Mastering Star Wars Outlaws: Expert Developer Strategies for Conquering Kessel Sabacc

Today marks the exciting release of Star Wars Outlaws’ first story pack, Wild Card, on Xbox Series X|S, kicking off with an adrenaline-filled Kessel Sabacc game aboard the casino cruiser Morenia. This isn’t your typical Sabacc game; the Kessel Sabacc follows slightly different rules and is played on a larger table compared to others across the galaxy. To get ahead, it’s time to familiarize yourself with these new dynamics and start crafting your strategies. Thibaut Machin, one of the developers, shares some insider advice on the most effective cheats and intel to outsmart your rivals and seize the coveted grand prize.

Ready to dive into this adventure? Before accessing Wild Card, you’ll need to tick off both the Gunsmith and The High Roller quests for Lando Calrissian. Once that’s done, you’ll find yourself stepping into the shoes of Kay Vess, who’s on a thrilling mission assigned by Governor Thorden from Toshara. Her task? Infiltrate a high-stakes Kessel Sabacc game to snatch a valuable prize, only to discover that there’s another clandestine game happening deep within the underworld. The game is by invitation only, challenging Kay to fully utilize her scoundrel charm and quick wit to secure her spot at the table.

As you sit down to play Kessel Sabacc, you’ll engage in an intense contest of blood and sand cards to craft the best hand. Each match comprises three turns, and running out of chips means you’re out. But this high-stakes version isn’t quite like the Sabacc games familiar to fans. The game is hosted by Protocol Droid EY-E9, aboard her casino cruiser Morenia. She imposes her house rules, notably banning shift tokens—tools players often rely on to gain an edge or disrupt opponents. EY-E9’s aim? A fair game for all.

However, even if shift tokens are off the table, Kay can still employ other means of getting ahead—as long as she doesn’t get caught. The three main cheats available in Star Wars Outlaws are using magnetic dice, Lando’s double draw trick to pick two cards instead of one, and utilizing Nix to peek at opponents’ hands. Unfortunately, in Wild Card, Nix won’t be the discreet helper he once was due to the lively and open setting, yet he does have a sneaky new trick: planting cards on opponents to get them caught and ejected by EY-E9.

Even more twists come as other players will also have their own tricks to tilt the game in their favor. Kay must stay sharp and attentive to both actions and conversations to catch their covert moves, subtly alerting EY-E9 and boosting her suspicion about those players. This newfound vigilance could often lead to opponents getting booted out from the game.

A further complication in Wild Card is facing off against more rivals than usual. Kay typically plays in four-person setups, but on the Morenia, she faces five opponents alongside her own spot. EY-E9 doesn’t just call the plays but interacts with players, entertaining the crowd, and ensuring fairness by keeping a wary eye on any cheating.

To get the best out of your Wild Card experience, we consulted Thibaut Machin, the game director at Ubisoft Paris, who has some compelling strategies to help you navigate these new challenges and come out victorious.

Let’s delve into the “Double Draw.” According to Machin, mastering this technique is vital. Normally, players would use a double draw to snag favorable cards and then discreetly discard the extra. He advises leveraging the double draw in combination with Nix’s card-planting trick instead of discarding. This way, you not only enhance your hand but also get a shot at booting another player out of the game.

When it comes to gathering intel, Machin suggests players thoroughly explore the Morenia for hidden clues about the Sabacc competitors. These clues can tip players off on other players’ cheats, which can then be leveraged to expose them during the game, possibly getting them booted for cheating.

Then, there’s the matter of reputation. The Morenia brims with syndicate members invited by EY-E9, who bring vibrant dynamics to the scene. For Kay, keeping a good rapport with these figures is crucial, aiding her navigation through the cruiser and smoothing her journey in the story pack. Machin highlights that aligning with these factions—or strategically choosing betrayal—can significantly shape her path.

Machin’s ultimate advice is patience: “Don’t rush,” he urges. With the bustling activity at the table, playing it careful is key to avoiding missteps. He stresses the importance of observing table interactions and the banter. While the knee-jerk reaction might be to use your chips to buy a better hand, remember you’ll face numerous rounds with only eight chips in play. So spend them wisely and be attentive to the swirling dynamics.

Lando Calrissian’s comical quips and the lively atmosphere add a layer of humor to the tense ambiance, enriching the player experience. Despite the intensity, these interactions keep the game immersive and entertaining.

So, dive into Star Wars Outlaws: Wild Card on your Xbox Series X|S today! And keep your eyes peeled for more updates by following Star Wars Outlaws on their official social channels and Xbox Wire. Exciting adventures await!