Star Wars Outlaws Timeline (explained)

When is Star Wars Outlaws set?

Star Wars Outlaws Timeline Explained

Understanding the timeline of Star Wars Outlaws is essential for immersing yourself in the game’s rich narrative and making the most of your gameplay experience. Star Wars Outlaws, promises to take us on a thrilling adventure through the criminal underworld of the Galactic Civil War. But where and when exactly does this story unfold?

In this article, we’ll delve into the specific time period that sets the stage for Star Wars Outlaws and explore its implications for the game’s narrative and characters.

What Time is Star Wars Outlaws Set In?

Star Wars Outlaws is set between the events of The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. This places it during the height of the Galactic Civil War, a time of great turmoil and conflict. The Empire is at its peak, and the Rebel Alliance is struggling to gain ground.

For reference, here’s a list of the main Star Wars movies in chronological order, based on their in-universe timeline:

  1. The Phantom Menace (1999)
  2. Attack of the Clones (2002)
  3. Revenge of the Sith (2005)
  4. Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)
  5. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)
  6. A New Hope (1977)
  7. The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
  8. Return of the Jedi (1983)

The Galactic Civil War is raging, with the Empire exerting its iron grip over the galaxy. The Rebel Alliance is fighting for freedom and hope, but their forces are scattered and outnumbered. The galaxy is a dangerous place, filled with conflict, corruption, and uncertainty. Criminals and bounty hunters roam freely, taking advantage of the chaos to line their pockets.

The game follows Kay Vess, a charismatic and skilled scoundrel who navigates the criminal underworld. She’s not a Jedi or a Rebel, but she’s caught up in the larger conflict and must make choices that can affect the fate of the galaxy. Star Wars Outlaws is a thrilling adventure filled with heists, chases, and dangerous encounters. The game focuses on the gritty reality of life in the underworld, rather than the epic battles between the Empire and the Rebels.

How does the game’s timeline fit with major events in the Star Wars saga?

Star Wars Outlaws is set during a pivotal time in the Galactic Civil War, when the Rebel Alliance is just gaining momentum and the Empire is facing increasing challenges. Asara, a member of Kay Vess’ crew, reveals her sister lost her life during the Battle of Scarif. This connection to the pivotal event depicted in the movie Rogue One: A Star Wars Story further solidifies the game’s place within the broader Star Wars timeline.

Are There Any Notable Cameos or Mentions of Main Star Wars Characters?

Here are some characters who made cameos in Star Wars Outlaws, given their prominence in the underworld during this era:

Jabba The Hutt Star Wars Outlaws Timeline Explained
  • Jabba the Hutt: As a powerful crime lord, Jabba crosses path with Kay in a quest in the game’s main storyline involving Nix.
Lando Calrissian Star Wars Outlaws Timeline Explained
  • Lando Calrissian: As a prominent figure in the criminal underworld and a former ally of the Empire, Lando appears in the game, offering a few quests and engaging Kay in several games of Sabacc along the way.
Boba Fett Star Wars Outlaws Timeline Explained
  • Boba Fett: A notorious bounty hunter during this time period, Boba Fett makes a cameo in the game, there are no quests tied to him. Kay Vess will just see him through the vents while infiltrating Jabba’s palace.
Han Solo in Carbonite freeze Star Wars Outlaws Timeline Explained
  • Han Solo: In Carbonite freeze. Han was frozen by Jabba the Hutt as punishment for failing to deliver Princess Leia, and in the game, you’ll see him in this status.
Darth Vader Star Wars Outlaws Timeline Explained
  • Darth Vader: The game’s timeline aligns perfectly with Vader’s active role in the Galactic Empire. His appearance in the game focuses on hunting for evidence related to the Rebel Alliance, their activities and their location.

Stay tuned for our separate article on all the cameos and Easter eggs hidden within the game!

Are there Jedi in Star Wars Outlaws?

Given that Star Wars Outlaws is set after the Purge (Order 66) during Revenge of the Sith, it’s unlikely that there will be many openly active Jedi. The Empire’s relentless pursuit of Jedi during this time could only mean that they are in hiding.

Lars homestead in ruins - Star Wars Outlaws

However, in Tatooine, the inclusion of the Lars homestead in ruins could be seen as a visual reference to the events of A New Hope. It’s a way to remind players of the tragic events that shaped Luke Skywalker’s life and to connect the game’s setting to the larger Star Wars narrative. During this period, Luke is actively training with Yoda on Dagobah. While Luke Skywalker did not appear in Star Wars Outlaws, the game’s focus is on the Underworld, and this focus on non-Force-sensitive characters aligns with the game’s overall theme and setting.

Kay Vess is a scoundrel and a criminal, not a Jedi. Her story revolves around her interactions with other criminals, bounty hunters, and Imperials.

Want to know our thoughts on Star Wars Outlaws? Be sure to check out our review!

Managing Editor / Business Development