Ready to dive into the galaxy far, far away with Ubisoft’s newest treasure, Star Wars: Outlaws? Get ready for an epic adventure full of heists, heart-pumping chases, and all the action you can handle across the galaxy. Here’s everything you need to know: the release date and more.
First, let’s discuss Star Wars Outlaws. Ubisoft is bringing an open-world action-adventure to the Star Wars universe. Developed by Massive Entertainment, the people behind The Division and Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora, it has been in the works since 2021.
Between “The Empire Strikes Back” and “Return of the Jedi,” Star Wars Outlaws follows Kay Vess and her charming friend, Nix. These two are cooking up something enormous—a heist set across the galaxy that promises to be filled with action.
Star Wars Outlaws Release Date
Star Wars Outlaws will be releasing on Friday, August 30, 2024. It will be available on PC via Ubisoft Connect and Epic Games Store, as well as on Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5.
But wait, there’s more! Preordering the game is not without its perks if you’re looking to get your feet a little wet with the action. So, if you preorder, you’ll receive the Kessel Runner bonus pack. With either the Gold or Ultimate edition, on top of receiving the season pass, you’ll also get three days of early access, where you can start playing as early as Tuesday, August 27, 2024.
The release date for Star Wars Outlaws wasn’t a casually dropped news item; it was a rollercoaster. First inadvertently leaked by Ubisoft Japan’s YouTube Premiere page, thanks to keen eyes on the Gematsu Twitter/X account, the story trailer confirming the release date went live on the same day.
The Xbox Showcase was the first to announce the tentative release date for the game; however, insider sources at Kotaku have suggested that Ubisoft was considering a release in the current fiscal year.
Star Wars Outlaws Trailers
What’s a game without some juicy trailers to get us all hyped? Star Wars Outlaws has already treated us to a few of these, where each appears to give a tantalising glimpse into the game’s world and its characters.
Story Trailer
Well, the story trailer introduces Kay Vess and Nix. Kay is running from Zerek Besh, a syndicate group, after crossing their boss, Sliro. She’ll be offered a way to gain freedom—to pull off a bold heist to swipe Sliro’s fortune. On the way, there will be ND-5, with his effortless android charm in his killer coat and that sultry voice, and Nix, a guy who proves helpful in combat and other exploration.
The Ubisoft Forward 2024 game overview trailer takes us further into the galaxy. We see breathtaking locations and dirty deals in the gritty underworld of Outlaws. Kay tries her luck at gambling against no one else but Lando Calrissian himself, and we also learn a little more about her background with Nix—the two of them have been partners in crime since childhood.
It also briefly features some of Kay’s dealings with Jabba the Hutt and acknowledges how accessible the players are in choosing which syndicates they want to ally themselves with or backstab. Be nice, though, because keeping every group happy is challenging. Having enemies on the loose can cost a great deal.
Gameplay Reveal
The gameplay reveals just how action-packed Star Wars Outlaws is. We see Kay and Nix trying to slip into some well-guarded facility—working up the means with a combination of stealth, melee attacks, and helpful distractions from Nix. Combat comes in fast; Kay’s blaster pistol, melee attacks, and support from Nix aid in turning the tides in those hair-raising situations.
The wanted system of the game is the same. Just like in GTA 5, if you get too notorious, the Empire will pursue you with AT-STs and TIE fighters. You could explore different planets like Akiva, Kijimi, Toshara, Tatooine, Cantonica, etc., each with its own problems and opportunities.
Star Wars Outlaws Gameplay
With the period marked by social upheaval, Star Wars Outlaws is set against this backdrop and focuses on Kay Vess and her fuzzy companion, Nix. Stealth gameplay includes sneaky punch knockouts by Kay; in addition, she can use Nix to attack or fiddle with controls to gain combat capabilities.
Speaking of action, Kay dispels enemies with her blaster pistol, vaulting over and taking cover behind the shelter. Nix can retrieve weapons in the heat of battle and help turn the tables in Kay’s favour.
However, that’s not all, as the wanted system of the game adds another layer of excitement to the overall package. Your reputation among the factions will affect how any mission will turn out. Lead Systems Designer says this means that with bad reputation synergy with the syndicates, you sneakingly get into their territory. However, when the reputation is good, it gives access to new opportunities.
Expert Skills and Progression
At Ubisoft’s 2024 Forward event, a ten-minute gameplay showcase led by game director Mathias Karlson revealed the “Experts” system. Essentially, this is how Kay will unlock new skills for herself. Tracking these elusive characters and picking up new tricks allows Kay to upgrade her abilities. For example, she can learn Cantina Brawling and Lockpicking from Bram, The Bartender, or Fast-Talk to distract enemies.
Kay indulges in space dogfights in pursuit of The Gunslinger and participates in detective missions. The binding of all skills and progress into the story makes everything immersive. You cannot just earn XP; you must experience the galaxy and its side content to grow stronger.
Summary
Star Wars Outlaws is a heady ride across the Star Wars universe, jammed with action, adventure, and deep storytelling. Slated for an August 30, 2024 release date, this world—brimming with richly detailed characters, electrifying heists, and dynamic gameplay—certainly has the makings of a must-play for Star Wars fans and gamers alike.
Stay tuned for more updates on the hot upcoming titles of the season.
