The Star Wars gaming universe is about to expand in ways we’ve never seen before. With the upcoming release of Star Wars: Outlaws, the galaxy far, far away will open up into an immersive open-world adventure for the first time. Slated for a 2024 release, this highly anticipated game promises to push the boundaries of Star Wars storytelling and game design, offering players unprecedented freedom and agency in a universe known for its tightly scripted narratives. Here’s everything we know so far—and why Outlaws might just become the next big thing in open-world gaming.
An Open World Like No Other in Star Wars
Developed by Ubisoft’s Massive Entertainment, the studio behind The Division series, Star Wars: Outlaws is set to break new ground for the franchise by introducing a truly open-world structure. For years, Star Wars games have remained mostly linear, even in sprawling titles like Jedi: Fallen Order. Outlaws promises to change that by allowing players to explore multiple planets, each filled with quests, dynamic NPC interactions, and secret-filled environments.
The game is set between The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, during the height of the Galactic Empire’s power. Players take control of Kay Vess, a scoundrel with a price on her head, as she navigates the galaxy’s criminal underworld. Her goal? To pull off the biggest heist in Star Wars history and gain her freedom.
This shift to open-world design mirrors the recent trend in gaming toward player freedom and sandbox mechanics, much like The Witcher 3, Cyberpunk 2077, and Red Dead Redemption 2. However, Outlaws stands to bring a unique twist by setting its adventure against the iconic Star Wars backdrop. Imagine navigating the bustling streets of Coruscant or the rugged terrains of Tatooine, while dodging bounty hunters and Imperial patrols—it’s an exhilarating prospect for any fan of the franchise.
Gameplay Mechanics: Freedom to Explore, Fight, and Steal
Ubisoft has given us a glimpse into the mechanics driving Outlaws, and they’re as ambitious as you might expect. The game will allow for both stealth and combat-oriented playstyles, meaning players can choose how to tackle missions based on personal preference. Kay Vess is accompanied by her loyal pet companion, Nix, who can be directed to interact with objects, solve puzzles, or distract enemies—a feature reminiscent of the companion mechanics seen in Horizon Zero Dawn or The Last of Us.
Combat in Outlaws promises to be varied and tactical, featuring both blaster shootouts and vehicular combat in Kay’s starship. Players can dogfight in space, land on planets, and seamlessly explore cities, wastelands, and other environments, all without significant loading screens. The idea of hopping between different star systems while evading Imperial forces or local crime syndicates gives Outlaws a true Star Wars feel.
One of the most intriguing features is the Reputation System. Players will be forced to make difficult choices that affect their standing with various factions in the game, from the Rebellion and the Empire to independent smugglers and bounty hunters. Your actions, such as how you complete missions or whether you engage in illicit activities, will shape your reputation and the responses you receive from NPCs. This system has the potential to deliver multiple narrative outcomes, giving players a reason to replay the game and explore different paths.
Visuals and Immersion in the Star Wars Universe
The early footage of Star Wars: Outlaws reveals a beautifully crafted world. Massive Entertainment’s use of the Snowdrop Engine, which powered The Division, allows for breathtaking graphics and highly detailed environments. From neon-lit underworld markets to expansive desert landscapes, the game’s visuals seem to capture the vastness and diversity of the Star Wars universe.
Not only are the environments rich, but the characters and enemies are equally well-realized. Kay Vess, voiced by Humberly González, brings a new, relatable, and morally gray character to the Star Wars roster. The fact that she’s not a Jedi or a soldier gives the game a fresh perspective—she’s an outsider just trying to survive in a galaxy dominated by power struggles between the Empire, the Rebellion, and criminal cartels.
The Heist Angle: A Narrative Masterstroke?
Star Wars has long explored themes of rebellion, loyalty, and morality, but Outlaws appears to focus more on the underbelly of the galaxy, where outcasts and rogues dwell. This heist-driven narrative, combined with its open-world design, gives the game a feel reminiscent of the Han Solo films, but with its own distinct flavor.
Kay’s journey to execute a massive heist means players will engage in various criminal activities, such as smuggling and dodging Imperial forces. It’s an exciting premise, especially when you consider that the Star Wars universe hasn’t heavily explored the life of outlaws in gaming. While many Star Wars games let players wield lightsabers or pilot X-Wings, Outlaws asks them to think and act like a cunning rogue, living in the shadows of an empire.
Potential to Rival Other Open-World Giants
Comparisons to games like The Witcher 3 and Cyberpunk 2077 are inevitable. But Star Wars: Outlaws could very well carve out its own space in the open-world genre. Ubisoft’s experience with expansive worlds like Assassin’s Creed and Far Cry should lend itself well to the large-scale exploration that Outlaws promises.
The Star Wars license is also a double-edged sword. While it gives the game a built-in fanbase, expectations will be sky-high. Ubisoft will have to ensure that Outlaws not only delivers a great Star Wars experience but also innovates enough to stand out among the many open-world games vying for players’ attention.
Conclusion: A New Hope for Star Wars Games
Star Wars: Outlaws holds immense promise as a game that could revolutionize the way we experience the Star Wars universe. By offering players the freedom to explore a massive open world while weaving an intricate narrative about survival, heists, and the criminal underworld, it’s poised to be a standout in the 2024 gaming lineup.
With its dynamic gameplay, immersive visuals, and a fresh protagonist, Outlaws could very well be the game that defines Star Wars in the open-world genre. For fans of the galaxy far, far away—and gamers who crave freedom, exploration, and adventure—it’s shaping up to be an essential experience. The question is: will you become the galaxy’s most wanted outlaw, or will you carve a different path through the stars?
