Now that the dust has somewhat settled onAssassin’s Creed Shadows, players are likely looking for their next open-world adventure. Of course, there’s a plethora of great titles releasing this year. However, there are many that dropped last year that few people actually played. Surprisingly, one of those was developed by Ubisoft, with a huge amount of time, money, and resources going into producing it. Despite a relatively warm reception, practically no one played it, and its sales didn’t reach their expected heights.

While there are manyglowing AC Shadows reviewsand player responses pointing out just how much Ubisoft has changed and grown as a developer,this previous Ubisoft game actually featured many of the improvementsShadowsenjoys and even more. Of course, as no one played it, they flew under the radar. That’s why it is about time we reevaluate our stance on this underrated Ubisoft title and give it another chance, if only to set the record straight once and for all.

A Speeder racing across the water in Star Wars Outlaws.

It Actually Gets A Lot Right

Star Wars Outlawsis a very good Ubisoft video game that practically no one played. As aforementioned,Outlaws’abysmal sales- that put it lower in the sales charts thanStar Wars Jedi: Survivorin 2024 - led to few people actually trying it, often waiting for the inevitable heavy discount that comes for all Ubisoft games. However,those sales aren’t reflective of the game’s overall quality, as it not only fixes a lot of theworst parts of Ubisoft’s gamesbut also offers one of the most compellingStar Warsexperiences in some time.

Assassin’s CreedShadowsactually lacks a lot ofStar Wars Outlaws’best features.

This is perhapsOutlaws’biggest strength, as its vast open worlds are as immersive as they are brimming with details. The inclusion ofOutlaw’sbest minigames, coupled with the varied NPC dialogue and animations, and the plethora of effects and unique assets all help to capture theStar Warsfeeling in a way no other game has. Of course, those who really care aboutStar Warshave likely played it. Those who don’t should play it because, despite releasing later than it,Assassin’s CreedShadowsactually lacks a lot ofStar Wars Outlaws’best features.

Star Wars Outlaws Has A Lot That Shadows Lacks

It Has A Better Approach To Exploration

WhileAssassin’s Creed Shadows’immersive worldis impressive to look at, and Ubisoft’s streamlined and linear approach to exploration helps keep players focused and prevents them from becoming overwhelmed, it lacks the far superior exploration mechanics thatStar Wars Outlawsemploys.There are far more hidden secrets inOutlaws’world than there are inShadows', all of which are better telegraphed and more naturally discovered. The reputation system, as somewhat shallow as it can eventually feel, does give more meaning to the world and how players approach it compared toShadows.

Cyberpunk 2077 Sequel Desperately Needs To Borrow Star Wars Outlaws' Best Feature

Cyberpunk 2077 is almost perfect, but one of its important mechanics is broken. Luckily, it can be fixed by taking Star Wars Outlaw’s best feature.

Furthermore,Star Wars Outlaws’approach to skills is far more nuanced, with players having to actively hunt down teachers and complete quests for them in order to unlock their skills. It is a far better and more immersive implementation of a skill tree thanAssassin’s Creed Shadows, which, at least in my opinion, makes it superior. Additionally, as frustrating as Kay Vess' weapon limit can be, it does make combat more exciting and varied, as it requires on-the-go adaptive thinking and strategizing.

Kay Vess from Star Wars Outlaws  holding a blaster next to Royce’s head from Cyberpunk 2077.

Fans Should Give Outlaws Another Chance

It Is Worth A Shot, Especially At A Discounted Price

After severalhugeStar Wars Outlawsupdates, the game has been vastly improved. Many of the frustrating features have been removed, and some of the more shallow mechanics have been enhanced to offer a more engrossing experience. It isn’t perfect by any means - this is still a Ubisoft game, after all - butStar Wars Outlawsis a much better game than it ever got credit for. So, it is definitely time that those who missed out on it the first time around give it a go, especially as it is frequently heavily discounted.

10 Hidden Star Wars Outlaws Features That Will Improve Your Experience

To get the most from a playthrough of Star Wars Outlaws, players should use every feature they can to maximize their experience exploring the galaxy.

Star Wars Outlawsmanages to beatAssassin’s Creed Shadowsin a lot of ways, which is reason enough to check it out. Those who found elements ofShadows’world and combat disappointing may find a lot to like inOutlaws.Shadowsis still the superior stealth experience, butStar Wars Outlawsdoes deliver a more focused narrative that’s perhaps preferable to those who missAssassin’s Creed’soriginal storytelling methods.Assassin’s Creed Shadowsfans should definitely giveStar Wars Outlawsthe love and attention it deserves.

The key art for Star Wars Outlaws featuring Kay, Nix, ND-5, and the rest of the cast.

Kay Vess and Nix standing in front of a space scene with the trailblazer ship heading towards a cold looking planet.

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