Star Wars Battlefront 3: Why It Won't Fit Andor's Timeline

A Star Wars Battlefront 3 game, while highly anticipated, faces a significant challenge: fitting within the established timeline of the acclaimed series, Andor. While fans eagerly anticipate a new installment in the Battlefront series, the unique narrative and timeline placement of Andor presents obstacles for its adaptation into the bombastic, large-scale warfare that defines the Battlefront experience.

Andor's strength lies in its gripping spy thriller elements, which contrast sharply with the large-scale battles that are the hallmark of the Battlefront series. The question is, can these two distinct styles coexist in a potential Star Wars Battlefront 3 game?

The previous Battlefront games, developed by Pandemic Studios and DICE, have largely covered the Skywalker Saga. A Star Wars Battlefront 3 would likely need to explore new territory, but is the Andor timeline the right place to do it?

The Andor Timeline: Limited Scope for Galactic Warfare

Andor takes place between 5 BBY (Before the Battle of Yavin) and 1 BBY, leading directly into the events of Rogue One and A New Hope. During this period, open warfare was limited, with the Rebel Alliance still developing its fighting force. Most conflicts involved smaller resistance cells and sabotage missions.

While a Star Wars Battlefront 3 could theoretically adapt some of these smaller skirmishes, it would require significant liberties with established canon and the game's traditional scope. Would players embrace a Battlefront game focused on smaller, stealth-based missions rather than large-scale battles?

The Battlefront series has always focused on the largest galactic conflicts, such as the Clone Wars and the Galactic Civil War. These eras provide ample opportunities for large-scale battles across numerous star systems. Can Andor's more limited scope deliver the same sense of grandeur and scale?

Galactic Conquest Mode Limitations

The classic Galactic Conquest mode, a staple of the Battlefront series, allows players to mobilize en masse to the front lines of conflicts spanning many star systems. The time period of Andor, from 5 to 1 BBY, simply does not have enough open warfare to support a mode like Galactic Conquest.

The First Order-Resistance War: A More Likely Setting

Despite the mixed reception of Episodes 7, 8, and 9, the First Order-Resistance War is the most likely setting for a potential Star Wars Battlefront 3. This era would allow for large-scale battles and familiar characters, aligning with the series' established formula.

DICE's Battlefront 2 included content from the First Order-Resistance War, but the main story still focused on the Galactic Civil War. A Star Wars Battlefront 3 could fully explore this era, offering new weapons, vehicles, and maps.

Disney's Preference: The Sequel Trilogy Era

Disney's Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge theme park heavily features the sequel trilogy, the Resistance, and the First Order, indicating that this era is seen as the future of the franchise. A Battlefront game set during this time would align with Disney's vision and provide opportunities for tie-in content with upcoming Star Wars films.

While other eras, such as the High Republic or Old Republic, might offer more interesting settings, they are less likely to be chosen for a Star Wars Battlefront 3 due to Disney's on the sequel trilogy.

EA's Interest and the Future of Battlefront

Despite renewed interest in Battlefront 2, EA's interest in developing a Star Wars Battlefront 3 remains uncertain. Licensing costs are likely still high, and EA has recently canceled other Star Wars projects.

EA's seems to be on sure-fire hits and smaller Star Wars projects, such as Respawn's Jedi series and Bit Reactor's Zero Company. DICE, the presumed developer of Battlefront 3, is currently focused on the next Battlefield game.

In conclusion, while the idea of a Star Wars Battlefront 3 is appealing, its potential setting is a complex issue. The Andor timeline's limitations and EA's uncertain interest suggest that the game, if it ever surfaces, may not live up to the expectations of fans hoping for a truly innovative and immersive Star Wars experience.