Star Wars games have significantly evolved over the decades with numerous iterations and explorations. While a variety of genres have found a home in this galaxy far, far away, there are fewer perspectives that have been thoroughly explored. We’ve seen agents from the Empire and Rebellion, Jedi and Sith, pilots and troopers, generals and heroes, as well as bounty hunters. However, the allure of a scoundrel’s life has seldom taken center stage—making a game like Outlaws, which intriguingly captures that particular angle of the Star Wars universe, a long-awaited addition.
Releasing this week from Ubisoft and Massive Entertainment, Star Wars: Outlaws centers on Kay Vess (Humberly González), a young woman aspiring to carve out her own niche in the galaxy as a smuggler and scoundrel. After being double-crossed during a theft from a rising criminal empire led by the enigmatic Zerek Besh and his associate Sliro (Caolan Byrne), Kay finds herself marked for death and thrust into another perilous heist targeting Sliro’s assets. She assembles a crew and aims to make a name for herself in the underworld, with hopes of landing a big score that could change her life.
There Aren’t Enough Scoundrels in Your Life
© Ubisoft
Kay’s perspective is one that Star Wars has often celebrated, yet games set in this universe rarely capture it as well as Outlaws does in its single-player campaign. The gameplay feels more like an episodic series rather than an extended iteration of a Star Wars film, presenting a collection of sci-fi crime narratives. There are themes of crew assembly, heists, betrayals, and roguish charm, all grounded in a poignant emotional journey as Kay seeks not only freedom but also a sense of belonging in the galaxy and among her companions.
Kay is characterized in a way reminiscent of a young Han Solo—she possesses the charm you’d expect from a protagonist in this kind of story. Unlike the legendary Han we see in the latter parts of the original trilogy or in the sequels, Kay’s more relatable to the version we meet in A New Hope. She’s somewhat chaotic, often unprepared for the situations she finds herself in, but her quick wit and silver tongue keep her afloat. She isn’t a grand hero, but her intentions are good, and Outlaws embraces this to weave a narrative that holds a respectful distance from the larger conflicts of Star Wars. Instead of getting ensnared in grand battles, it remains grounded with its eclectic ensemble of misfits and morally ambiguous factions.
While the game has a few familiar faces, such as Jabba, the Hutt Cartel leader, and Qi’ra from Solo, Outlaws primarily relishes the opportunity to introduce a fresh array of characters within this universe. There’s ND-5 (Jay Rincon), the charming Commando Droid who assists Kay, and the adorable Nix (voiced by Clone Wars legend Dee Bradley Baker), Kay’s animal companion, along with a variety of other would-be scoundrels, slicers, and rogues who share a common belief that the galaxy presents endless opportunities—far removed from the chaos of the Galactic Civil War.
Throughout the roughly 20-hour main narrative of Outlaws (it will take significantly longer if you engage with the vast amount of side content scattered across its open worlds), this fresh perspective on the Star Wars galaxy remains engaging. Although the main missions follow a relatively standard linear structure—typically involving infiltration, retrieval, and escape—their predictability is compensated by the strength of the surrounding narrative. The unique charm of the scoundrel viewpoint, combined with compellingly flawed characters, ensures that you remain entertained until the credits roll, and you’ll likely be left eager for more within a setting ripe for further exploration.
A Good Blaster by Your Side
© Ubisoft
Outlaws further emphasizes its scrappy protagonist theme in its gameplay mechanics. Although it broadly functions like most action-adventure open-world third-person shooters—especially echoing the gameplay of Assassin’s Creed and The Division—thematically, Kay is not positioned as a seasoned gunslinger comparable to Cal Kestis or Kyle Katarn. While you can wield a blaster and modify it according to your playstyle through unlockable abilities and crafting upgrades, the shooting mechanics are satisfying and straightforward.
Yet, there is an intriguing tension in Outlaws’ approach to combat, where Kay, even after learning the ropes, doesn’t always feel like a hardened gunslinger. Enemies require just the right amount of shots to be taken down, and they inflict enough damage on your limited health pool to maintain a level of intimidation, especially during intense battles. While Han may have been reluctant to sneak during his smuggling career, Kay thrives in stealth, with Outlaws rewarding players for engaging with stealthy tactics.
Kay’s use of stealth is amplified by Outlaws‘ standout feature: her adorable alien partner, Nix. Primarily controlled with a single button, Nix expands Kay’s ability to interact with her surroundings and foes from a distance while staying concealed. He can retrieve Kay’s dropped blasters, distract cameras and guards (even pickpocketing the latter), open doors, and sabotage alarm systems.
