Why Star Wars Outlaws is a Must-Play Right Now

When Star Wars Outlaws first hit the shelves in August, it stumbled quite a bit. It didn’t just receive a lukewarm response from critics; it was also riddled with technical issues that ranged from minor visual glitches to severe, game-breaking bugs. One glaring problem forced some PS5 users to delete their save files entirely just to resolve some persistent technical hiccups, effectively wiping out their progress and starting them back at square one.

Fast forward a few months, and Star Wars Outlaws has made significant strides. Ubisoft has been all ears to the community’s feedback and rolled out multiple updates gradually elevating the gaming experience. However, all previous patches are overshadowed by the latest Title Update, packed with an array of fixes and new features targeting the most vocal player grievances head-on.

In the gaming landscape, especially for AAA titles like this, such continual improvement and attention to detail are crucial. After all, the gaming community does not easily forget early missteps, and it’s encouraging to see Ubisoft actively working to regain players’ trust by enhancing gameplay.

The latest update, 1.4.0, turns the spotlight significantly on the game’s stealth system, a component that was quite controversial at launch. Now, players can breathe a little easier, as being spotted during stealth sequences no longer results in an immediate mission failure. Also, roaming through syndicate-controlled zones will no longer force stealth upon players, allowing more freedom in gameplay.

Additionally, a revamped detection system gives players a heads-up when they’re about to be seen by enemies or if a takedown might alert others nearby. The tweaks also extend to ensuring that small quirks, like the whistling feature only attracting a single guard, are a thing of the past.

This update doesn’t stop at stealth improvements. Combat has received a significant overhaul. Enemies now have weak points, which, when hit, result in different death animations depending on which body part is targeted. Kay’s weaponry feels more fine-tuned, encouraging precision with adjusted recoil and spread, and headshots now pack more of a punch.

Enemy AI has been kicked up a notch too; foes exhibit smarter, more strategic behaviors. They’ll now use cover more effectively and react when explosions occur nearby, which can change the dynamic in heated firefights.

What’s more, Kay can now holster two-handed weapons during certain activities, such as riding a speeder or climbing.

Concerning the visual aspects, many initial launch complaints were directed towards the game’s inconsistent graphics, particularly noticeable during dialogue. The 1.4.0 update breathes new life into these sequences with enhanced facial animations and polished cinematic visuals, offering a more immersive experience.

For those seeking a reason to jump back into Star Wars Outlaws, the game’s first story DLC, “Wild Card,” might just be the catalyst. This fresh narrative brings together Kay Vess and the beloved Lando Calrissian as they navigate a high-stakes Sabacc tournament, adding a layer of narrative richness to explore.

In essence, Star Wars Outlaws invites players to traverse a galaxy teeming with opportunity. Its open-world structure allows you to step into the shoes of Kay Vess, carve out your own adventures, and face off against galaxy-spanning crime syndicates. Whether you’re engaging in strategic dogfights or embarking on daring heists, the game now feels ready to deliver on its ambitious promises—thanks, in no small part, to Ubisoft’s relentless commitment to refinement and player engagement.