Selecting the right starting profession for Hawk in Star Wars Zero Company is a decision that shapes your early-game experience and dictates how you interact with your squad members. Because Hawk serves as the central figure and is a mandatory participant in all story-line missions, your choice of profession directly influences your tactical capabilities and your team's overall performance. Players currently exploring the game have shared various strategies regarding which path to take, and understanding these options is essential for a successful start.
Understanding the Role of Hawk in Your Squad
In Star Wars Zero Company, Hawk is more than just another unit; he is the anchor of your mercenary group. Since he is present for every story mission, his development and role within the squad carry significant weight. When you begin the game, you are joined by a scoundrel and a soldier as your initial party members. This baseline composition provides a flexible foundation, but the specific profession you assign to Hawk can either complement these existing archetypes or fill a critical gap in your team's utility.
Many players consider the narrative implications of their choice. Some opt for the soldier profession because it aligns with Hawk’s background, leaning into the role-playing elements of the game. Others prioritize tactical synergy, looking for ways to maximize damage output or enhance the longevity of their squad through healing and defensive buffs.
The Medic Profession: A Strategic Choice
One of the most discussed options for Hawk is the medic profession. Players who have chosen this path report high levels of satisfaction. The medic provides unique advantages, particularly through abilities that affect the entire squad. By selecting this role, Hawk gains access to additional health and defense, which is invaluable given his constant presence on the battlefield.
Beyond personal survivability, the medic’s ability to impact the whole team makes them a strong choice for those looking to build bonds faster with their squad members. In a game where your party composition is vital, having a character who can mitigate damage and sustain the team allows for more aggressive play in story missions. If you are concerned about keeping your units alive during challenging encounters, the medic is a highly effective choice that pays dividends as you progress through the campaign.
Tactical Considerations for Gunslingers
The gunslinger profession is another popular choice, though it comes with its own set of complexities. Players who opt for this class are often focused on maximizing damage output. However, there is some uncertainty within the community regarding how gunslinger damage stacks. Specifically, some players are unsure if damage bonuses persist after a round ends or if they reset, which impacts the viability of mixing this class with others, such as the scoundrel.
If you choose the gunslinger, be prepared to invest in training and weapon mods to bolster your passive damage. While the class is capable of dealing significant damage, it may feel less impactful during the very early stages of the game until you have had the opportunity to optimize your loadout and understand the underlying mechanics of how the damage stacks. Despite these concerns, some players suggest that you can later add gunslinger to other builds to further increase your overall damage potential.
Scoundrel and Assault Options
The scoundrel profession is a thematic favorite for those who enjoy the role-playing aspect of running a mercenary group that works for the Hutts. It offers a distinct playstyle that fits well within the Star Wars universe. Meanwhile, some players have expressed interest in the assault option, often considering a restart to test it out.
However, it is important to note that you do not need to restart your progress if you are unhappy with your initial choice. According to community reports, once you finish mission 2, you are granted the flexibility to change your class as much as you want. This mechanic alleviates the pressure of your initial decision, allowing you to experiment with different professions to see which one best suits your personal playstyle and the specific needs of your squad.
Balancing Difficulty and Team Composition
Your choice of profession is often influenced by the game's difficulty settings. Some players have experimented with high-difficulty modes, such as Beskar mode, only to find themselves struggling significantly in the early missions. If you find that your chosen profession is not performing well, it may be worth considering whether your difficulty setting is appropriate for your current level of experience or the specific class build you are using.
It is also worth noting that the game allows for a mix of different classes. For example, some players are investigating the potential of a gunslinger/scoundrel blaster pistol mix. The ability to pivot your class after the second mission is a crucial feature that enables this kind of experimentation. Instead of committing permanently to a single path, you can adapt your team composition based on the challenges you face in specific story missions.
Strategic Tips for New Players
If you are just starting your journey in Star Wars Zero Company, keep the following points in mind:
- Don't worry about being locked into your starting choice. You can change your class after completing mission 2.
- Consider the role of your existing squad members (the scoundrel and soldier) when deciding on your own profession.
- If you struggle with unit survivability, the medic is a reliable choice that provides team-wide benefits.
- For those interested in damage-heavy builds, be mindful of how your chosen class's damage mechanics work, especially regarding stacking and round resets.
- Role-playing is a valid reason to choose a class, such as picking the soldier to match Hawk's history.
By focusing on these elements, you can ensure that Hawk is well-equipped to lead your mercenary group through the various story missions. Whether you prioritize the tactical support of a medic or the raw damage of a gunslinger, the game provides enough flexibility to ensure your preferred playstyle is viable.
FAQ
Can I change my profession after I start the game?
Yes. According to player reports, you are not locked into your starting profession. You can change your class as frequently as you like once you have completed mission 2.
Does the medic profession benefit the entire squad?
Yes. Players who have chosen the medic profession report that there are abilities available to the class that can affect the entire squad, providing benefits such as increased health, defense, and improved hit capabilities.
Is there a specific class that is considered the "best" for Hawk?
The published sources do not confirm a single "best" class, as the choice depends on your preferred playstyle. Players have found success with various professions, including the medic for squad support, the gunslinger for damage, and the soldier for role-playing reasons. Because you can change your class after mission 2, you are encouraged to experiment with different options to find what works best for you.
For more information and community discussions, you can visit the official Steam discussion page: Starting Profession for Hawk :: STAR WARS Zero Company™ General Discussions.