Gamescom has come and gone, and there was a ton of news from Star Wars™ Battlefront™ II – namely, the groundbreaking Starfighter Assault mode and its multi-stage battles. Here's what you might have missed.

Starfighter Controls Have Been Revamped

Developer Criterion, with over a decade of experience on racing games, joined with DICE to improve the feel of vehicles in Star Wars™ Battlefront II – and that includes the many starfighters featured in the game. The refined control scheme is responsive and intuitive, allowing players to quickly discover the extraordinary array of maneuvers available. Starfighters are able to weave through the orbital station’s superstructure in hot pursuit and turn on a dime to avoid torpedoes. 

Starfighter Classes Make a Big Difference

Not all starfighters are created equal. Whether you’re playing as part of the Rebel Alliance, the Separatists, or the First Order, you’ll always have three distinct classes of stafighters to choose from. Use speedy but fragile interceptors, maneuverable and heavily armed fighters, and slow but tough bombers in complimentary roles.

Hero Ships Put Iconic Vehicles in Your Hands

Using Battle Points earned in space combat, you’ll gain opportunities to pilot special hero ships in combat like Han Solo's Millennium Falcon, Darth Maul’s Scimitar, Poe Dameron’s Black T-70 X-wing, and more. These ships are tough, powerful, and use unique configurations of special abilities to gain an extra edge in dogfights.

Starfighters Are Customizable

Using Star Cards, you’ll be able to modify the abilities of any starfighter or hero ship. As you continue to earn more Star Cards, you’ll open up new ways to fine-tune your favorite vehicles.

Space Battles Feel More Like Star Wars

The two squadrons of opposing player-controlled fighters at the heart of the game’s Starfighter Assault are only one part of the story. When players went hands-on with the Fondor: Imperial Shipyard map, they encountered flights of AI-controlled bombers and TIE Fighters, powerful capital ships, stationary turret platforms, and a massive MC80 Liberty type Star Cruiser. The crisscrossing fire, the glow of the planet in the distance, the thundering scream of passing starfighters, and the ever-increasing stakes combined to create an experience that felt in place among Star Wars’ most iconic moments. Come November, you’ll be playing Starfighter Assaults from all three cinematic eras.

There’s much more to see of Star Wars Battlefront II, and if you pre-order, you can jump into the cockpit yourself on October 4 in the Beta* for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Origin for PC.

Keep your eyes on EA Star Wars™ on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for much more of what’s coming to Starfighter Assault and Star Wars Battlefront II.

*BETA OFFER EXPIRES 3 DAYS PRIOR TO BEGINNING OF EARLY ACCESS PERIOD. Other conditions and restrictions apply. See www.ea.com/en-au/games/starwars/battlefront/battlefront-2/disclaimers for details.