Ubisoft is set to reignite interest in Star Wars Outlaws with its second major DLC expansion, A Pirate’s Fortune, scheduled to be officially unveiled at Star Wars Celebration Japan on April 18, 2025. Fans of the animated Star Wars universe will instantly recognize the spotlight character: the charismatic and unpredictable Hondo Ohnaka, a space pirate beloved for his antics in The Clone Wars and Rebels.
The upcoming DLC continues the story of Kay Vess, a quick-witted scoundrel trying to carve out her name in the criminal underworld between the events of The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. According to early teasers, A Pirate’s Fortune will center around Kay’s uneasy alliance with Hondo as they take on a dangerous pirate syndicate from Hondo’s past. Expect double-crosses, treasure hunts, and an even deeper dive into the Outer Rim’s lawless territories.
What the New DLC Could Mean for the Game
Ubisoft appears to be leaning into fan service and lore expansion after Star Wars Outlaws launched in August 2024 to a mix of praise and criticism. The return of Hondo—long requested by fans—may signal a course correction aimed at bringing more iconic Star Wars personalities into the fold. While the base game mostly introduced new characters, this DLC taps directly into established canon, potentially creating more narrative weight and excitement for longtime fans.
The DLC is expected to launch in spring 2025, with enhanced focus on character interaction, smuggling missions, and new star systems to explore. Ubisoft has not confirmed whether new ship upgrades or sidekicks will be included, but rumors suggest the expansion could introduce at least one new companion character for Kay and unlockable gear tied to Hondo’s legacy.
Mixed Launch Reception, but a Strong Foundation
When Star Wars Outlaws released, it brought a bold new direction to the franchise—an open-world adventure with no lightsabers, no Jedi, and no force powers. Instead, it offered something rarely seen: the gritty, street-level stories of smugglers, bounty hunters, and outlaws. Available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, the game was praised for its stunning planetary environments, seamless space-to-ground travel, and immersive soundtrack.
However, the initial reception was tempered by critiques. Reviewers cited lackluster stealth mechanics, simplistic combat systems, and some underwhelming story beats. The game also struggled to maintain momentum in its side quests, with many missions feeling formulaic. A few critics even described it as a “safe” open-world formula dressed in Star Wars skin.
Still, many players appreciated its commitment to a new vision for Star Wars storytelling—one that explored the gray morality of the galaxy’s underworld. Kay Vess, played with charm and wit, has been especially praised for bringing a grounded, relatable energy to a universe typically dominated by grand mythos.
Building Toward Redemption
Ubisoft has released multiple patches since launch, improving performance and tweaking gameplay systems based on community feedback. With A Pirate’s Fortune, the developers are clearly aiming to show they’ve been listening. This expansion could not only offer a more focused and exciting narrative arc, but also inject some much-needed variety into the gameplay loop—potentially re-engaging lapsed players.
And with a planned release for Nintendo Switch 2 later this year, Star Wars Outlaws may find a second wind on new hardware, reaching a broader audience eager for portable adventures in the galaxy far, far away.
Whether A Pirate’s Fortune can shift the tide of opinion remains to be seen. But one thing’s for sure: bringing back Hondo Ohnaka is a savvy move, and Ubisoft seems ready to double down on the scoundrel fantasy that made Star Wars Outlaws feel so refreshingly different in the first place.
Key Takeaways
- Star Wars Outlaws offers a unique scoundrel perspective in an open-world Star Wars setting but receives mixed reviews for its gameplay mechanics.
- The game excels in exploration and world-building while struggling with stealth, combat, and narrative satisfaction.
- Critics suggest the game may be better appreciated over time despite initial reception falling short of expectations.
Game Overview
Star Wars Outlaws delivers an open-world adventure focusing on the criminal underworld of the Star Wars universe. The game follows a likeable protagonist caught up in larger galactic events, offering exploration and heist elements reminiscent of a Han Solo experience.
Core Gameplay Mechanics
Star Wars Outlaws combines several gameplay elements including stealth, combat, and exploration. Players navigate through various environments using blasters and other weapons to engage enemies. The stealth mechanics, while present, have been noted as somewhat simple according to reviews.
