This page is for Android players who like collecting characters and planning squads rather than playing by reflex. Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes is a free turn-based RPG from Electronic Arts, first released on November 8, 2015. Google Play lists it with over 50 million installs and a 4.1 rating from about 1.8 million ratings.
First steps after install: accept EA's terms and get online
The game requires you to accept EA's Privacy & Cookie Policy and User Agreement before you play. It also needs an internet connection at all times, so mobile data fees may apply if you are not on Wi-Fi. The current build is 0.41.2115745 and it runs on Android 7.1 or newer.
In-game chat is switched on by default. If you would rather not talk to other players, the Chat Setting option in the in-game settings menu turns it off. Support and account help are handled through help.ea.com.
Squads, Coliseum and Fleet Arena: what the game does well
The core loop is building a team of heroes such as Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader, Han Solo, Yoda, Ahsoka and The Mandalorian, then upgrading their gear and abilities. Combat is turn-based, with both PvE and PvP battles. Characters have signature moves, for example Obi-Wan Kenobi's Mind Tricks.
The Coliseum rotates opponents like the Dyax, Jotaz and Pirate AT-ST, and a leaderboard hands out rewards and materials for climbing the ranks. Ship play is separate: you command vessels like the Millennium Falcon in the Fleet Arena and assign heroes to pilot them.
Guilds add the social side. Members take on raid bosses such as rancors and AAT tanks, and fight in Territory Battles and Wars. Squad Arena and Galactic Challenges are other online modes. The game shows no ads, which is unusual for a free mobile title.
Who should pick something else
The game includes in-game purchases of virtual currency, and some of those items are random selections. Players who dislike loot-style spending may be happier elsewhere. Content is rated Everyone 10+ on Google Play.
If you want a title that works offline, this is the wrong fit. Alternatives in the catalog include Lords Mobile for kingdom building, Mob Control for quick casual play and Warline: Sniper Squad for a different take on squad action. PPSSPP and RetroArch suit people who want to run older console games.
Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes pros and cons
Pros
- Free to download and shows no ads
- Turn-based squad building with heroes like Darth Vader, Yoda and The Mandalorian
- Separate modes: Coliseum, Squad Arena, Galactic Challenges and Fleet Arena
- Guild raids and Territory Battles for group play
- Chat can be disabled in settings
Cons
- In-game purchases include random item selections
- Needs a constant internet connection
- Requires accepting EA's User Agreement and Privacy & Cookie Policy
- Needs Android 7.1 or newer
Is Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes safe?
The game comes from Electronic Arts and is distributed through Google Play. It requires acceptance of EA's User Agreement and Privacy & Cookie Policy, so read those at terms.ea.com and privacy.ea.com first. In-game chat lets players communicate, and you can turn it off in settings.
How to install Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes
- Press the Google Play button on this page.
- Check the listing in the Play Store and press Install.
- Open Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes when the install finishes. Updates arrive through Google Play.
