As the first proper open-world game set in the galaxy far, far away, Star Wars Outlaws is a treat for fans of George Lucas’ space opera.

Star Wars Outlaws is filled with characters, experiences, and details we know and love from the franchise that will take Star Wars fans on a wholesome trip down memory lane.

Whether you grew up with Star Wars or you’ve recently discovered your fascination for this universe, there is much to love about the game. You might want to buckle up; these are some of the most important reasons why Star Wars Outlaws is a must-play for fans of George Lucas’ iconic space opera.

13. Stormtrooper Target Practice

Does shooting bucket heads ever get old? Image credit: Ubisoft

The iconic pew-pew sounds of blasters being shot will transport fans right back to the movies. Thankfully, blaster fights are a very common occurrence in Star Wars Outlaws.

Facing off against stormtroopers as the authentic pew pews fill the air is as exhilarating as it feels nostalgic. Beware, though; the stormtroopers have much better aim in this game!

12. It’s Up to You to Pick a Side

Which syndicate will you align with, and who will get stabbed in the back? Image credit: Ubisoft

Star Wars Outlaws is set far away from the usual galaxy-encompassing political war between the Empire and the Rebellion. Instead, it places you in a more grounded conflict between different factions who are all fighting for themselves.

This neutral ground leaves room for plenty of moral flexibility and ambiguity as you choose which syndicate to align with and which to stab in the back. Have you always hated the Pykes? Now is the time for payback. Is the nostalgia compelling you to align with the Hutts? It is all up to you.

11. Time to Play Sabacc

Refine your (cheating) skills in Sabacc. Image credit: Ubisoft

Sabacc isn’t just the gambling card game of the galaxy; it’s the game over which Han Solo once won the Millennium Falcon from Lando Calrissian. You can play at many locations on the Star Wars Outlaws map and not only learn the rules and strategies but also hone your cheating skills. Han and Lando would be proud.

The first post-launch DLC Wild Card, coming this fall, will up the ante with high-stakes Sabacc tournaments and Lando himself, allowing you to have your own face-off with the infamous smuggler.

10. Take Your Time and Enjoy the Small Things in Star Wars Outlaws

The team has put a lot of thought into every detail in the world. Image credit: Ubisoft

In large-scale heroic tales, it’s easy to brush over the details that make the galaxy far, far away so unique. Star Wars Outlaws gives you the space and time to enjoy the small things of galactic everyday life.

From the daily hustle and bustle and chatter on markets and allegedly delicious street food to small blaster components, the developers have paid attention to the details to flesh out the world and make it feel authentic.

9. Familiar Faces From Across the Galaxy

From stormtroopers and droids to aliens, the familiarity is palpable in every frame. Image credit: Ubisoft

The galaxy is filled with aliens from different planets with all kinds of looks and languages. We have gotten to know a lot of them over the years, and this game lets you see them all.

Many different species have authentically been recreated in the game, letting you recognize aliens and droid models wherever you look. Star Wars fans will feel right at home.

8. Cameos of Iconic Characters

The self-proclaimed “galactic entrepreneur” Lando Calrissian will join the action this fall. Image credit: Ubisoft

Star Wars Outlaws steers clear of most of the iconic protagonists from the space opera, but we do get quite a few cameos in the game that will have Star Wars fans’ eyes sparkle.

I’ll avoid spoilers, but quite a few household names make an appearance, with Lando Calrissian and space pirate Hondo Ohnaka joining the party in the upcoming DLCs. And having the legendary Jabba The Hutt playing a big part in the game comes with its own dose of nostalgia.

7. Star Wars Outlaws Is Filled With Fun Easter Eggs

Some Easter Eggs are easy to miss; others are right in your face, like this Krayt dragon. Image credit: Ubisoft

Each of the planets in Star Wars Outlaws is filled with fun Easter Eggs for Star Wars fans to discover. While some are more obvious, others might get missed if you don’t pay attention.

You’ll find references to different installments in the franchise, from the original trilogy to Rogue One, Solo: A Star Wars Story, and even Star Wars: Rebels, among others.

6. Explore the Iconic Planet of Tatooine

Need I say more? Image credit: Ubisoft

This is one of the biggest highlights in Star Wars Outlaws: traveling to Tatooine and exploring this “wretched hive of scum and villainy,” where so much of the Star Wars magic unfolded.

Race across the dunes, walk around the pourstone buildings, and head to the Mos Eisley Cantina. You can even visit Luke Skywalker’s former home, the Lars homestead. Do this at the right time of day, and you’ll get to recreate the iconic scene of the setting suns.

5. Live a Han Solo-esque Adventure

Live the life of a scoundrel flying from planet to planet to chase the next big job. Image credit: Ubisoft

As a scoundrel doing her best to make ends meet, Kay’s story is very much in line with that of Han Solo.

This means you get to be a law unto yourself and experience the fantasy of a space pirate, living from heist to heist in hopes of eventually landing that one big final job. Any fan who’s always wanted to live Han’s exhilarating life can now experience it through Kay’s story.

4. Explore the Underbelly of the Galaxy Far, Far Away

Star Wars Outlaws is grounded in the lives of the civilians. Image credit: Ubisoft

No Force, no lightsabers, no star systems to save. Star Wars Outlaws is grounded in a much more down-to-earth adventure that explores an angle of the galaxy that doesn’t get the limelight in the heroic tales of Jedi Knights.

The game showcases the daily lives and struggles of the galaxy’s civilians as you get immersed in the grungy underbelly of the Outer Rim that plays by its own rules. Star Wars doesn’t need Jedi to shine.

3. ND-5, Because Every Star Wars Adventure Needs a Droid Companion

ND-5 is Kay’s gruff droid companion in a trench coat. Image credit: Ubisoft

Every Star Wars story worth its salt needs a droid companion. We can all agree on that, and thankfully so does Ubisoft. Early in the game, Kay meets ND-5, a stoic BX-series commando droid, who accompanies her to help pull off a heist.

The franchise has had many unique droids, all with more or less emotional personalities, and ND-5’s gruff seriousness works well with Kay’s humorous remarks. He also wears a trench coat, something that has somehow made the internet thirst over him (hey, we don’t judge).

2. Nix, Your Trusted Sidekick and Partner in Crime

What fun would exploring the galaxy far, far away be without a cute little sidekick? Image credit: Ubisoft

ND-5 is cool in every sense of the word, but if one character gets the trophy for the best companion in Star Wars Outlaws, it’s Nix, Kay’s cute little merqaal sidekick.

Their companionship continues the legacy of Star Wars characters with cute little guys, like Luke and R2-D2, Rey and BB8, Hera and Chopper, and maybe even Han and Chewy (although he’s not particularly little).

Inspired by the developers’ pets, Nix is insanely adorable, as is their relationship. You can pet him, do tricks, share meals, and even ask him for help to distract people, fetch items, and much more. Some might even say he is the real star of the game and reason enough to play.

1. The Star Wars Vibe Is Strong With This One

Star Wars Outlaws oozes Star Wars vibes in every scene. Image credit: Ubisoft

It was Ubisoft’s ambition to recreate the same visual feel and tone of the original Star Wars trilogy, and it nailed it. The Star Wars vibes are palpable wherever you go.

The details in every scene, from the alien-language chatter and beeping droids to the whooshing sounds of ships taking off and the legendary blaster pew pews—this is what Star Wars is and feels like.

If you’re a fan of the space opera and you want to immerse yourself in that universe, then Star Wars Outlaws is for you.

Are you a Star Wars fan, and will you give this game a go? Remember, do or do not; there is no try. Let us know what you think in the comments below.