Nix can even assist in combat to a limited degree, leaping at an enemy to prevent them from attacking Kay while she either moves in for a takedown or shoots from a distance. Nix elevates Outlaws‘ stealth gameplay, making it both engaging and distinct, allowing players to opt for stealth rather than charging in with guns drawn. His presence also strengthens the narrative bond between him and Kay. Although he isn’t invincible and can lead to Kay’s discovery, Nix embodies the scrappy essence of Outlaws, where players must employ every trick at their disposal against better-prepared foes.
Scum, Villainy…
© Ubisoft
Beyond the main narrative and core gameplay, Outlaws’ greatest contribution to the Star Wars criminal underworld is found in its faction reputation system. Throughout the game, Kay encounters four criminal organizations she can align with: three established in Star Wars lore—the Pyke Syndicate, the Hutt Cartel, and Crimson Dawn—and one original faction, the insectoid Ashiga Clan, inspired by the Rise of Skywalker planet Kijimi. As Kay navigates the galaxy, the choices she makes impact her standing in the underworld, building relationships with certain factions at the expense of others, creating a sense of strategic risk in her interactions within Outlaws’ open world.
The majority of Outlaws’ side content consists of missions and contracts tied to each of the four syndicates. Generally, these contracts provide monetary rewards, but they are crucially accompanied by reputation points with the respective faction. Depending on the missions, they may also affect your standing with other organizations. A higher reputation with a faction grants you greater favor, unlocking access to faction-specific vendors on Outlaws’ various worlds, offering discounts on materials, customization options, and rarer goods used to upgrade your skills. This access also influences map areas, from small outposts to sections of cities controlled by crime factions. A positive reputation allows Kay to pass through these areas unnoticed, while being well-regarded might even permit her to pilfer impunity.
Conversely, a low reputation can lead to higher merchant prices or exclusion from certain vendors. It could mean missing out on lucrative contracts with better rewards or having to approach previously accessible locations stealthily or with heightened hostility from the associated faction. These factions can become aggressive enough to send hit squads after Kay at any time. This dynamic is enhanced by the fact that many reputation-affecting side activities carry inherent risks: the greater the reward, the higher the chance that the missions will involve tricky conditions, such as stealing an item discreetly or completing it in a single attempt.
It’s within this intricate balance that Outlaws‘ scoundrel character truly excels. It’s impossible to please everyone, and reputations are not simple, one-time mechanisms to fill. There’s always a chance for your relationship with any faction to change, creating opportunities to win back their favor. This balancing act of infamy makes you feel significantly like a scoundrel much more than any shooting or sneaking could, always prompting you to reflect on your actions and the missions you’re undertaking as you engage with Outlaws’ world. Is it worth betraying one faction in pursuit of another? Should you engage in a little charm beforehand to ease a mission in a syndicate’s territory? These dilemmas permeate your experience, lending depth to Outlaws’ systems.
As characterful as it is, the faction system requires minimal engagement if you focus on Outlaws’ main narrative and only becomes relevant during open-world and side content. There are specific moments in the main story where your reputation affects your standing, but this is the system functioning solely through narrative, rather than your active choices as a player. At one point, my standing with one faction dropped only to rebound immediately after the next mission, diminishing the impact of these dynamics.
This issue is further compounded as the narrative increasingly pits you against Imperial elements within the criminal underworld, which act similarly to police responses in Grand Theft Auto—a frictionless enemy faction that doesn’t require standing considerations and exists merely for combat. This is disappointing, especially since Outlaws initially capitalizes on the intriguing tension created by the faction system, yet ultimately shies away from fully committing to that friction.
… And Wretched Hives
© Ubisoft
A good playground is essential for all this content, and Outlaws largely succeeds in this regard. The game takes players across five primary planets: the city of Canto Bight, situated on Kay’s homeworld Cantonica, frames the narrative, while Toshara (an entirely new world designed for Outlaws), Tatooine, Kijimi, and Akiva offer more traditional locations. The latter four boast diverse environments that Outlaws creatively utilizes: Kijimi provides a compact, snow-covered urban landscape for trading and brawling, Tatooine and Toshara juxtapose small settlements against wide-open spaces, while Akiva presents a lush jungle dotted with civilizations. Each world is intriguingly expansive enough to explore, offering fast travel options that are sparse and can be temporarily inaccessible based on faction standing—making Kay’s reliable speeder bike a necessity for traversing from one location to another.
