If you’re just starting Star Wars Outlaws, you’ll likely be wondering where it takes place on the Star Wars timeline. It’s obvious that it’s set during the Galactic Civil War, but that’s a whole two decades where the game could fall. Fortunately, there’s a definitive answer for when Outlaws occurs, which we’ll dive into below.
What year does Star Wars Outlaws occur?
Star Wars Outlaws takes place between The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi in 3 ABY. This is quite a busy year in the Star Wars universe, with several key events occurring:
- The Rebel Alliance base on Hoth falls to Imperial forces and the rebel fleet scatters.
- Luke Skywalker trains with Yoda on Dagobah.
- Han Solo is encased in carbonite and Boba Fett takes him to Jabba to collect the bounty on his head.
- Luke Skywalker learns that Darth Vader is his father, the fallen Jedi Anakin Skywalker.
- The Rebel fleet regathers.
- Dash Rendar investigates the Black Sun.
However, Kay Vess, the protagonist of Star Wars Outlaws has no clue any of the above is occurring. While she encounters plenty of Imperials, the war doesn’t stretch to the Outer Rim planets she visits. So, while you may hear whispers of major events like the Battle of Hoth, you won’t actually participate in any of them.
Instead, Kay’s quests revolve around smuggling operations, bounty hunting, and solving local disputes, providing a unique perspective on what’s happening in the Outer Rim during this time. Her adventures offer players a chance to explore lesser-known corners of the galaxy, interact with new characters, and uncover hidden stories within the Star Wars universe.
As Kay Vess explores the Outer Rim, her adventures are more personal and localized, focusing on immediate challenges and the intricacies of space outlaw life. This setting allows the game to introduce fresh narratives while maintaining the rich, interconnected feel of the Star Wars saga.
