Highlights
Star Wars Outlaws is an open-world game that focuses on the galaxy's underworld, allowing players to take on the role of a new scoundrel, Kay Vess.
The game is set between Star Wars: Episode 5 and Episode 6; however, fans might be let down by Han Solo's absence as he is trapped in carbonite during this time. Nonetheless, there is a possibility for Kay Vess to indirectly interact with Han Solo through pre-release footage, indicating that players can undertake assignments for the Hutt Crime Syndicate, which showcases Han.
Star Wars Outlaws, developed by Massive Entertainment and published by Ubisoft, is an upcoming open-world game that offers a fresh perspective for fans of the franchise. Instead of focusing on Jedi and Sith, the game places players in the shoes of a new protagonist named Kay Vess, a female scoundrel. Set between Star Wars: Episode 5 and Episode 6, the game allows players to experience the life of one of the galaxy's most wanted fugitives in the franchise's underworld. However, it is worth noting that this takes place while the series' most popular outlaw is currently inactive. Throughout the game, players will engage in interactions with Star Wars' crime syndicates and navigate the Galactic Civil War, where the Empire is actively searching for any individuals who pose a threat. As an open-world Star Wars adaptation, players will have the opportunity to shape the course of the game's events, potentially leading Kay Vess to ally with the Rebellion, Empire, or the highest bidder.
Star Wars Outlaws Misses a Major Opportunity
In Star Wars Outlaws, fans are transported to the most critical period of the original trilogy, between The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. This presents a challenge for players' journey with Kay Vess, as they will miss out on a significant opportunity. At the conclusion of The Empire Strikes Back, the beloved characters of Star Wars suffer major setbacks – Luke loses his arm and discovers his villainous father, Darth Vader, while the iconic outlaw Han Solo is betrayed by Lando Calrissian and encased in carbonite.
The placement of Star Wars Outlaws on the timeline, following Episode 5's events, may disappoint some fans. Because Han Solo remains frozen in carbonite until the early stages of Return of the Jedi, the positioning of Star Wars Outlaws between the two films restricts any potential interactions between Kay and Han. It is likely that some fans were anticipating a meeting between the two smugglers, and the impact it could have had on Kay's character development. However, with Han absent from the storyline, Star Wars Outlaws offers Kay the chance to forge her own path and uncover the true conflict between the Empire and Rebellion through her own experiences.
Star Wars Outlaws Will Likely See Kay Vess and Han Solo Cross Paths, However Unexpectedly
Kay Vess' journey in Star Wars Outlaws may intersect with Han Solo, although they cannot interact directly. Preliminary video footage confirms that players can undertake missions for the Hutt Crime Syndicate, with Jabba the Hutt playing a significant role in the storyline of Outlaws. By starting and completing these missions, Kay will have the opportunity to visit Jabba's Palace, where a recently frozen Han Solo is displayed. Since The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi take place one year apart, in 3 ABY and 4 ABY respectively, most of Kay's encounters with Jabba will occur while he possesses Han Solo in carbonite.
In Outlaws, Kay Vess could encounter a variety of Star Wars' most notorious criminals. Currently, the Pyke Syndicate, Hutt Clan, and Ashiga Clan are confirmed to have a role in the game's main story, which also opens the door for appearances by various characters from the films and television series. While there is limited information available about Star Wars Outlaws, Massive Entertainment is sure to unveil surprising cameos prior to the game's launch. Fans of Star Wars' video game adaptations should stay updated for more news about Outlaws leading up to 2024.
Star Wars Outlaws releases in 2024 for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.