Combat offers various options but can feel repetitive at times. Players can upgrade their abilities and equipment throughout the game to enhance performance.
Vehicle sections add variety, with speeder bike segments that reviewers describe as “floaty” but fun. These sections create exciting chase sequences across the game’s diverse landscapes.
The game implements a criminal reputation system where players interact with various crime syndicates including the Ashiga Clan and Crimson Dawn, affecting how different factions respond to the player.
Setting and Theme
The game is set during the original trilogy era of Star Wars, focusing on the criminal underworld rather than the typical Rebellion-versus-Empire conflict. This perspective offers a fresh take on the Star Wars universe, similar to what the Andor series achieved in television.
The open world spans multiple planets and locations, each with distinct environments to explore. This diverse setting provides a strong sense of adventure that reviewers consistently praise.
The narrative focuses on heist adventures and criminal operations. While the game creates an authentic Star Wars atmosphere with its sights and sounds, some reviews mention that narrative payoffs can be unsatisfying at times.
The main character has been described as likeable, providing players with a relatable protagonist who navigates the complex criminal networks of the galaxy.
Character Profiles
Star Wars Outlaws introduces players to a cast of complex characters who bring the underworld of the galaxy to life. Each character has unique motivations and backstories that influence the game’s narrative.
Kay Vess – Protagonist
Kay Vess is the heart of Star Wars Outlaws, a scrappy outlaw trying to make her mark in the galaxy. She’s a skilled smuggler with exceptional piloting abilities and quick reflexes that help her navigate dangerous situations.
Players control Kay throughout her journey as she attempts to pull off one of the biggest heists the Outer Rim has ever seen. Her character development is central to the game’s storyline, showing her growth from a small-time thief to a notable figure in the criminal underworld.
Kay’s backstory reveals a difficult past that shaped her distrust of authority and self-reliant nature. Her skills include:
- Expert marksmanship
- Lock picking
- Stealth abilities
- Negotiation tactics
Despite mixed reviews about some gameplay elements, Kay has been praised as a “genuinely likable new lead” who brings fresh energy to the Star Wars universe.
Nix – The Companion
Nix, Kay’s loyal merqaal pet, serves as both a companion and a crucial gameplay element. This fox-like creature helps Kay solve puzzles, distract enemies, and access areas she can’t reach alone.
Players can direct Nix to perform specific actions using a command wheel, making him an extension of the stealth mechanics. Reviews note that while the stealth elements may be simple, Nix adds depth to these sequences.
Nix creates emotional weight in the story, forming a bond with players that makes the adventure more personal. His animations are particularly well-crafted, showing personality through movement and expressions rather than dialogue.
The relationship between Kay and Nix evolves throughout the game, providing some of the most heartfelt moments in Star Wars Outlaws. Their connection highlights themes of trust and friendship in a galaxy where allies are rare.
Toshara – The Antagonist
Toshara stands as Kay’s primary adversary, a formidable crime lord with influence across multiple star systems. Her sophisticated operation and ruthless reputation make her a dangerous enemy for anyone crossing her path.
Unlike typical Star Wars villains, Toshara operates in moral gray areas similar to Kay, but with different methods and goals. This creates an interesting dynamic where players can sometimes understand her motivations even while opposing her.
The game uses Toshara to explore the complex power structures of criminal syndicates during the period between The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. Her character brings depth to the underworld setting that Star Wars Outlaws aims to portray.
Recent updates and patches have improved Toshara’s character model and cutscenes, making her more intimidating and polished. Players report that these technical improvements have enhanced the confrontations between Kay and Toshara throughout the game.
Gameplay Insights
Star Wars Outlaws delivers an intergalactic adventure experience with varied gameplay elements centered around its outlaw theme. The gameplay blends exploration, stealth, and combat in ways that feel familiar yet distinctly Star Wars.
Heists and Missions Structure
The heist mechanics form the backbone of Star Wars Outlaws’ gameplay loop. Players step into Kay Vess’s boots as she plans and executes daring operations across the galaxy.
