Key Highlights
- Step into the shoes of the emerging scoundrel Kay Vess in a thrilling new open-world Star Wars game.
- Explore a vast galaxy, from iconic Star Wars planets to the dangers of outer space combat.
- Your journey with Kay Vess involves navigating the treacherous underworld and its powerful crime syndicates.
- The gameplay in Star Wars Outlaws combines high-stakes heists, blaster combat, speeder bike chases, and tactical stealth.
- Build your reputation with the galaxy’s crime syndicates to unlock unique opportunities and gear.
- Enjoy a personal story focused on freedom, set between the events of the Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi.
Introduction
For years, fans have craved a Star Wars game that lets them live the life of a scoundrel, and Star Wars Outlaws finally delivers. You play as Kay Vess, an up-and-coming thief whose desire for freedom pulls her into the high-stakes world of the Outer Rim’s criminal underworld. This is your chance to carve out a name for yourself, take on risky jobs, and embark on new adventures in a galaxy far, far away. Are you ready to become the galaxy’s most wanted?
Core Gameplay Mechanics and Features
The core gameplay of Star Wars Outlaws centers on its expansive open world, where you’ll steal valuable goods, use an array of gadgets, and outrun enemies on your speeder bike. Your trusty blaster is always at your side, but sometimes stealth is the smarter option to avoid a bounty on your head. This Star Wars adventure, which had a release date in August, offers a refreshing take on the universe, much like other Ubisoft titles such as Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora and the upcoming Assassin’s Creed Shadows.
Success demands more than just quick reflexes; it’s about seizing the right moments to gain the upper hand. Each of the Star Wars planets presents unique challenges, from fortified Imperial bases to bustling city streets. You can explore secret locations to find upgrades for your gear and ship, the Trailblazer. This video game brings the outlaw fantasy to new life on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X (with NVIDIA GeForce RTX support on PC), offering a deep experience for those who purchase the game or the season pass.
Exploration of the Open World in Star Wars Outlaws
What makes Star Wars Outlaws so immersive isn’t just seeing the Star Wars universe—it’s feeling like you’re truly living in it. Unlike games that guide you through a linear story, Outlaws gives you the freedom to explore large, open environments at your own pace. The seamless transition from soaring across a planet’s surface to launching your Trailblazer into the stars is consistently thrilling, making the galaxy feel connected and vast.
The game features several distinct locations, each with its own unique atmosphere and opportunities. You’ll find yourself getting lost in the best way possible as you discover everything these worlds have to offer. Some of the key Star Wars planets and moons you can visit include:
- Toshara: A windy, savanna-like moon created for the game, perfect for exploring on your speeder.
- Tatooine: The iconic desert world, more expansive and detailed than ever before.
- Akiva: A dense jungle world with a rich history, brought to life from the novels.
- Kijimi: A snowy, mountainous planet with a notorious criminal underworld.
These planets are more than just beautiful backdrops; they are filled with bustling cities, hidden outposts, and secret locations waiting to be uncovered. The level of detail brings a cinematic quality to your exploration, almost like you’re flipping through a gorgeous digital art book of the galaxy.
|
Planet/Moon |
Description |
Key Features |
|---|---|---|
|
Toshara |
A new, windswept moon with sprawling plains and rocky canyons. |
Home to the city of Mirogana and a hub for various syndicate activities. Great for speeder exploration. |
|
Tatooine |
The classic desert planet, featuring familiar locations like Mos Eisley. |
Dense cities, sprawling deserts, and opportunities to interact with the Hutt Cartel. |
|
Akiva |
A lush, jungle world with ancient ruins and a strong sense of history. |
Thick foliage provides cover for stealth, and its wild areas are filled with secrets. |
|
Kijimi |
A cold, mountainous planet known for its lawlessness and spice runners. |
Features a beautiful but dangerous nebula in its orbit and is a key location for the main story. |
Combat, Stealth, and Action Elements
When talk turns to action, your blaster is your most reliable tool. The third-person shooting is solid, letting you take cover and pick off enemies. However, you’re a scoundrel, not a soldier. Using gadgets to distract or disable foes often gives you the upper hand. You can even pick up enemy weapons in a pinch, but Kay’s customizable pistol is dependable for getting out of tight spots.
Alternatively, you can embrace the shadows with the game’s robust stealth system. Many missions offer routes that reward a quiet approach. Your companion, Nix, is invaluable here, capable of distracting guards, activating switches, and even swiping valuable goods. While some found the stealth challenging at launch, taking your time to learn enemy patterns makes you feel like a true master thief, turning each enemy base into a puzzle.
The action extends beyond foot combat. Hopping on your speeder for a high-speed chase or engaging in thrilling space combat breaks up the gameplay wonderfully. Dogfights are smooth and cinematic, making you feel like an ace pilot, while zipping across planetary surfaces on your speeder is a pure Star Wars joy.