This sense of navigation applies less effectively to Outlaws’ limited space environments. Each world contains a small orbital map where players can pilot Kay’s ship, the Trailblazer, for dogfights or to salvage materials from debris and asteroid fields. Although some missions will take you into space, they are infrequent compared to ground missions. While enjoyable and adding a layer of excitement to transitioning through environments, space combat remains Outlaws’ least-explored facet.
Despite this, the worlds are brimming with activities, and traversing through space or on land never feels redundant. There’s an incredible amount of side content to discover—from side missions and faction contracts to trade materials and hidden treasures—along with mini-games such as Sabacc matches, speeder races, or arcade games tucked away in cantinas. The ways in which Kay interacts with her surroundings reveal further opportunities: she can lean against railings or at bars to soak in the immersive details or eavesdrop on conversations for intel regarding hidden caches or mission opportunities. The pacing remains manageable while affording ample opportunities to delve into the world beyond the main storyline.
This principle extends to Outlaws’ design concerning Kay’s abilities. There are no traditional RPG elements like gear stats, leveling systems, or skill trees to invest in. Instead, Outlaws utilizes experts—nine side characters Kay meets throughout the galaxy. After establishing a rapport via collaborative missions, each expert enhances different aspects of scoundrel life; for example, one specializes in improving Kay’s speeder bike, another in heavy weapon proficiency, and yet another in slicing tools. Accessing these benefits requires more than leveling up—they necessitate collecting specific items and completing gameplay objectives.
Although some experts are essential to progressing the main storyline, which reduces the strategic friction offered by the reputation system—certain experts must be found early on while others provide skills that simplify particular encounters—experts enrich Outlaws’ scoundrel fantasy. This aspect reiterates that Kay is not an idealized Star Wars hero: she is a relatable individual striving to succeed through her connections and learned knowledge.
Never Tell Me the Odds
© Gizmodo/Ubisoft
In this charmingly roguish manner, Outlaws excels at its best. Its meticulous attention to detail evokes Star Wars’ lived-in universe—from the busiest street corners to the satisfyingly retro font of its user interface—creating a game infused with love for its world, resonating with anyone enchanted by Han Solo since he first pulled the trigger on Greedo in A New Hope. The ambiance is unlike any previous Star Wars game, skillfully blending mechanics (if you’re ready to dive deeper beyond the engaging main storyline) with aesthetic nuances to perfectly encapsulate the experience of being a scoundrel in the far-off galaxy. Even post-story, the experience of exploring the galaxy—whether running errands, gathering snippets of information, scavenging for valuable items, infiltrating Imperial outposts, or simply unwinding in a cantina—feels unparalleled. Modern Star Wars titles like Squadrons, Battlefront, or Respawn’s exceptional Jedi games provide varied, familiar experiences, yet Outlaws stands alongside them in quality while distinguishing itself through its unique scoundrel lens.
In many ways, it’s fitting that this delightful charm largely masks what is otherwise a standard open-world design. The most distinctive and engaging elements Outlaws offers mechanically are often kept on the outskirts, delivering a solid, linear action-adventure experience that, while effectively executed, falls short of greatness due to its reluctance to fully embrace these elements. Nevertheless, Outlaws lays a strong foundation for Star Wars’ venture into open-world gaming, setting a high standard for future titles to build upon. True to the spirit of scoundrels, it achieves this with a cheeky flair. After all, a playful wink and a bit of improvisation can take you far in the galaxy.
Star Wars: Outlaws launches on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X and S on August 30 (or August 27, depending on your pre-order version). A copy was provided by Ubisoft for review purposes.
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Star Wars Outlaws: A Deep Dive into the Scoundrel’s Life in a Galaxy Far, Far Away
Star Wars games have brought diverse experiences to fans for decades, spanning numerous genres and storytelling perspectives. However, the life of a scoundrel—a smuggler navigating the shadows of the galaxy—remains a rarely explored narrative. Enter Star Wars Outlaws, a game that masterfully captures this unique lens on the Star Wars universe. Released by Ubisoft and Massive Entertainment, Outlaws invites players to step into the shoes of Kay Vess, a charismatic young smuggler determined to carve her own path amidst the chaos of the criminal underworld.
Meet Kay Vess: The New Face of Scoundrel Life
In Star Wars Outlaws, players meet Kay Vess, voiced by Humberly González. Kay’s journey begins with a disastrous theft attempt from the notorious Zerek Besh syndicate, leading to a death mark on her head. Throughout the single-player campaign, Kay’s mission is clear: assemble a team, execute a high-stakes heist, and secure her reputation in the galaxy as a formidable scoundrel.
