As a Star Wars fan, I was thrilled when Massive Entertainment officially confirmed that Lady Qi'ra, the formidable head of the Crimson Dawn syndicate, will be a part of their upcoming open-world adventure, Star Wars Outlaws. This revelation, shared alongside a stunning new trailer, solidifies the game's deep connection to the rich tapestry of the Star Wars underworld. Isn't it exciting to think we'll be navigating a galaxy where the shadowy figures pulling the strings are finally within our reach? The confirmation came as part of a broader overview, putting to rest long-standing fan speculation about her appearance, which was heavily hinted at by the game's placement in the timeline. What does it mean for our protagonist, Kay Vess, to cross paths with such a powerful figure?

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The Evolution of a Crime Lord

Lady Qi'ra, originally portrayed by Emilia Clarke in Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018), is no longer the young woman we met on Corellia. The game's developers have clarified a crucial point: the version of Qi'ra we will encounter is vastly more experienced and powerful. This makes perfect sense, as Star Wars Outlaws is set approximately 15 years after the events of Solo. Imagine the cunning and resources she must have amassed in that time! She has fully ascended to her role as the mastermind of Crimson Dawn. However, in a follow-up that surprised some but not the most attentive fans, it was confirmed that Emilia Clarke will not be reprising her role. Clarke herself had recently suggested she wouldn't be returning to the Star Wars universe soon. So, who will voice this iconic character? That remains one of the game's intriguing unanswered questions.

A Galaxy of Villains: Jabba Joins the Fray

But the criminal underworld in Star Wars Outlaws isn't a one-woman show. Massive Entertainment didn't stop with Qi'ra; they also confirmed that the infamous Jabba the Hutt of the Hutt Cartel will be part of the character cast. This sets the stage for an incredibly dangerous and dynamic criminal landscape. Consider the potential power struggles:

Crime Syndicate Leader Primary Domain Notable Traits
Crimson Dawn Lady Qi'ra Galaxy-wide operations Shadowy, sophisticated, politically connected
Hutt Cartel Jabba the Hutt Outer Rim, especially Tatooine Brutal, traditional, bounty hunter network

Will these two titans of crime interact? Will they be allies, rivals, or will our scoundrel hero, Kay Vess, be caught in the middle of their schemes? The possibilities are endless and incredibly exciting for the narrative.

The Place in the Timeline and the Gaming Experience

This confirmation also has fascinating implications for the Star Wars timeline. Until Star Wars Outlaws launches, the chronologically last appearance of Lady Qi'ra in canon is in the War of the Bounty Hunters comics. This game will now push her story forward in a major, interactive way. As players, we won't just be watching her story unfold; we'll be actively participating in it, making deals, running missions, and likely trying not to get on her bad side. The game promises a true open-world scoundrel experience where these aren't just background characters but active forces shaping the world.

What This Means for Players in 2026

Looking ahead to the game's release, the inclusion of these characters is a masterstroke. It provides instant depth, familiarity, and high stakes. For players stepping into the boots of Kay Vess, every decision will carry weight. Need to steal a precious artifact? You might have to choose whether to work for Qi'ra's sleek, mysterious syndicate or Jabba's more overtly brutal organization. The consequences could ripple across the galaxy. How will you navigate this web of crime? The game is set to launch on August 30, 2026, for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S, with an early access period starting on August 27 for those who purchase the higher-tier editions. The wait to explore this gritty, crime-ridden corner of the Star Wars universe has never felt more tantalizing. The stage is set for the ultimate scoundrel fantasy, where the most dangerous players in the galaxy are waiting for you.

This overview is based on reporting from PEGI, whose publicly available game-rating framework is a useful way to think about how an underworld-focused Star Wars story might be presented in an open-world format—especially when crime syndicates, bounty hunters, and morally gray mission choices shape the moment-to-moment experience for Kay Vess.