“Star Wars Outlaws” takes players on an exhilarating planet-hopping adventure in the galaxy. Kay Vess, a rising scoundrel, mingles with the underworld as she chases a new life. Unlike many other recent Star Wars content, you don’t need extensive knowledge of the expanded universe to understand the events of this game. It firmly resides within the fiction and aesthetics of George Lucas’ original trilogy. If you’re familiar with the classic Star Wars films, you’ll be immersed in the sights and sounds of “Outlaws” right away.

But there are a few details to know about where “Star Wars Outlaws” fits into the grand Star Wars franchise. Let’s explore.

Ubisoft’s new open-world Star Wars game unfolds between the events of “Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back” and “Return of the Jedi”. The Galactic Empire is at its peak, intent on eradicating the Rebel Alliance. In this time, the galaxy’s criminal underworld thrives while the Empire turns a blind eye.

You’ll encounter familiar faces like Jabba the Hutt and his minions on Tatooine, and play Sabacc against Lando Calrissian. You’ll also come across other Star Wars characters, including Qi’ra, who was introduced in “Solo: A Star Wars Story”. Qi’ra, played by Emilia Clarke in “Solo”, doesn’t reprise her role in “Outlaws”.

The majority of the cast in “Outlaws” are original to the game. Kay Vess, her merqaal companion Nix, Rodian mechanic Waka, and BX Commando droid ND-5 all make their Star Wars debuts. Bad guy Sliro and bounty hunter Vail are also unique creations for the game.

“Star Wars Outlaws” features multiple criminal syndicates that Kay can align with or double-cross for opportunity. The Hutts, known for their slug-like crime lord Jabba the Hutt, are familiar to even casual fans. While Jabba himself is present in the game, players will interact more with his alien underlings.

The Pyke Syndicate, from the planet Oba Diah, is a powerful group of spice traders. They first appeared in “The Clone Wars” and made their live-action debut in “Solo: A Star Wars Story”. They also had a significant role in “The Book of Boba Fett”.

Crimson Dawn, introduced in “Solo: A Star Wars Story”, is led by Lady Qi’ra, a former love interest of Han Solo. It was once led by Sith Lord Darth Maul and was feared in the Galactic Empire.

The Ashiga Clan is new to the Star Wars universe and was created specifically for “Outlaws”. Influenced by Japanese architecture and clothing, it is headquartered on Kijimi, seen briefly in “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker”.

There’s also Zerek Besh, led by bad guy Sliro and original to “Star Wars Outlaws”. Players will discover its true nature and purpose throughout the game’s story.