Unveiling the Intriguing Criminal Factions in Star Wars Outlaws

The gameplay reveal trailer for Star Wars Outlaws provided fans with a sneak peek into the thrilling exploits of Kay Vess and her trusty sidekick Nix. Reminiscent of iconic characters like Han Solo, Kay embodies the swashbuckling spirit of a space outlaw, surviving on the fringes of a galaxy far, far away. Star Wars Outlaws presents a fresh twist on the smuggler archetype by delving into a corner of the Star Wars universe that exists beyond the Jedi-centric narrative. While the franchise has traditionally focused on Jedi characters, there has always been a dedicated fanbase invested in the stories of clone troopers and bounty hunters.

Though the game has just been revealed, Outlaws appears to be a long-awaited return to the blaster-wielding, non-Force-sensitive world that fans have yearned for since the cancellation of Star Wars 1313. As players embark on their conquest of the criminal underworld in the Outer Rim, they are bound to encounter a myriad of associates and rivals. The stage is set for a power struggle among the strongest underworld forces of the Imperial era, as evident from the premiere and gameplay trailers for the upcoming title.

One of the major criminal syndicates in Star Wars Outlaws is the Pyke Syndicate, which Kay finds herself entangled with after a daring heist on the moon of Toshara. The Pykes, known for their involvement in the corruption of the Empire, have a notorious reputation dating back to The Clone Wars era. They have been hired by Count Dooku to eliminate Jedi Master Sifo-Dyas, who played a pivotal role in the clone trooper project. The Pykes are infamous suppliers of spice, an illicit substance mined by slaves on the planet Kessel and traded to crime families on Coruscant.

Kay's remark about the Pykes possibly forgiving her suggests that her relationships with various organizations will play a crucial role in her criminal enterprises throughout the game. Outlaws features a reputation system intricately woven into the progression of its open world. The narrative director has indicated that falling out of favor with a particular faction may result in missed opportunities for jobs and alliances. This immersive design choice emphasizes player agency, as criminal syndicates like the Pyke Syndicate are ruthless and unlikely to forget past transgressions.

Another prominent faction in the game is the Hutt Clan, known for its dominance in Hutt Space—a region bordering the Outer Rim Territories. The Hutts, notorious for their manipulation and greed, play a significant role in the dark underworld of the Star Wars galaxy.

In the premiere trailer, a glimpse of Jabba the Hutt transporting a carbonite-frozen figure strongly hints at his presence in Outlaws. If the frozen individual is indeed Han Solo, it suggests that the game takes place between The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, with Jabba's influence extending into Kay Vess' story.

The Ashiga Clan, a newly introduced criminal syndicate in Star Wars Outlaws, remains shrouded in mystery. The trailer showcases a hooded figure dressed in black, executing a terrified Sullustan with a vibroblade—a weapon commonly used by those not attuned to the Force.

Although reminiscent of a dark Jedi, the absence of a lightsaber raises questions about their affiliation with the Sith. The Ashiga Clan's enigmatic presence may hold significant implications regarding their potential connection to the dark side.

Lastly, the Galactic Empire itself cannot be overlooked when discussing criminals during the Imperial era of Star Wars.

Under the malevolent rule of Darth Sidious, the entire galactic government is tainted by the twisted teachings of the Sith. The gameplay trailer for Outlaws even depicts an Imperial officer engaging in shady dealings with criminal syndicates.