Ready to dive into the gritty underworld of the Star Wars galaxy? Before you embark on your outlaw adventure across seven diverse planets, master these 13 essential beginner’s tips to navigate stealth, combat, exploration, and upgrades like a seasoned scoundrel. From harnessing your trusty companion Nix’s unique abilities to balancing main quests with lucrative side missions, these strategies will transform you from a novice into a formidable force in Star Wars Outlaws on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox.
Yes, Star Wars Outlaws spans five whole planets. And since it’s a Ubisoft game – with all the icons on all the sprawling maps that baggage generally entails – each of those planets is as dense as downtown Coruscant. That’s to say nothing of the fact that Outlaws itself is a chimera of, oh, every single popular AAA game design trend from the past 15 years.
To that end, here are 13(13!) beginner’s tips we would’ve loved to have before starting Star Wars Outlaws.
Don’t panic, there’s a map
At the start of Star Wars Outlaws, players face the challenge of having no map available, which can feel disorienting in such a vast open-world game. However, this is only temporary; after about an hour or two of gameplay and completing the ’Underworld’ mission in the city of Mirog on the planet Tara, the map feature unlocks, allowing players to navigate the five distinct planets more easily. Fast travel also becomes available soon after, making exploration and mission completion much more manageable. So, don’t panic-there’s a map coming to guide you through the galaxy soon enough.
When you start Star Wars Outlaws, there’s no map – you don’t even have a grayed-out menu option. And there’s just something unsettling about playing an open-world Ubisoft game without a map.
Luckily, that only lasts until you reach the city of Mirogana on Toshara, roughly an hour or two in. The game just has to get you through some scripted sequences and teach you the basics for a while first. After you get through that – specifically, once you complete the Reach Mirogana objective during “Underworld” – you’ll get access to a map and, eventually, fast travel.
But feel free to panic over all of the stealth
Star Wars Outlaws leans heavily on stealth gameplay, making it essential to approach many missions with caution rather than brute force. Certain objectives will fail instantly if you are detected, and combat situations often pit you against overwhelming numbers, encouraging a stealth-first mindset. The stealth system is forgiving and reminiscent of later Assassin’s Creed titles, but you should avoid blasting your way through encounters. Features like a rhythm-based lock-picking mini-game add challenge, especially since the game world continues in real-time during these moments, meaning guards can still catch you. Using your companion Nix to distract enemies or interact with the environment can be a vital part of staying hidden. So, while the game invites you to panic over the stealth demands, mastering patience and strategy will reward you with smoother progression.
For a game clearly inspired by Han Solo (you know, the guy famous for shooting first), Star Wars Outlaws downplays shootouts. All pre-release materials, including marketing and previews, suggested a game that allowed you to approach situations with whatever means you see fit, whether that’s sneaking through enemy bases or “going loud” (i.e., shooting first).
In reality, Outlaws is extremely focused on stealth – to the point where there are a number of missions you’ll automatically fail just by being spotted. Meanwhile, some situations where shooting seems like an option will then flood you with so many enemies that you simply don’t stand a chance. It’s the illusion of choice, but really, you only have one option: the quiet one.
The stealth mechanic(s) work a lot like the later Assassin’s Creed games and they’re pretty forgiving, but don’t approach Star Wars Outlaws thinking you can blast your way out of any situation. You’re going to have to be stealthy a lot.
Luckily, you’ve got help with that.
When in doubt, trust Nix
When in doubt, trust Nix. In Star Wars Outlaws, Nix is not just a companion but an essential tool for exploration and stealth. Using Nix’s unique vision ability allows you to spot interactable objects and valuables from a distance, making treasure hunting and mission navigation much easier. He can also distract guards, open vents, sabotage mechanisms, and even pickpocket without drawing attention, which is invaluable when you want to avoid direct combat or need to stealthily handle multiple enemies. Leveraging Nix’s abilities effectively can turn challenging situations in your favor, making him your most reliable ally in the galaxy.
