Quick answer
Star Wars Zero Company uses Specializations as its class system. EA's official guide confirms eight standard Specializations: Assault, Gunslinger, Heavy, Medic, Scoundrel, Scout, Sharpshooter, and Soldier. Specialization defines an Operator's combat role, while Weapon Class is a separate loadout choice that affects attack behavior and Action Point use.
How Specializations work
Specializations group abilities into role kits rather than simple stat labels. EA describes each standard Specialization through an Ultimate ability, a Standard ability, and Passive traits. Hawks and Custom Operators can choose a Primary Specialization, while Authored Operators arrive with their own story-defined setup and may have different change limits.
Assault
Assault is the mobile frontline class. EA positions it for direct fire, repositioning, and pressure through abilities such as Sweeping Salvo, Bull Rush, Fleet of Foot, and Strike the Flanks. Pick Assault if you like moving into better angles, breaking enemy cover, and playing Hawks as an active point character rather than a backline specialist.
Gunslinger
Gunslinger is built around fast blaster offense and chaining attacks. EA lists Open Fire, Quick Draw, Keen Eye, and Onslaught, which points to a playstyle that rewards finishing enemies and spreading shots across several targets. It suits aggressive players who want damage tempo, but it still depends on accuracy, cover, and squad setup.
Heavy
Heavy is the durable frontline option. EA describes Heavy as a class that can absorb attacks and protect the squad, with tools such as Bulwark, Unstoppable, Conditioning, Heavy Armor Training, and Intimidating Posture. Use Heavy when a squad needs a sturdy anchor, not when every mission calls for maximum mobility.
Medic
Medic is the confirmed support and recovery class. EA lists Morale Boost, Combat Stim, Lifesaving Measures, and First Responder, which makes Medic the safest answer when the squad needs healing, emergency recovery, and team support. Medic should not be framed as low value just because it is not the flashiest damage class; injury management matters when Permadeath is on.
Scoundrel
Scoundrel is the opportunist class. EA's listed kit includes Easy Mark, Identify Weakness, Never Play Fair, and Scoundrel's Instinct, pointing to assists, vulnerable targets, and flexible utility. Scoundrel fits players who like exploiting openings and making other squad members better rather than following a simple tank-healer-damage formula.
Scout
Scout is the reconnaissance and setup class. EA lists Ambush, Combat Recon, Tactical Timing, and The Spotter, with official wording around spotting and support. Scout is best understood as a visibility, positioning, and Advantage enabler until live mission data proves exact best builds.
Sharpshooter
Sharpshooter is the long-range precision class. EA lists Precision Shot, Zero In, Pick Them Off, and Sharpshooter Training, making it the obvious pick for players who want accurate ranged pressure and overwatch control. The official Q&A says sniper-heavy squads can work, but visibility, fewer targets in range, and lower total kills may limit all-sniper play.
Soldier
Soldier is the generalist combat class. EA lists Rocket Strike, Brutal Strike, Strength, and Armsmaster, combining close-to-mid-range offense, explosive pressure, melee pressure, and durability. EA specifically recommends Soldier with Blaster Rifle for a versatile beginner setup, so it is the safest first class to explain before deeper squad theory exists.
Weapon Classes are separate
Do not merge class and weapon keywords into one answer. EA lists four starting Weapon Class choices for Hawks: Blaster Rifle, Repeater, Blaster Pistol, and Longarm Blaster. Blaster Rifle is the balanced recommendation, Repeater is higher-commitment damage, Blaster Pistol supports low-cost mobile shots, and Longarm Blaster supports long-range accuracy. Use the weapons page for future weapon lists rather than creating thin weapon-class duplicates.
Hawks, Custom Operators, and Authored Operators
Hawks can choose Specialization and Weapon Class during character creation. Custom Operators can be recruited and adjusted through Den facilities, including most Specialization changes. Authored Operators join through the story and can have unique constraints, so do not assume every story character can be rebuilt like a Custom Operator.
Jedi, exotic, and secret class searches
Official public sources do not confirm a general secret class or exotic class system. The official Q&A says Tel-Rea is the only Jedi Padawan class Operator and is not recruitable as a Custom Operator, while Cly is the only Mandalorian-class armor wearer. Those are character/archetype facts, not evidence for separate Jedi or Mandalorian class pages.
When to use the best-class guide
Use this page for the full class roster and confirmed mechanics. Use the best-class guide for the separate decision question: which Specialization should a player pick for Hawks or a squad role? Keeping those intents separate avoids turning this canonical classes page into a speculative ranking page.