Electronic Arts has emphasized that Star Wars: Squadrons is a "zero microtransaction" game, and that many cosmetic and customization items will only be available through gameplay unlocks. Today, details of the game's progression system have been updated to explain how it actually works.

Star Wars: Squadrons offers two types of timed rotating challenges, each with a different reward: daily challenges award glory points, which are used to unlock ships and player cosmetics. The longer and more complex Operational Challenges, on the other hand, offer unique cosmetics based on the squadron's ongoing operations.

"Operations are eight-week cycles that occur in Squadrons, and each operation has a unique set of cosmetic rewards that can only be earned by completing that challenge," explains EA." Certain challenges also offer unique rewards, so once they are gone, you cannot get the cosmetics unless the operation challenge is revived at some point." EA explained.

Operations are also the place to earn a ranking on the six-level competitive Fleet Battle Ladder: Maverick, Hotshot, Hero, Valiant, Legendary, and Galactic Ace. At the end of each operation, the Fleet Battle ranks are reset and players earn Glory for the maximum rank achieved.

In addition, players gain experience from every action in the game, thereby earning Requisition points to level up their characters and unlock components in the store. Level progression does not reset, but Requisition points are no longer unlocked after level 40. There is also an in-game bonus event that unlocks additional glory points, and an additional cosmetic bundle can be earned by completing the single-player campaign and fleet warfare tutorial.

"Almost all of the game experience is built in at launch, but will be updated over time," EA said." We've seen some questions about this, and if anything needs balancing or fixing, we're actively seeking your input to make this the best Starfighter experience possible!"

Star Wars: Squadrons will be released on October 2.