Nix is Kay’s constant companion and partner. It’s unfair to think of him as a sidekick, though. And equally unfair to think of him as a pet. Nix is really an extension of Kay and her abilities. Nix can fetch out-of-reach items, push buttons to open doors, distract enemies and security cameras, pickpocket marks, and even sabotage alarm panels. Better yet, Nix can do all of that without raising any suspicions (probably because he’s so dang cute). Even in hostile areas where Kay would get shot or captured immediately, Nix can move freely.
Can’t figure out how to stealthily navigate an Imperial space station without getting spotted? Maybe Nix can squeeze through a window. Can’t get past a patrolling guard? Send Nix to get them to turn around (or just claw their eyes out).
Using Nix as a distraction has one caveat, though: Distractions only work on one person at a time. Kay’s whistle will only draw one guard (the one closest to you – even if they’re behind you), and Nix’s antics only distract one guard at a time. Sometimes, this works to your advantage, like when you’re picking off guards one by one. More often, however, it’ll be a thing to work around, since guards rarely travel alone. Learn the limitations of distraction early so you know what you’re working with.
The grappling hook is imprecise
Star Wars Outlaws features a grappling hook mechanic that can feel imprecise and challenging to master. The grappling hook only works at specific grapple points and requires precise timing to swing and dismount successfully. Misjudging your swing or release can lead to falling, making traversal risky. This mechanic demands adjustment and patience, as it is less straightforward than typical grappling hooks in other games, requiring players to carefully time their movements to avoid mishaps during climbs or swings.
Star Wars Outlaws is really challenging our bone-deep belief that every game benefits from the inclusion of a grappling hook. The grappling hook isn’t going to come up a lot, but, when it does, it takes some getting used to. Let us set your expectations.
The grappling hook ability is highly dependent on context. The prompt (clicking the right thumbstick) will only appear when you’re near a grapple point. Sometimes, grappling is just for climbing or descending. More often, though, it’s for swinging. And that’s where the problems start.
Mistiming the dismount while swinging (jumping with X on PS5) often sends you careening into whatever chasm you’re trying to jump across. But if you just detach the grappling hook (circle on PS5), you’ll continue on whatever trajectory you were originally on – meaning it’s a far more precise method than simply jumping.
You’ll be doing a lot of this kind of traversal as you play Star Wars Outlaws, because.
There’s always another way in
In Star Wars Outlaws, there’s always more than one way to approach any objective. Whether infiltrating enemy bases, breaking into vaults, or navigating hostile territory, you can choose from multiple routes such as climbing walls, sneaking through vents, using your companion Nix to trigger devices, or going in with a direct assault. If one path proves difficult, exploring alternatives can often lead to better success and a more enjoyable playstyle. This flexibility encourages creative problem-solving and makes each mission feel dynamic and engaging.
Kay isn’t exactly welcome everywhere she goes – she’s an outlaw, after all. Between gangs that don’t like you (more on this in a minute) and trigger-happy Imperials, the front door isn’t going to be an option for a lot of the places you need to visit.
Luckily, every base, hideout, station, and even cave in Star Wars Outlaws has at least one other entrance – there’s always (always) an air vent or a convenient grapple point nearby. (You learn this early on while sneaking into the Pyke Syndicate territory.) Whenever you run into a particularly unhelpful guard or bouncer, just look around. There will be another way to get inside not too far away.
Once inside, you just have to worry about being spotted. But not by everyone.
Not everyone is a guard
Not everyone in Star Wars Outlaws is a guard, and understanding this distinction is key to navigating the game’s stealth and interaction mechanics effectively. Guards have notably sharp eyesight and can spot you through walls and vents, making stealth challenging. However, not all NPCs pose the same threat level; some can be distracted or manipulated, especially with the help of your companion, Nix, who can perform actions like distracting guards or stealing items without drawing attention. Recognizing who is a guard and who isn’t allows you to plan your approach better, whether that’s sneaking past, bluffing, or engaging in combat. This awareness is crucial since stealth plays a significant role in the gameplay, and using Nix effectively can help you avoid detection and complete objectives more smoothly.
