Direct answer
Authored Operators join as the story progresses. Custom Operators are recruited directly after the relevant Den facilities become available; the Droid Bay is the documented route for Astromech Custom Operators. Recruit to fill a squad role, because a larger roster also increases healing and equipment demands.
Do these in order
- 01
Advance Den progression until the relevant recruitment facility is active.
- 02
Decide which combat role your current squad is missing.
- 03
Recruit and customize a standard operator, or use the Droid Bay for an Astromech recruit.
- 04
Budget credits for healing and equipment before expanding the bench again.
Authored and custom recruitment
Steam's first-party description says Authored Operators join naturally during the campaign, while Custom Operators are recruited directly and can be customized. This means the story roster and the player-built roster grow through different routes.
Recruitment facilities
Den facilities unlock campaign functions over time. The Steam description specifically identifies the Droid Bay as the place to recruit Astromech Custom Operators; use the current facility UI for other recruit types and costs.
How many operators to keep
Public guides cite expanding roster limits, but exact counts can depend on progression and source scope. The safer planning rule is practical: keep enough specialists to cover injuries and mission demands without exhausting credits on unused recruits.
Recruit for coverage
Before adding another operator, compare class role, mobility, range, support, and equipment needs against the active squad. A new recruit is most valuable when it opens a mission plan you cannot currently execute.
Sources checked
Official and platform sources establish supported behavior. Independent reporting can carry attributed developer statements or hands-on findings. Community links establish symptoms and player language only.
Platform supportFirst-party description of authored recruitment, custom recruitment, Droid Bay use, and healing costs.
Official campaign and operator-customization overview.
