relatively new player here and ive seen some stuff about how some player squadrons have in-game factions that can control systems and be a part of the BGS. however, all the information i can find on this several years old. i know some squadrons actively have in-game factions, but are new squadrons still able to submit a request or something to get a dedicated in-game faction? i dont have an active squadron, mainly just curious about this. hope this is the correct place to inquire, thanks
Squadrons are in-game player groups. That's all.
Factions represent the NPCs in the game. That's also it.
You used to be able to request a faction be added to the game[1], which required you to be part of a squadron to request... but that's as far as the interaction between the two goes.
A squadron can swear allegience to a faction... all that does is let you see the status of that faction's systems more easily via the squadron UI. Explicitly, it confers no ownership or control of the faction or the assets they own via the BGS.
You can create your own squadron or join an existing one, no problems.
Factions, you can freely support whatever faction you like just by doing missions or other activities for them, regardless of what squadron (if any) you are part of. But FD no longer allow them to be added to the game.
[1] FD saw this as allowing players to "Add flavour" to the galaxy.
gotcha, thank you for the clarity! i understand the functions of squadrons and factions, just didnt know whether or not theyve continued adding player-suggested factions. much appreciated!