Star Wars: Hunters Server Shutdown—Last Chance to Play the Zynga Hero Shooter on Nintendo Switch

Star Wars: Hunters, Zynga’s ambitious entry into the hero shooter genre, will be shutting its servers on October 1, 2024, marking the end of its availability on Nintendo Switch, iOS, and Android platforms.

The game, which launched in June 2023 after a period of soft launches and anticipation, offered fast-paced multiplayer action set in the iconic Star Wars universe.

Its closure follows Zynga’s official announcement earlier in March 2024, where the developer addressed the community via a blog post, explaining that discontinuing service was “not a decision made lightly” and acknowledging the disappointment this would cause for fans. Developed by Zynga and Lucasfilm Games, Star Wars: Hunters was designed as a free-to-play multiplayer hero shooter, inviting players to battle in 4v4 arena combat as unique characters—known as Hunters—drawn from the larger Star Wars mythos.

With its accessible gameplay structure and vibrant design, Hunters found a player base among Star Wars enthusiasts and hero shooter fans alike, although it faced criticism at launch due to its aggressive microtransaction systems. Throughout its lifecycle, Star Wars: Hunters received a steady flow of updates, with its final content patch rolled out in April 2024.

This last update introduced a new Support Hunter character, which Zynga provided to all players at no additional cost—an appreciated gesture given the game’s monetization model.

While Hunters never sought to reinvent the hero shooter formula, reviewers noted it succeeded at providing fast-paced, chaotic fun and satisfying action, especially for Star Wars fans seeking a fresh multiplayer experience on the Nintendo Switch or mobile devices. The game’s shutdown signals the end of a chapter for Zynga’s live service strategy and serves as a reminder of the fleeting nature of always-online titles.

Nintendo Switch and mobile gamers have until October 1 to log in, enjoy a few more matches, and experience the arena battles before the servers go offline for good.

Star Wars: Hunters stands as a testament to both the potential and challenges of licensed, multiplayer-focused free-to-play games in today’s market. For those looking to relive their Hunters memories or jump in one last time, now is the final opportunity ahead of the server shutdown.

Once October 1 arrives, Star Wars: Hunters will no longer be accessible on Nintendo eShop or mobile storefronts, closing out its 16-month journey in the Star Wars gaming legacy.

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