Each heist requires preparation through intelligence gathering and resource collection. Players need to scout locations, gather intel, and recruit allies before attempting major scores.
Critics note that while heists offer exciting moments, they sometimes follow predictable patterns. The mission structure has been compared to other Ubisoft titles like Assassin’s Creed, with a mix of main storyline heists and smaller side operations.
What sets Outlaws apart is its Syndicate reputation system. Your actions during missions affect how different criminal factions view Kay, opening or closing mission opportunities based on allegiances.
Speeder Bike Dynamics
Speeder bikes serve as a primary method of transportation across the game’s open worlds. The handling of these iconic Star Wars vehicles has received mixed feedback from reviewers.
The bikes offer a good sense of speed and fluidity when traversing vast landscapes. Players can customize their speeders with various upgrades that affect performance and aesthetics.
Speeder combat allows for high-speed chases and shootouts reminiscent of Return of the Jedi’s forest moon sequences. Kay can shoot while riding, and her companion Nix can take over driving during certain scenarios.
Some critics point out that the speeder physics occasionally feel inconsistent, especially when navigating tight spaces or during precision maneuvers. Despite this, they remain a highlight of the exploration aspect.
Stealth and Combat Tactics
Stealth mechanics in Outlaws have been described as accessible but somewhat simple. Kay can hide in cover, distract enemies, and take them down silently.
Her companion Nix plays a crucial role in stealth gameplay. The small alien creature can scout ahead, distract guards, and access vents to open new paths. This adds a puzzle-like element to infiltration.
When stealth fails, combat engages with a blend of blaster firefights and cover mechanics. Kay’s arsenal expands throughout the game, offering different weapons for various situations.
Critics have noted that the combat doesn’t break new ground but provides satisfying Star Wars action moments. The difficulty balance allows for recovery from failed stealth attempts without excessive punishment.
IGN’s 7/10 review specifically mentioned that while exploration shines, the “simple stealth” elements hinder the overall experience, suggesting room for improvement in this core gameplay aspect.
Equipment and Abilities
In Star Wars Outlaws, Kay Vess’s adventure across the galaxy is supported by a variety of tools and abilities that enhance both combat and exploration. Players have access to different weapon types and special gadgets that can be used in various situations.
Blaster Types and Usage
Kay’s primary weapon in Star Wars Outlaws is her blaster, which comes in several variants. The standard blaster offers balanced damage and rate of fire, making it versatile for most combat scenarios.
Players can upgrade their blasters throughout the game, improving accuracy, damage output, and ammo capacity. These upgrades become essential when facing tougher enemies in later missions.
The blaster combat system includes a cover mechanic that allows Kay to take shelter behind objects during firefights. This tactical element adds depth to encounters, especially during heist missions.
Some players have reported that combat can feel repetitive over time, with enemy AI sometimes being predictable in their patterns and responses.
Wildcard Gadgets Introduction
The Wildcard gadgets are special tools that expand Kay’s abilities beyond simple combat. These include hacking devices, distraction tools, and specialized equipment for stealth operations.
One notable gadget is the scanner, which helps identify valuable items and potential threats in the environment. This proves particularly useful during exploration of the game’s various planets and locations.
Nix, Kay’s companion, offers additional abilities that complement the gadget system. Players can direct Nix to access small spaces or distract guards during stealth sequences.
The gadget system integrates well with the heist mechanics, allowing for creative approaches to missions. Players can choose between aggressive tactics or more subtle methods depending on their preferred playstyle.
Unfortunately, some reviews mention that certain gadgets feel underutilized in the main storyline, with limited situations where they provide meaningful advantages.
Star Wars Lore Integration
Star Wars Outlaws weaves a rich tapestry of Star Wars mythology into its gameplay, creating an authentic experience for players. The game’s attention to detail in incorporating established locations and familiar characters has been a highlight in reviews.
Incorporation of Locations
The game features several iconic Star Wars locations that fans will immediately recognize. Players can explore the snowy peaks of Kijimi, a planet first introduced in the sequel trilogy. The developers have meticulously recreated these environments to match their film counterparts.