- Blaster Combat: Engage in cover-based shootouts with customizable weapon modes.
- Stealth Gameplay: Use Nix and your surroundings to sneak past enemies undetected.
- Space Combat: Pilot the Trailblazer in exciting dogfights against pirates and Imperial ships.
- Speeder Chases: Evade pursuit or hunt down targets in fast-paced on-planet action sequences.
Storytelling and Narrative Depth
Star Wars Outlaws places you in the boots of scoundrel Kay Vess, who’s looking for a new life after a heist goes wrong, putting her in the crosshairs of a dangerous syndicate. Set in the fascinating period between The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi**, the story offers a fresh perspective on a galaxy in turmoil. You’re not a hero of the Rebellion; you’re just trying to survive and secure your freedom.
The narrative shines by keeping its focus intimate and personal. While iconic figures like Darth Vader and the larger conflict between the Jedi and Sith cast a shadow over the galaxy, this is Kay’s story. Her relationships, especially with her companion Nix and the droid ND-5, form the emotional core of the adventure. It’s a tale about an outlaw carving her own path, making the stakes feel personal and compelling for you as the player.
Kay Vess’s Journey Through the Outer Rim
As the protagonist, Kay Vess is far more than just a player avatar. She’s a well-defined character with a complex past, abandoned by her mother and forced to learn how to survive on her own. You’ll watch her grow from a small-time thief into a confident scoundrel capable of dealing with the galaxy’s most dangerous players. This journey of growth makes her relatable and engaging, as you learn the ropes of the underworld right alongside her.
Kay’s primary motivation is simple: freedom. She isn’t interested in fighting the Empire or joining a grand cause. All she wants is to find the right opportunities to build a new life for herself and Nix, free from the debts and dangers of her past. This personal drive makes her journey through the Outer Rim feel grounded and authentic, as she weighs the right moments to take a risk or play it safe.
This focus on learning and survival makes Star Wars Outlaws perfectly suitable for both new and veteran players. If you’re new to the universe, you’ll appreciate learning about the underworld alongside Kay. For veteran fans, the game is a treasure trove of lore, set during the pivotal time after the events of the Empire Strikes Back, offering new adventures and a fresh perspective on the galaxy’s crime syndicates.
Supporting Characters and Faction Dynamics
You’re not alone on your journey. Star Wars Outlaws features a memorable cast of supporting Star Wars characters who help and hinder you along the way. Your most important ally is Nix, your adorable and incredibly useful companion. Beyond him, you’ll work closely with the stoic droid ND-5 and cross paths with the formidable bounty hunter Vail. Each character adds a unique dynamic to Kay’s story.
- Nix: Your loyal Merqaal companion, essential for stealth, combat, and puzzle-solving.
- ND-5: An experienced enforcer droid who becomes a key part of your crew.
- Vail: A rival bounty hunter whose allegiances and motivations are a compelling mystery.
- Jaylen Vrax: A smooth criminal who recruits Kay for a galaxy-spanning heist.
A major part of the gameplay involves interacting with various factions, including the Pyke Syndicate, the Hutt Cartel, and Crimson Dawn. By completing missions, you’ll build or damage your reputation with these groups. This dynamic system directly influences your experience across the different Star Wars planets, as a faction’s opinion of you can open or close doors.
So, how does the reputation system affect gameplay? It’s a core mechanic that adds consequences to your actions. A high reputation with one of the galaxy’s crime syndicates can give you an upper hand, granting you access to their headquarters, special merchants, and exclusive jobs. Conversely, a poor reputation will put a bounty on your head, causing that faction’s enforcers to attack you on sight and making certain missions much more challenging.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “Star Wars Outlaws” offers a captivating blend of engaging gameplay mechanics and a rich narrative that immerses players in the vast galaxy of the Star Wars universe. Whether you’re navigating the intricate dynamics of various factions or exploring the beautifully crafted open world, every element enhances the overall experience. The character arc of Kay Vess adds depth, resonating with both new and veteran players alike. As you embark on this thrilling adventure, remember that each decision impacts your journey and reputation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Star Wars Outlaws suitable for both new and veteran players?
Yes, Star Wars Outlaws is designed for everyone. The gameplay is easy for newcomers to pick up, as you learn alongside the protagonist. At the same time, veteran players will appreciate the deep lore, the timeline placement, and the new adventures that expand the Star Wars universe in exciting ways.
How does the reputation system affect gameplay?
The reputation system is crucial. Your actions determine your standing with the galaxy’s crime syndicates. Good reputation with factions gives you an upper hand with access to vendors and quests. A bad reputation can get a bounty put on you, making travel through their territory much more dangerous.
Are lightsabers or Jedi featured in Star Wars Outlaws?
No, this Star Wars game focuses on the criminal underworld, not the conflict between the Jedi and the Sith. As a scoundrel, your story is separate from Force users and their lightsabers. The Star Wars universe is vast, and this adventure explores a different, grittier side of it.