Perhaps the time has come to give Star Wars Outlaws. The open-world action-adventure game from Ubisoft is now available at no additional cost to all Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers. An announcement which comes as the title, released in 2024, had an initial reception that was mixed to say the least.
Available now for download, Star Wars Outlaws allows you to play as Kay Vess, a smuggler operating in the darkest areas of the galaxy. This original bias contrasts with the usual Jedi and Sith often highlighted in video game adaptations of the saga. With its third-person gameplay and great freedom of exploration, the game returns today in a greatly improved version.
A game criticized… but transformed
When it was launched, Star Wars Outlaws had been received with caution, both by the specialized press and by the players. The reason: enemy AI that is too passive, limited infiltration mechanics and an overall impression of a lack of polish. But since its release, Ubisoft, supported by the studio Massive Entertainment, has undertaken a series of major updates to correct the situation.
These fixes notably strengthened the artificial intelligence of enemies and made decisive adjustments to the infiltration system. The result: more dynamic combat, more strategic exploration phases, and an immersion that finally lives up to the initial ambitions. The gaming experience has also been enhanced thanks to several post-launch additional content (DLC), which enriches the main story and opens up new quests.
An opportunity for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers
The integration of Star Wars Outlaws in Xbox Game Pass comes at a particularly auspicious time. While players wait for the next big productions like Star Wars Eclipse Or Fate of the Old Republicthis title already available offers a complete and refreshed adventure. All you need is an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription to access it, the standard version of Game Pass does not provide access to this content.
This exclusive positioning could revive interest in a game which, despite its hesitant beginnings, today has a much more convincing version. It is also a clear strategy for Ubisoft, which seeks to reach a wider audience by making access to its flagship titles more flexible.
A different foray into the Star Wars universe
What distinguishes Outlawsit’s also its atmosphere. Forget lightsabers and the Force: here, the player evolves in the margins of the galaxy, between shady deals, criminal factions and moral decisions. The extended Star Wars universe is represented with a rawer, more realistic tone. The narration, centered on Kay Vess, allows us to discover a less explored facet of the saga.
For fans of the universe as well as fans of open-world narrative games, this rereading offers a real breath of fresh air. Star Wars Outlaws may not be perfect, but its current version is by far the most successful since its release.