Each location is filled with details that connect to the broader Star Wars Universe. Hidden references and Easter eggs reward observant players who know their Star Wars lore.
The game’s open-world design allows players to experience these locations in ways previous Star Wars games haven’t permitted. This freedom to explore adds depth to locations that may have had limited screen time in films.
Reviewers have noted that these familiar settings help ground the game firmly within the established timeline and lore.
Familiar Faces and Their Role
Star Wars Outlaws introduces players to several beloved characters from the franchise. Lando Calrissian makes appearances that connect the game’s protagonist to the wider Star Wars story.
Crime lords like Jabba the Hutt feature prominently, creating authentic underworld interactions. These characters aren’t just cameos – they serve important roles in the narrative.
Imperial forces, including Stormtroopers, maintain the classic Star Wars atmosphere through their iconic armor and behaviors. Their presence creates natural tension similar to what fans expect from the films.
Unlike Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, which focused heavily on Force users, Outlaws explores the lives of characters operating in the margins of the galaxy. This fresh perspective has been appreciated by reviewers seeking new angles on the Star Wars Universe.
In-Game Economy and Subsystems
Star Wars Outlaws features a complex economy system where players manage resources while navigating relationships with various crime syndicates. The game incorporates monetary systems and factional reputation mechanics that impact gameplay options.
Sabacc Gaming Integration
Sabacc, the popular card game from Star Wars lore, appears as a fully playable minigame within Outlaws. Players can visit cantinas across different planets to challenge NPCs to matches and potentially earn significant credits.
The game uses simplified rules compared to canonical Sabacc, making it accessible while maintaining strategic depth. Winning at Sabacc tables represents one of several ways to earn money in the game, alongside missions and bounties.
Some reviewers note that the Sabacc implementation lacks variety in opponents and strategies. However, it provides a welcome diversion from main missions and offers decent payouts for skilled players.
ND-5, Kay’s droid companion, occasionally offers helpful tips about favorable Sabacc locations throughout the galaxy.
Interactions with Factions
The game’s economy is deeply intertwined with its faction reputation system. Players can work with different crime syndicates including Crimson Dawn, Pyke Syndicate, and Hutt Cartel, each offering unique rewards and missions.
Completing jobs for one faction often reduces standing with rivals, creating meaningful economic choices. Higher reputation levels unlock better-paying jobs and exclusive equipment.
Resource management becomes critical as players navigate these relationships. Some reviewers mention that the faction system feels somewhat underdeveloped, with repetitive mission structures across different syndicates.
The open-world design allows players to seek opportunities with multiple factions, though the AI governing faction NPCs has been criticized as simplistic in some reviews.
Development and Collaboration
Star Wars Outlaws emerged from a partnership between Ubisoft and Lucasfilm Games, marking a shift in how Star Wars games are developed. This collaboration brought together different strengths and expertise to create the open-world game.
EA’s Involvement and Future
Electronic Arts (EA) previously held exclusive rights to develop Star Wars games, producing titles like Battlefront, Jedi: Fallen Order, and Squadrons. This exclusivity ended in 2021, opening doors for other studios to work on Star Wars projects.
EA continues to develop Star Wars games alongside new partners. Their approach focused on multiplayer experiences and traditional action-adventure formats, while newer collaborations explore different gameplay styles.
The change allows for more diverse Star Wars games targeting different player preferences. EA’s Star Wars games sold well but received mixed critical reception, particularly regarding microtransactions and gameplay limitations.
Ubisoft’s Role and Expertise
Ubisoft brought significant experience in creating open-world games to Star Wars Outlaws. Drawing from franchises like Assassin’s Creed and Far Cry, they applied their expertise in world-building and exploration mechanics.
Massive Entertainment, a Ubisoft studio, led the development. Their previous work on The Division series showed their capability with detailed environments and complex systems.
Ubisoft’s approach emphasized player freedom within the Star Wars universe. The team worked closely with Lucasfilm to ensure the game remained faithful to Star Wars lore while introducing new characters and locations.
The development focused on creating diverse planetary environments with meaningful exploration opportunities. Despite some technical limitations noted in reviews, Ubisoft’s experience with open-world design shaped much of what players enjoy about Outlaws.
