Star Wars Outlaws is an open-world sci-fi adventure from Massive Entertainment. Published by Ubisoft, this third-person action game follows Kay Vess, an outlaw from Star Wars' criminal underworld.
Set between Star Wars: Episode 5 - The Empire Strikes Back and Star Wars: Episode 6 - Return of the Jedi. Star Wars Outlaws takes place during a tumultuous time in the Star Wars setting. The Rebellion is in full swing, and The Galactic Empire is fighting tooth and nail to hold on to power. It's a tense situation but, much to the advantage of rogues like Vess, it's also a chance to make a bit of cash if you play your cards right.
As Vess you'll shoot, talk, and fly your way in and out of problems as you try to make ends meet. If the preview trailers are anything to go by, the game's slick combat and snappy pacing should be enough to give some of the best single-player games a run for their money. Perhaps one of the most anticipated upcoming games of its kind, Star Wars Outlaws is slated for release later this year. Read on to find out everything there is to know about this sci-fi adventure.
Star Wars Outlaws: Cut to the chase
- What is it? The first open-world Star Wars game
- When can I play it? August 30, 2024
- What can I play it on? Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC
- Who is making it? Massive Entertainment and Ubisoft
Star Wars Outlaws release date and platforms
Star Wars Outlaws launches August 30, 2024. This was recently confirmed via a brand new story trailer. This outs the game in a period with decent breathing room, given that there's no other big releases currently slated for release at the same time.
The game is destined to arrive on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC, so any previous generation console players will need to make the upgrade before jumping into this exciting new adventure.
Star Wars Outlaws trailers
The latest trailer for Star Wars Outlaws was shown on April 9, 2024. It gives us a breakdown of the various syndicates that Kay will have to form uneasy alliances with, as well and some very familiar faces indeed. Check out the new trailer below:
If you want to stay on top of any new Star Wars Outlaws previews as they drop, it may be worth keeping an eye on the Ubisoft YouTube channel. In addition to future trailers, you'll also be able to find special behind-the-scenes looks at the game's development process as well as the world premiere video, which you can see below, too.
Star Wars Outlaws story and setting
Star Wars Outlaws takes place between the events of Star Wars: Episode 5 - The Empire Strikes Back and Star Wars: Episode 6 - Return of the Jedi, meaning the Galactic Empire will play a pretty significant part in the narrative.
The story itself takes place at a time when the Empire was hot on the heels of the Rebel Alliance. As the rebellion turns into an all-out war, criminal elements can thrive, creating opportunities for scoundrels like Kay Vess, the game's protagonist. Though the specifics are as yet unclear, the official walkthrough trailer shows off backroom deals involving Imperial officers and crime bosses set between dramatic shootouts and daring chases.
Rather than playing a more goody-two-shoes Jedi character like in Star Wars Jedi: Survivors, you'll be thrust into the role of an outlaw. Fighting and stealing your way through missions, you'll need to outwit the many dubious forces you'll come up against without relying on space magic
But, Kay isn’t alone in this endeavor, either. The first trailer introduced us to her loyal companion, Nix, a four-legged furry alien who embodies Star Wars creature design at its finest. You'll also be adventuring alongside a trenchcoat-wearing commando droid called ND-5. We don't know much about your robot companion yet, but his Bladerunner aesthetic certainly draws the eye.
Star Wars Outlaws how will it play?
We received a ten-minute walkthrough at Ubisoft Forward 2023 which shed more light on what we can expect from in-game. The trailer begins with what looks like a stealth-based scenario, where Kay is seen navigating an opposition-infested location with Nix. We also get to see several potential actions you can use to help carry out your objectives, like using Nix to distract potential threats while you move.
Swiftly following this, we are taken through Kay getting seen which triggers a high-speed chase and some intense combat. As we come into contact with a few of her pursuers, time appears to slow down, allowing Kay and Nix some time to plan their moves. After a quick shootout, we are taken to the smuggler town of Jaunta's Hope.
Instead of being rewarded for our work, Kay finds herself threatened by a sinister Imperial officer. As 'wanted' posters begin to appear on screens across town, our hero frantically makes for her spaceship, getting the heck out of dodge. A thrilling dogfight ensues with Kay matching wits with Imperial fighters. Next, we're treated to cinematic cutscenes and dialogue between ND-5 and Kay, and the occasional chirp from Nix, after which we jump to hyperspace in a dramatic finale to the setpiece.
The control the player is implied to have during the dogfight section of the trailer suggests that might have full control of Kay's ship when it comes to space battles and plotting courses through the stars. This sense is especially encouraged by the trailer's conclusion, which has an inquisitive ND-5 asking: "Where do we go next?" Kay replies: "Anywhere we want."
Frantic gunplay, difficult dialogue options, and the distinctive Star Wars style are commonplace in the preview. Though tightly choreographed, the ten-minute trailer shows off a wide spectrum of experiences, giving us a solid look at what we can expect from the game once it launches.
Star Wars Outlaws news
You'll have to manage your reputation in the underworld
It's been confirmed that Star Wars Outlaws will include a choices and consequences system. "As a scoundrel you live and die by your reputation, meaning that Kay will have to navigate the underworld and its various crime syndicates, making choices that will impact her reputation, her experience, and her support throughout the game," said creative director Julian Gerighty.
Star Wars Outlaws gets behind the scenes featurette
Massive Entertainment gave us a glimpse into the design process behind Star Wars Outlaws, showing off everything from motion capture techniques to concept art. Featuring observations from director Steve Blank, art and world director Benedikt Podlesnigg, and senior creative executive Matt Martin, the preview has plenty to offer for those looking for an insight into exactly the sort of game Star Wars Outlaws will be.
Star Wars Outlaws promises an experience players and fans haven't seen before
In an interview with Game Informer, Star Wars Outlaws' narrative director Navid Khavari stated that the game intends to offer an experience that "players and fans alike haven't seen before". He went on to describe the setting as a "writer's dream" and a “really strong anchor for the rest of the narrative."
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