperial Darktroopers engage in combat on Endor [1] despite the Darktrooper project having been terminated three years prior. [23]

The following troops have their stormtrooper or Rebel skin changed on specific maps:

Galactic Empire:

• Scout trooper-Hoth, Rhen Var - Snowtrooper
• Stormtrooper-Hoth, Rhen Var - Snowtrooper
• Shock trooper-Hoth, Rhen Var - Snowtrooper
• Imperial Pilot-Hoth, Rhen Var - AT-AT Pilot
• Imperial Pilot-Naboo, Endor, Tatooine, Yavin - AT-ST Pilot
• Imperial Pilot-Tatooine, Bespin, Kashyyyk - TIE Fighter Pilot

Rebel Alliance:

• Rebel Soldier - Hoth, Rhen Var - Hoth uniform
• Rebel Soldier - Endor, Yavin IV, Naboo - Forest Uniform
• Rebel Soldier - Bespin - Gray Uniform
• Rebel Vanguard - Hoth, Rhen Var - Hoth uniform
• Rebel Marksmen - Hoth, Rhen Var - Hoth uniform
• Rebel Pilot - Hoth, Rhen Var - Hoth uniform
• Wookiee - Hoth, Rhen Var - Snow covered fur