Latest News and Community Buzz
Star Wars Outlaws recently received a major free update that has sparked renewed interest in the game. According to search results, players are asking if the game is “finally worth playing” after these changes.
The update comes nearly six months after the game’s controversial launch. Many fans are revisiting the title to see if the developer has addressed earlier concerns.
IGN originally gave Star Wars Outlaws a 7/10 score, calling it “a fun intergalactic heist adventure with great exploration” while noting it was “hindered by simple stealth and repetitive gameplay.”
Some community members believe the game may have been unfairly forgotten. One article suggests “History Is Going To Be Kind To Star Wars Outlaws,” comparing it to other titles that were initially overlooked.
The developer has released a roadmap for future content, indicating ongoing support for the game. This commitment to improvement has generated positive buzz among the Star Wars gaming community.
Despite mixed initial reception, many players appreciate the game’s:
- Beautiful world design
- Entertaining gunplay
- Ample content
The conversation around Star Wars Outlaws demonstrates how games can evolve after launch. The current community discussion focuses on whether these improvements make the game worth picking up for those who initially passed on it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Star Wars Outlaws has generated mixed reactions from players and critics alike. The game has prompted numerous questions about its quality, performance, and place within the Star Wars gaming universe.
What are the updated critical perspectives on Star Wars Outlaws?
Recent reviews of Star Wars Outlaws reveal a divided gaming community. Critics generally gave favorable ratings, but some players have expressed significant disappointment.
Several reviewers note that while the game has an intriguing premise, it suffers from broken or pointless sections that diminish the overall experience. Some longtime fans have described it as “possibly the worst Star Wars game” they’ve played in years.
The game has been criticized for feeling like a generic title with a Star Wars skin rather than a truly immersive experience within the beloved universe.
How does Star Wars Outlaws perform on next-generation consoles?
Star Wars Outlaws has faced criticism regarding its graphics on next-generation consoles. Some players have reported that the visual quality doesn’t meet the expectations for a modern AAA title.
Performance issues have been noted across platforms, with frame rate drops occurring during intense gameplay sequences. The character models have also received criticism for not matching the quality shown in pre-release materials.
Loading times vary between console versions, with the PS5 and Xbox Series X offering faster performance than their less powerful counterparts.
What are the sales figures for Star Wars Outlaws since launch?
Star Wars Outlaws’ exact sales figures remain undisclosed by Ubisoft as of March 2025. The game launched with considerable marketing support but has faced stiff competition from other major releases.
Initial week one sales appeared to fall short of projections according to industry analysts. Digital sales have outpaced physical copies, following the ongoing trend in gaming retail.
Have recent updates to Star Wars Outlaws improved the gameplay experience?
Several patches have been released since the game’s launch to address player concerns. These updates have fixed numerous bugs and performance issues that plagued the initial release.
The developer has implemented community-requested features to enhance the gameplay experience. These improvements include better NPC interactions and more meaningful consequences for player choices.
Load times have been reduced, and some previously broken gameplay sections have been reworked to provide more engaging content.
What awards or accolades has Star Wars Outlaws received in the gaming industry?
Star Wars Outlaws has received recognition for its soundtrack and audio design from several gaming publications. The voice acting performances have been highlighted as particularly strong elements of the game.
The title was nominated in the open-world design category at industry events, though it faced tough competition. Critics have praised certain aspects of the game’s world-building within the Star Wars universe.
How does Star Wars Outlaws compare to other titles within the Star Wars game franchise?
Star Wars Outlaws stands apart from other franchise games by focusing on the criminal underworld rather than Jedi or Empire-centered stories. This unique perspective offers a fresh take on the universe but hasn’t resonated with all fans.
When compared to highly regarded titles like Knights of the Old Republic or Jedi: Fallen Order, Outlaws falls short in storytelling depth and character development. The gameplay mechanics don’t break new ground in the way that past Star Wars games have.
The customization options in Outlaws are more limited than in some other recent Star Wars titles. Players have questioned how meaningful their choices are within the game compared to other narrative-driven entries in the franchise.