Everywhere you go will be populated by a mixture of armed guards – either gang members or stormtroopers – along with just random civilians. Civilians don’t care if you’re supposed to be there or not, so you don’t have to worry about being spotted by them.
When you’re in a hostile area – maybe the hideout of a gang with which you have a poor reputation – you only have to watch out for guards. They’ll be wearing uniforms and usually carrying a weapon of some sort. They’re often patrolling and they kind of stand out.
A quick note: Restricted areas are a little different. Those are places you’re never allowed to go regardless of your reputation, and are populated only with guards.
Sneaking in through the side door and dodging guards only really matters when you’re not in good with the gang that controls the district, though.
You can just walk through the front door
In Star Wars Outlaws, you don’t always have to rely on stealth or complex tactics to get through certain areas-sometimes, you can simply walk through the front door. The game offers multiple routes to objectives, and if sneaking around proves difficult, a direct approach can be surprisingly effective. Many enemies can be quickly taken down with melee punches, making a bold, straightforward entry a viable option when the mission allows it. This approach is especially useful when the game doesn’t enforce strict stealth restrictions, letting you clear the way with fists or blasters without being penalized immediately.
Doing things like providing intel to gang-affiliated merchants, completing missions and jobs, and even just playing cards can improve your reputation with the game’s various gangs. One of the benefits of getting your reputation up to good (or better) with each gang is that you can walk around their districts freely.
That makes your reputation another potential way to get inside most places. If you’re struggling with sneaking in someplace, just do some jobs for that gang, and they’ll let you walk right through the front door.
Your reputation can go down as well, though, so you might have to win front-door privileges multiple times because.
Star Wars Outlaws is an ’Are you mad at me?’ simulator
Star Wars Outlaws can feel like an “Are you mad at me?” simulator due to its intricate stealth and social interaction mechanics that constantly test your ability to bluff, deceive, and navigate tense situations. The game encourages players to gather detailed information about NPCs to successfully bluff or distract them, with failure often leading to hostile reactions and increased difficulty. This dynamic creates a gameplay experience where every choice and action can provoke suspicion or anger, making you carefully consider how to approach each encounter to avoid escalating conflicts unnecessarily.
Your reputation with the various gangs and factions in Star Wars Outlaws is going to vary a lot. Most of your missions will work at cross purposes, so doing something that makes the Hutts happy will anger the Crimson Dawn, something that benefits the Pyke Syndicate will upset the Ashiga Clan, and so on.
You’re always going to be juggling the various gangs’ opinion of you versus what you need from them at the moment. Sometimes it’s good to build up a cushion of goodwill with everyone so you can burn a bridge or two to accomplish another goal. Other times, it’s better to focus all of your efforts on one gang at a time so you can get better rewards and access to more contracts.
For a look at how this goes down early in the game, see our guide on whether to give intel to Crimson Dawn or the Pyke Syndicate.
Your blaster is your only permanent weapon
Your blaster is your only permanent weapon in Star Wars Outlaws, serving as Kay Vess’ primary firearm throughout the game. While you can find and use various temporary weapons like sniper rifles and rifles, these have limited ammo and are dropped in many situations such as climbing ladders or entering cutscenes. Therefore, upgrading and customizing your blaster is essential, as it offers multiple modules-Plasma, Ion, and Power-that unlock different firing modes and upgrades to suit different combat scenarios. This makes the blaster a versatile and reliable tool for survival and success in the game’s open-world environment.
You only have one permanent weapon in Star Wars Outlaws – your blaster. (Well, two if you include your fists.) You’ll put a lot of time and energy into finding upgrades for that blaster, and it’ll serve you well.
