Where Star Wars Outlaws Fits Into the Greater Star Wars Universe

Star Wars Bandits sends players on a planet-hopping adventure as Kay Vess, a rising rogue who mixes with the galaxy’s underworld as she pursues a new life. Unlike much of the recent Star Wars content, you don’t need to know much about the franchise’s expanded universe to experience the events of Outsiders. This is a game that sits firmly within the fiction and aesthetic of George Lucas’ original trilogy. If you’ve seen those classic Star Wars films, you’ll be familiar with the sights and sounds of Outsiders.

But there are a few things you might want to know about where Star Wars Bandits fits into the larger Star Wars franchise. We explain.

Ubisoft’s new open-world Star Wars game is set between the events of Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back And Return of the Jedi. The Galactic Empire is in full force in this game, and is busy wiping out the Rebel Alliance. This means that the criminal underworld of the galaxy is flourishing, while the Empire looks the other way.

You’ll encounter some familiar faces, such as Jabba the Hutt and his lackeys hiding out on Tatooine, and you’ll play cards (Sabacc) against Lando Calrissian. You’ll also encounter other characters from the Star Wars universe, including Qi’ra, who was introduced to Star Wars fans in 2018 Solo: A Star Wars Story. Qi’ra was played by actor Emilia Clarke in Solobut she does not reprise her role in Outsiders.

Most of the cast of Outsiders is original to the game. Kay Vess, her merqaal companion Nix, Rodian mechanic Waka, and BX Commando droid ND-5 all make their Star Wars debuts in Outsiders. Villain Sliro and bounty hunter Vail are also original characters created specifically for the game.

Star Wars Bandits features several criminal gangs that Kay can join or betray for the right opportunity: the Hutt Cartel, the Pyke Syndicate, Crimson Dawn, and the Ashiga Clan.

Even casual Star Wars fans are likely familiar with the Hutts, or at the very least the giant slug-like crime lord Jabba the Hutt. While players will meet Jabba himself in Star Wars BanditsHe is a man of leisure and prefers to stay on Tatooine. During the game you will come into contact with Jabba’s minions from other alien species representing the Hutts.

The Pyke Syndicate is a powerful group of spice traders from the planet Oba Diah, the original home of the Pyke species. Pykes first appeared in Star Wars fiction in the animated series Star Wars: The Clone Warsand made their live-action film debut in Solo: A Star Wars Story. They were also a big part of the Disney Plus series The Book of Boba Fettif you want to know more about the Pykes.

Crimson Dawn was introduced in Solo: A Star Wars Story. Crimson Dawn was born from a group of ruthless mercenaries and was at one point led by Sith Lord Darth Maul (of The Ghost Threat) and became one of the most feared syndicates in the Galactic Empire. Crimson Dawn in Outsiders is led by Lady Qi’ra, a former love interest of Han Solo.

The Ashiga Clan is new to the Star Wars universe and was created specifically for OutsidersThe Syndicate was founded by the Melitto race, which has appeared in several Star Wars fictional works and is headquartered on the planet Kijimi, which is briefly seen in Star Wars: The Rise of SkywalkerThe design of the Ashiga was strongly influenced by Japanese architecture and clothing.

There is another syndicate: Zerek Besh. It is led by the villain Sliro and is originally from Star Wars BanditsPlayers will learn more about its true origins and purpose as the game progresses.