Star Wars Outlaws is an upcoming open-world action-adventure game set in the Star Wars universe. Developed by Ubisoft’s Massive Entertainment and published by Lucasfilm Games, it aims to offer a unique perspective on the galaxy, focusing on the criminal underworld rather than the traditional Jedi and Sith conflicts. As anticipation builds, players are eager to understand what the game has to offer in terms of gameplay, mechanics, and story.
This review provides a neutral analysis, breaking down its core elements based on available information. If you want to improve the gameplay experience and fully explore the game's mechanics, obtaining a star wars outlaws pc key will grant access to its open-world adventure, space combat, and immersive storytelling.
Story and Setting
Set between The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, Star Wars Outlaws places players in the role of Kay Vess, a scoundrel navigating the galaxy’s underworld. Unlike previous Star Wars games that revolve around Force-sensitive protagonists, Outlaws shifts the focus to smugglers, bounty hunters, and criminal syndicates.
The game explores locations both familiar and new, with planets like Tatooine, Kijimi, and Akiva being part of the adventure. Given the timeline, the Empire is still a dominant force, and various crime syndicates, including the Pyke Syndicate and the Hutt Cartel, play significant roles.
The narrative appears to center on Kay Vess attempting to pull off a high-stakes heist while avoiding both Imperial authorities and rival factions. Players can expect choices and interactions that shape their standing within the galaxy’s criminal ecosystem.
Gameplay and Mechanics
Open-World Exploration
One of Star Wars Outlaws’ key features is its open-world structure, a departure from the more linear design of previous Star Wars games. Ubisoft has emphasized a seamless experience, allowing players to explore planets, space stations, and cities without loading screens.
Players can travel between planetary surfaces and space using Kay’s starship, the Trailblazer. Space combat, docking, and planetary landings are all integrated into the experience, offering more freedom in movement.
Combat System
Combat in Star Wars Outlaws combines third-person shooting mechanics with stealth and melee options. Given Kay Vess' background as an outlaw rather than a trained fighter, the game leans into a more grounded combat system.
Weapons include blasters, stun devices, and other smuggler tools rather than lightsabers or Force abilities. Kay also has access to Nix, her AI-controlled companion, who assists in distracting enemies or activating environmental interactions.
The combat system includes cover mechanics, tactical shooting, and optional stealth elements. This suggests that players will have multiple ways to approach encounters, whether through direct action or evasion.
Choice-Driven Interactions
Ubisoft has hinted at choice-driven mechanics, allowing players to align with or betray different factions. How Kay interacts with NPCs may affect how different criminal organizations respond to her.
Reputation systems, bribery, and branching dialogue options could influence mission outcomes and side activities. While it is unclear how deep these mechanics run, they suggest an element of player agency in shaping the story.
Vehicles and Space Travel
Beyond on-foot exploration, players can control speeders for ground traversal and pilot the Trailblazer for interplanetary travel. Space travel includes dogfighting mechanics, similar to what has been seen in games like Star Wars: Squadrons but integrated into an open-world framework.
The transition between planetary surfaces and space is reportedly seamless, offering a more immersive way to explore the Star Wars galaxy.
Graphics and Visual Design
Ubisoft’s Massive Entertainment is using the Snowdrop Engine, known for powering games like The Division series. Early gameplay footage suggests detailed environments, dynamic lighting, and expansive planetary landscapes.
The game aims to capture the gritty, lived-in aesthetic of the Star Wars underworld, contrasting the polished visuals of Republic-era settings. Weather effects, bustling cities, and interactive NPCs contribute to the sense of immersion.
Multiplayer and Online Features
At this time, Star Wars Outlaws is confirmed to be a single-player experience. There have been no announcements regarding multiplayer or live-service elements. Given Ubisoft’s history with online integration, future updates or expansions may introduce additional content post-launch.
Release Date and Platforms
Star Wars Outlaws is set to release in 2024 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Ubisoft has not announced plans for older console generations.
The game will likely be available for purchase across digital storefronts and possibly Ubisoft’s subscription service, Ubisoft+. Additional details on pre-order bonuses or special editions are expected closer to launch.
Final Thoughts
Star Wars Outlaws introduces a new perspective within the Star Wars universe, shifting away from Force-centric narratives and exploring the galaxy’s criminal underworld. With its open-world design, real-time space travel, and choice-driven interactions, it stands out as a unique addition to the franchise.
As more information becomes available, players can better assess how its mechanics and storytelling elements compare to previous Star Wars titles. Until then, Star Wars Outlaws remains one of the most anticipated Star Wars games in recent years.