There are other weapons you can grab, like a DLT-20A sniper rifle or an E-11 blaster rifle. These are only temporary pickups, however. The sniper rifle, for example, only has three shots before you automatically drop it. You’ll also drop the weapon if you do something like climb a ladder.
Treat any of the weapons you pick up as temporary power-ups.
You can summon your speeder
In Star Wars Outlaws, you can quickly summon your speeder to your location by simply pressing right on the D-pad (or the Y key on PC). This feature allows you to avoid the hassle of fast traveling back to where you parked it and makes exploring large planets much easier. The speeder will arrive nearby almost instantly, ready for you to hop on and continue your journey. However, this ability only works in open-world areas where speeders are allowed; it won’t function in settlements or restricted zones. Alternatively, interacting with a speeder mechanic and opening the upgrade menu will also cause your speeder to spawn next to the shop. If your speeder gets stuck, moving to a less crowded area before summoning it again usually resolves the issue.
Play Star Wars Outlaws for a few hours, and it’ll happen to you: You’ll want to hop on your speeder, but you won’t want to fast travel alllll the way back to wherever the kriff you left it parked. What the game won’t tell you, though, is that you can summon your speeder.
By interacting with any speeder merchant, your speeder will automatically reappear next to the shop. Or there’s the far more effective solution: Simply press right on your D-pad.
You don’t need to pick that lock
In Star Wars Outlaws, you don’t always need to pick locks to progress. The lock-picking mini-game can be tricky, especially since it doesn’t pause the game world, leaving you vulnerable to patrolling guards during the attempt. Instead, consider alternative stealth approaches like using your companion Nix to interact with objects, distract enemies, or find other routes such as vents or climbing walls. These methods often provide safer and more efficient ways to bypass locked areas without risking detection or the challenges of the rhythm-based lock-picking mechanic.
Picking locked doors in Outlaws requires you to engage in a rhythm-based minigame. It’s a cool concept. But at least on PS5, the DualSense controller’s haptic triggers make it tough to match the rhythm. Plus, crucially, entering the lock-picking minigame doesn’t pause time in the “real” world – meaning that patrolling guards can still discover (and shoot at) you while you’re trying to hack into their mainframe or whatever. In other words, deactivating this minigame makes stealth easier (and you’ll be doing a lot of stealthing – see above).
You’ll find the setting to simplify lock-picking in the “gameplay” menu of your settings. Here, you can also streamline a number of other minigames, including slicing (that’s Star Wars for “hacking”), quick-time events, and the innocuous-seeming street food minigame that’s secretly one of the most frustrating parts of the game.
Abilities are wildly important
Abilities are wildly important in Star Wars Outlaws because they significantly enhance your gameplay experience and effectiveness as an outlaw. Unlike traditional RPGs, abilities are unlocked by gaining the trust of Experts through completing specific challenges, making each skill a rewarding mini-game in itself. These abilities range from essential combat skills like Cantina Brawling and Fast-Talk to utility skills such as Lockpicking and Slicing, which allow you to hack and open locked containers. Upgrading abilities improves not only your combat prowess and survivability but also your stealth, exploration, and interaction with the game world, such as highlighting treasures or creating smoke screens to evade enemies. Mastering these abilities early on is crucial to navigating the game’s challenges and making a name for yourself in the Outer Rim.
As you play Star Wars Outlaws, you’ll meet Experts – the first is Bram, the bartender from Canto Bight. There are various Experts you’ll meet over the course of the game, and each one has a set of abilities they’ll teach you.
In your menu, go to “Abilities” and then click on an Expert’s face card. The cards across the top of the screen are the abilities you can unlock. Each ability has a set of actions you have to complete or resources you have to gather before they’ll unlock.
At first glance, this might look like an optional challenge mechanic, but it’s actually your skill tree. The Expert abilities that you unlock are essential to improving your abilities. You’ll unlock everything from health upgrades, to smoke bombs, to a bigger bacta vial pouch, to huge improvements to your hacking – some of which are necessary for other missions.
