Today marks the release of “Wild Card,” the first story pack for Star Wars Outlaws on Xbox Series X|S, and fans of the franchise are in for a treat. Players will find themselves drawn into a thrilling game of Kessel Sabacc, taking place on the Morenia casino cruiser. This version of Sabacc comes with its own set of rules and a slightly larger table compared to what players might be used to, so understanding these nuances will be crucial in crafting a winning strategy. Developer Thibaut Machin shares some insider tips on how to cleverly cheat and gather intel to outplay rivals and seize the grand prize.
Once players complete the Gunsmith and The High Roller quest with Lando Calrissian, the adventure in “Wild Card” really kicks off. Our main character, Kay Vess, is assigned a daring mission by the Governor of Toshara, Thorden. She must infiltrate a high-stakes game of Kessel Sabacc and walk away with a much sought-after prize, all while navigating the shadows of a secretive underworld game. This adventure through the Star Wars universe is filled with opportunities for Kay to leverage her charm and savvy as she finds her way into this exclusive game.
As seasoned Sabacc players would expect, matches in Wild Card consist of drawing blood and sand cards to form a winning hand, with competitors facing off over a series of three turns. The catch here, though, is that once you’re out of chips to draw new cards, you’re out of the game. But this version of Kessel Sabacc includes a twist: hosted by Protocol Droid EY-E9 aboard the Morenia, the game bans the use of shift tokens, a tactical tool that often swings games in favor of seasoned players. EY-E9’s rule aims to level the playing field, ensuring fairness at every round, thus eliminating the need for tokens known to disrupt strategies.
Cheating, however, hasn’t been completely ruled out. The iconic cheats in Star Wars Outlaws include using magnetic dice, a double draw trick inspired by Lando Calrissian, and using Nix to peek at opponents’ hands. Yet in Wild Card, Nix cannot employ his usual tricks as the open, vibrant game environment makes it challenging for him to stay unnoticed. But fear not, Nix comes prepared with a new cheat—he can slyly plant cards on other players, setting them up to be accused of cheating and booted from the game by EY-E9.
Wild Card also introduces a new element to Kessel Sabacc where opponents are equipped with their own tricks to secure a win. It’s critical for Kay to stay vigilant, paying close attention to players’ actions and interactions to catch them red-handed and discreetly inform EY-E9, sowing suspicion and leading to their removal from the game.
Adding to the challenge, tables in Wild Card are more crowded. Unlike typical four-person setups, Kay will face five other opponents on the Morenia. EY-E9 will keep a close eye on proceedings, updating the onlookers and overseeing the action to ensure fair play.
We had a chat with Thibaut Machin, the game director at Ubisoft Paris, who offered some valuable tactics to enhance your gameplay in Wild Card’s take on Kessel Sabacc.
### Double Draw
Machin reveals that the double draw technique, a skill taught by Lando, is absolutely essential. Normally, players sneakily discard the extra card back into the deck. However, Machin suggests pairing double draw with Nix’s card-planting trick. Doing so not only enhances your hand but also gives you a shot at getting a rival ousted from the game.
### Gather Intel
Machin advises thorough exploration of the Morenia, pointing out that keeping an eye out for clues will pay off. These insights can reveal how opponents might be bending the rules, allowing players to act decisively during gameplay to catch them in the act.
### Have a Good Reputation
A host of syndicates are joining this adventure, thanks to invitations from EY-E9. Machin notes that building good relations with these groups can significantly aid Kay’s journey across the casino cruiser and simplify the challenges within this story pack.
### Take Your Time
Machin’s top tip? Patience. In this environment filled with distractions, it’s best to tread carefully rather than making hasty decisions. Watch the dynamics unfold and think strategically about when to use your chips as the game stretches over several rounds with limited chips available.
“Lando’s witty lines are sprinkled throughout, adding to the fun atmosphere and lightening the stakes,” Machin adds.
Jump into Star Wars Outlaws: Wild Card on Xbox Series X|S today, and keep an eye on upcoming updates by following their official channels including Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter), and Xbox Wire for all the latest adventures in the galaxy far, far away.
