Addressing player concerns that loot crates could effectively lead to pay-to-win scenarios for Battlefront 2, DICE explained that, "as a balance goal", it's working to implement a system where the most powerful items can only be earned via in-game achievements. Additionally, it will be possible to earn crates - which include a mix of of Star Cards, Outfits, Emotes or Victory Poses - either by purchasing them with in-game credits or Crystals, or by completing challenges and other gameplay milestones.
Star Cards have been another thorny issue during the beta, given that these randomly dropped, dramatically game-changing skill cards have the potential to severely unbalance the game. However, DICE has assured players that they won't be doled out entirely randomly in the final release; rather, their acquisition will be based on individual level.
"You have to earn the right to be able to upgrade Star Cards and unlock most Weapons", it explained, "You can only upgrade or unlock them if you have reached a high enough rank, which is determined by playing the game." Any duplicate Star Card that you receive, incidentally, will provide crafting parts for upgrading the card of your choice.