Star Wars: Squadrons is the latest Star Wars themed gaming hit. Just like any other game from the franchise, this one is jam-packed with references and Easter eggs that only true fans notice. While everyone else is focused on figuring out how to become the best ace pilot in Squadrons, Lore junkies have instead been looking for all the big shout-outs to the larger Star Wars universe.
These are blink-and-miss references and Easter eggs even the most die-hard Star Wars fans may have missed during their playthrough of Squadrons.
10 Admiral Rae Sloane
Knowledgeable fans, especially those of the various books and comics, immediately recognized Admiral Rae Sloane. Sloane moved up in the Empire through sheer commitment and dedication, being a loyal soldier even after the terrible loss at Endor. She would stay loyal to the Empire throughout, eventually becoming a Grand Admiral and distinguished figure in the First Order.
9 Yrica Quell
Yrica Quell has one of the most interesting character stories in Star Wars lore. She initially joined the Empire to learn their tactics, become a better fighter pilot, and eventually defect to the Rebellion. Things did not fully go as planned as Yrica began to develop connections and bonds with her fellow imperial pilots.
She did stay much longer than intended, as a result assisting the Empire in many key battles. However, the moral compass, or lack thereof, of the Empire's would drive Yrica to finally defect. While she is not the only Star Wars character to switch sides, her story is much more complex. Finally her character becomes all the more interesting when taking into account that she is considered to be one of the best pilots in the galaxy.
8 Skystrike Academy
Imperial soldiers will in passing mention their time and training at Skystrike academy. The academy is considered the Empires most prestigious flight academy for the brightest pilots with the most potential.
In Squadrons, Skystrike is only mentioned in passing. However fans that have watched the animated series, Star Wars: Rebels, know this institution all too well.
7 Pazaak
Fans of Knights of the Old Republic will be delighted when they discover this reference. In Squadrons pilots spend their spare time playing the card game Pazaak to pass the time. The goal of Pazaak is to get to as close to the number 20 as possible, it is virtually a carbon-copy/space version of blackjack. In Squadrons, Pazaak is only referenced; however players looking to actually play the game can do so in Knights of the Old Republic.
6 Dragon Void Run
For fans of the comic books, specifically the Han Solo series, they will recognize the pilots' references to the Dragon Void Run. The Run is an interplanetary long distance race that tests a pilots meddle, endurance, speed, and navigation skills. It is considered to be the oldest space race of it's kind.
5 Dejarik
The legendary Hologram based space-chess game from the original Star Wars movie makes an appearance in Squadrons. Everyone loves a good board game to pass the time, including Chewbacca and C-3PO. Dejarik was introduced in the first Star Wars movie as a game played between the two on the Millennium Falcon to pass time. The scene is well known as it was a demonstration of cutting-edge special effects tech at the time. Today, Dejarik still manages to be a common and enduring reference in the Star Wars galaxy.
4 Darth Vader
It seems that Darth Vader making small cameos has become a bit of a tradition in the latest Star Wars installments. The same holds true for Squadrons.Â
Darth Vader makes a very brief cameo in the opening sequence of Squadrons, quite stereotypically ordering the death of Rebel fighter ships. In addition to this quick in person appearance, a Darth Vader figurine is available for Imperial pilot dashboards.
3 Luke Skywalker
It wouldn't be fair if Darth Vader received all the love with Luke not getting his fair bit of attention. Luckily there are a hefty amount of Skywalker references in Squadrons for eagle eyed fans. Wedge Antilles makes a reference to having that "Skywalker luck," Rebel pilots have a Luke dashboard figure option, and the most notable reference is Luke's Tatooine landspeeder being present in the game.
2 The Clone Wars
The fellow pilot, Gunny, can be heard making a reference to the Clone Wars, stating this is how she received a grievous bodily injury. The Clone Wars animated series was one of the most extensive and successful spin-offs in Star Wars history. The surprise hit managed to add a lot to the galaxy's lore, and fill in some serious blanks; it's no surprise Squadrons gives this legendary series a nod.
1 Alphabet Squadron
This reference may actually be pointing to the series' future direction. Gunny mentions Alphabet Squadron in the game, this squadron was based on different types of Rebel ships working together for special and diversified missions no other squadrons could do. This group comes from the popular book series, which has been gaining a lot popularity in the Star Wars fan community to the point where non-book adaptations have been rumored.