As a massive Star Wars fan, I can't wait for the release of Star Wars Outlaws in 2024. Ubisoft's open-world RPG is shaping up to be a game-changer, letting us step into the boots of a smuggler named Kay Vess and her adorable Merqaal companion, Nix. The hype is real, and the galaxy far, far away is calling. But hey, let's be real, waiting for a new game can feel like a Kessel Run without the Millennium Falcon. So, I figured why not dive back into some classic Star Wars adventures to get prepped? Here are my top picks for games that'll get you in the perfect headspace for Kay Vess's big heist.

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The Modern Jedi Masterclass: Jedi Fallen Order & Survivor

Seriously, if you haven't played these, what are you even doing? Respawn Entertainment totally nailed it with Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order. It brought back single-player, story-driven Star Wars games in a major way. You play as Cal Kestis, a Jedi Padawan on the run after Order 66. The game is a bit more linear, but the lightsaber combat and Force powers are on point. It's all about mastering your skills and uncovering a compelling story. Five years later, we got the sequel, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor.

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Survivor is, hands down, the perfect bridge to Outlaws. It still has a focused story, but the planet Koboh gives you a massive area to explore. It's got that open-world vibe—secret paths, hidden collectibles, and areas you can only access with new abilities. Playing as Cal, regrouping with the crew, and exploring Koboh totally sets the stage for the kind of adventurous, exploration-heavy gameplay we're expecting from Outlaws. It's the gold standard for modern Star Wars action-adventure.

Game Release Year Developer Key Hook
Jedi: Fallen Order 2019 Respawn Entertainment Linear story, tight lightsaber combat, introduces Cal Kestis.
Jedi: Survivor 2023 Respawn Entertainment Expanded exploration on Koboh, direct sequel, bridges to open-world.
Star Wars Outlaws 2024 Ubisoft Massive First true open-world Star Wars RPG, play as a smuggler.

The Criminally Fun Classics

Want to get into the scoundrel mindset before playing as Kay Vess? Look no further than these gems.

  • Star Wars: Bounty Hunter (2002): Okay, this one is old-school, but don't sleep on it! This game lets you play as the legendary Jango Fett. It's a gritty, third-person shooter that dives deep into the seedy underworld of the galaxy. You're taking contracts, hunting targets, and dealing with syndicates. It's a total blast from the past and a fantastic look at the life of a galactic mercenary. Talk about walking a mile in someone's beskar boots!

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  • Star Wars: The Old Republic (2011): This MMORPG is still going strong! The best part? You can literally create your own Smuggler. 😎 Set thousands of years before the movies, SWTOR offers insane freedom. You craft your story, choose your allegiances, and explore a vast galaxy. If you want to role-play as a cunning outlaw making your own way, this is your playground. It's the ultimate live-service Star Wars experience.

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The Ultimate Star Wars Refresher Course

Feeling a bit rusty on your Star Wars lore? No shame in that! These games are perfect for a fun, comprehensive recap.

  • Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga: This game is an absolute love letter to the entire franchise. It covers all nine main saga films with that classic Lego charm and humor. It's not just for kids; it's packed with deep-cut references and allows you to replay iconic moments at your own pace. It's the most joyful way to re-familiarize yourself with the galaxy's greatest hits before diving into a new story.

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  • Star Wars: Battlefront II: Yes, it had a rocky start, but the game it became is phenomenal for lore and pure Star Wars feeling. Jumping into massive battles across all three eras—Prequels, Originals, Sequels—is incredible. Playing as heroes, piloting starfighters, or just being a clone trooper on the front lines... it makes you feel like you're in the movies. It's the ultimate sandbox for Star Wars combat fantasies.

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My Final Take

Look, 2024 is gonna be a big year with Star Wars Outlaws. To truly appreciate a new story in this universe, sometimes you gotta revisit the classics. Whether you're mastering the Force with Cal, hunting bounties as Jango, creating your own legacy in The Old Republic, or just having a blast with Lego, each of these games offers a unique piece of the Star Wars puzzle. They remind us why we love this galaxy—the adventure, the scoundrels, the heroes, and the endless possibilities. So fire up one of these gems, and let's get ready to join Kay Vess for what's sure to be one heck of a ride in the Outer Rim. May the Force be with you... and watch out for those Imperial patrols! 🚀✨