Watch for yellow arrow signs
In Star Wars Outlaws, keep an eye out for yellow arrow signs and yellow paint marks as they serve as helpful guides to navigate the environment. These yellow indicators highlight climbable surfaces, paths to follow, and interactive objects, making traversal and puzzle-solving more accessible, especially for beginners. However, if you prefer a more immersive experience without these visual aids, the game offers an “Explorer Mode” that allows you to disable the yellow paint highlights, giving you the freedom to explore and discover paths on your own. This feature balances accessibility with immersion, catering to different player preferences.
You’ll be doing a lot of sneaking around and climbing in Star Wars Outlaws. A lot of the time, these traversal sections will be pretty clear and will have lots of prompts to walk you through them. Other times, though, it’s harder to figure out exactly where to start. Star Wars Outlaws doesn’t go out of its way to highlight every ledge and climbable wall. But there is a subtle hint you can watch for – these yellow triangle signs. They won’t be everywhere, and sometimes they’re easy to miss, but if you learn to watch for them, they’ll help guide your way.
What hidden secrets will I uncover by mastering stealth early on in Outlaws
Mastering stealth early in Star Wars Outlaws unlocks a wealth of hidden advantages that transform your gameplay. By honing your stealth skills, you gain access to silent takedowns that prevent alerting other enemies, allowing you to clear areas without combat escalation. You’ll discover blind spots and ways to deactivate alarms and cameras, crucial for successful infiltrations and avoiding reinforcements. Leveraging your companion Nix’s unique abilities-such as distracting enemies, sabotaging alarms, and pickpocketing-greatly expands your tactical options, making stealth missions more manageable and rewarding. Additionally, unlocking and equipping specialized thief gear sets and syndicate rewards enhances your ability to avoid detection and regain health during stealth takedowns, giving you a significant edge in hostile environments. Ultimately, mastering stealth opens up alternative routes and approaches to missions, letting you bypass heavily guarded areas through vents, high ground, or distractions, turning seemingly impossible challenges into achievable objectives.
What are the most effective stealth techniques I haven’t discovered yet
Here are some of the most effective stealth techniques you might not have discovered yet for Star Wars Outlaws, inspired by advanced stealth gameplay strategies:
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Mark and Track Enemies Through Walls: Unlock skills like “Tactical Awareness” to tag enemies through walls or obstacles, allowing you to plan your moves without surprises.
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Use Elevated Paths and Cable Lines: Enemies often fail to spot you when you move along overhead cables or high ground, giving you safe routes to bypass or ambush them.
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Prioritize Isolated Targets and Weak Points: Take out lone enemies quietly before tackling groups. For mech-like enemies (AMP suits), aim for their rear exhausts or pilot weak spots for silent kills.
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Chain Assassinations: If you sneak behind two enemies, you can perform a quick takedown on one and immediately execute the second with a throwing knife or similar silent weapon, chaining kills without alerting others.
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Equip Specialized Stealth Gear: Dark Tech gear sets, including boots that let you move crouched at full speed, significantly improve your stealth mobility and reduce noise.
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Use Distractions Strategically: Toss objects like a baseball to lure enemies into favorable positions or to break enemy line of sight, allowing you to sneak past or chain assassinations.
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EMP and Sabotage Tactics: Use EMP weapons or gadgets to disable enemy turrets, alarms, or drones silently, preventing reinforcements or detection without direct confrontation.
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Reposition After Being Spotted: If detected, immediately take full cover, retreat, and circle around at a different angle to lose enemy focus before re-engaging stealthily.
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Leverage Verticality and Alternative Routes: Climb, crawl, or use vents and hidden passages to bypass heavily guarded areas, giving you multiple tactical options beyond straightforward confrontation.
These techniques combined will greatly enhance your stealth effectiveness, making you a ghost in the Star Wars Outlaws universe.