Kay’s Character: A Han Solo-esque Innovator
Kay is designed as a relatable anti-hero, reminiscent of Han Solo during his early days in A New Hope. Unlike legendary characters bound by epic destinies, Kay is depicted as a flawed individual, often improvising her way through trouble with quick wit and charm. Her narrative aims to capture the essence of being a rogue in the Star Wars universe, shifting the focus away from the grand conflicts faced by Jedi and Sith to explore the lives of those in the underbelly of society.
The Gameplay Experience: Diving into the Scoundrel’s World
Star Wars Outlaws offers an engaging gameplay experience that thrives on the chaotic life of a scoundrel. The game combines elements of action-adventure with stealth mechanics and a robust open-world environment, encouraging players to embrace their inner rogue.
Scoundrel Mechanics: Stealth and Strategy
The game’s combat system is straightforward yet deeply satisfying. Players can wield a variety of blasters and engage in classic shooter mechanics. However, the emphasis on stealth sets Outlaws apart from typical space shooters. Utilizing stealth tactics allows Kay to navigate dangerous encounters with finesse. The standout feature is Kay’s companion, Nix, an adorable creature that aids in stealth and combat through distraction and support.
Faction Reputation: Navigate the Underworld
A key aspect of Outlaws is its faction reputation system. Players will encounter various criminal syndicates and must navigate relationships carefully. The game introduces four factions—three familiar to Star Wars lore, including the Hutt Cartel, and one original, the Ashiga Clan. Every choice made impacts Kay’s standing with these factions, presenting opportunities and risks throughout the game.
Impact of Faction Reputation
| Faction | Benefits of High Reputation | Consequences of Low Reputation |
|---|---|---|
| Hutt Cartel | Access to exclusive contracts and discounts | Increased prices and restricted access |
| Crimson Dawn | Better quality weapons and materials | Aggressive NPCs and bounty hunters |
| Pyke Syndicate | Favours during missions | Mission failures affecting standing |
| Ashiga Clan | Unique items and storylines | Hostile environments and quests |
Immersive Worlds: From Canto Bight to Tatooine
The open world of Star Wars Outlaws spans five distinct planets, each crafted with attention to detail. From the luxurious city of Canto Bight to the rugged terrain of Tatooine, players can explore various environments, engage with NPCs, and uncover numerous side activities.
Unique Planet Features
- Canto Bight: A vibrant hub of wealth and opportunity.
- Tatooine: Home to iconic landscapes and bustling settlements.
- Toshara: A new world with diverse ecosystems and challenges.
- Kijimi: A snow-covered city rich with lore and commerce.
- Akiva: A jungle with lush beauty and hidden secrets.
Embrace Your Inner Scoundrel: Practical Tips for Players
If you’re diving into Star Wars Outlaws, here are some practical tips to maximize your gameplay experience:
- Utilize Stealth Mechanics: Engage Nix in stealth situations to gain an upper hand during missions.
- Focus on Factions: Build relationships with factions to unlock powerful resources and contracts.
- Explore Every Corner: Take the time to search for hidden items, side quests, and lore throughout the planets.
- Experiment with Combat: Modify weapons and find your playstyle, balancing between stealth and action.
- Engage with NPCs: Conversations can lead to new quests and insider information about opportunities.
First-Hand Experience: Navigating the Galaxy
Players who have ventured into Star Wars Outlaws often share stories of unexpected challenges and thrilling heists. The blend of humor, danger, and accessible gameplay keeps them returning for more adventures. Many fans appreciate the scoundrel life portrayed through Kay’s eyes, providing a refreshing perspective within the familiar Star Wars lore.
Common Experiences Shared Among Players:
- Unexpected twists during main missions that keep players on their toes.
- Engaging in playful banter with NPCs adds depth to character relationships.
- Thriving in the dynamic world where player choices significantly affect the narrative.
Conclusion: A New Era for Star Wars Games
Star Wars Outlaws successfully carves its niche in the extensive galaxy of Star Wars games. By focusing on the life of a scoundrel, it opens up new avenues for storytelling while remaining firmly rooted in the franchise’s beloved themes. As players navigate criminal syndicates, undertake high-stakes missions, and explore richly designed worlds, they discover a captivating gaming experience appealing to both Star Wars fans and newcomers alike. The game is set to launch on August 30 across PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X and S, with early access available for some players on August 27, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of Star Wars gaming.
