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 takes place between Star Wars: Episode 5 and Episode 6, but fans may be disappointed by the absence of Han Solo, who is frozen in carbonite during that time.
- Kay Vess may still have some interaction with Han Solo indirectly, as pre-release footage suggests that players can take on jobs for the Hutt Crime Syndicate, where Han is on display.
Star Wars Outlaws will place fans in the role of a new scoundrel, female protagonist Kay Vess. The title is a bold departure from most Star Wars adaptations' fixation on Jedi and Sith and will allow fans of the franchise's underworld to live the life of one of the galaxy's most wanted fugitives. Developer Massive Entertainment has shared various details surrounding Outlaws' characters, environments, and gameplay, including the reveal that the title takes place between Star Wars: Episode 5 and Episode 6. While this is sure to please many fans, placing Kay Vess within the galaxy of the saga's classic films is likely to disappoint for one reason. Star Wars Outlaws sees fans enter the world of smuggling at a time when the series' most popular outlaw is on ice.
Star Wars Outlaws is an upcoming open-world game by developer Massive Entertainment and published by Ubisoft. The title sees players take on the role of Kay Vess and will feature her interactions with Star Wars' various crime syndicates. With the Galactic Civil War reaching new heights, the Empire is combing the galaxy for any individual who poses a threat, be they a Rebel, smuggler, or bounty hunter. As the first open-world Star Wars adaptation, players will undoubtedly play a role in shaping the game's events, potentially leading Kay to ally with the Rebellion, Empire, or simply the highest bidder.
Star Wars Outlaws Misses a Major Opportunity
Star Wars Outlaws takes place between The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, thrusting fans into the original trilogy's most dire period. While this will up the stakes for players' journey with Kay Vess, it also forces them to miss out on a major opportunity. At the end of The Empire Strikes Back, Star Wars' heroes are dealt some massive blows. Luke loses an arm while learning that he is the son of the villainous Darth Vader. More importantly, Han Solo, Star Wars' most popular outlaw, is betrayed by Lando Calrissian before being frozen in carbonite.
Due to Episode 5's events, Star Wars Outlaws' placement on the timeline may lead to some fans' disappointment. With Han Solo frozen in carbonite until the early events of Return of the Jedi, Star Wars Outlaws' position between the two films eliminates the opportunity for Kay and Han to interact. It's likely some fans were hoping to see the two smugglers cross paths, with their interaction possibly having a profound impact on Kay. However, with Han out of the picture, Star Wars Outlaws opens the door for Kay to carve her own path, discovering the true conflict between the Empire and Rebellion for herself.
Star Wars Outlaws Will Likely See Kay Vess and Han Solo Cross Paths, However Unexpectedly
Kay Vess' journey in Star Wars Outlaws may see her cross paths with Han Solo, though the two can't interact. Pre-release footage confirms that players can take on jobs for the Hutt Crime Syndicate, with Jabba the Hutt said to play a prominent role in Outlaws' narrative. Initiating and completing these jobs will see Kay visit Jabba's Palace, where a frozen Han Solo will have recently been put on display. With The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi taking place merely one year apart, in 3 ABY and 4 ABY respectively, nearly all of Kay's interactions with Jabba will take place while he is in possession of Han Solo in carbonite.
A variety of Star Wars' seediest outlaws could cross paths with Kay Vess in Outlaws. Currently, The Pyke Syndicate, Hutt Clan, and Ashiga Clan are confirmed to play a part in the title's main narrative, opening the door for various film and television characters to appear. While little else is known about Star Wars Outlaws, Massive Entertainment is sure to reveal some surprising appearances, prior to the title's release. Fans of Star Wars' videogame adaptations should stay tuned for more news concerning Outlaws heading into 2024.
Star Wars Outlaws releases in 2024 for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.
