Star Wars Outlaws’ inaugural story pack, Wild Card, has just made its grand entrance on Xbox Series X|S, inviting players into the thrilling world of Kessel Sabacc. This time, you’ll find yourself amidst the opulence of the casino cruiser Morenia, engaging in a slightly different version of the game compared to what you may have experienced throughout the galaxy. Those subtle rule changes are key, so it’s wise to gear up with a solid strategy. Developer Thibaut Machin shares insider advice on crafting the ultimate game plan, tapping into clever cheats, and gleaning crucial intel to outsmart your rivals.
For those eagerly diving into Wild Card, completing both the Gunsmith quest and The High Roller quest for Lando Calrissian is your ticket to start. In this new adventure, Kay Vess takes on a mission from Governor Thorden of Toshara to infiltrate the high-stakes Kessel Sabacc game, aiming for a prize that’s as coveted as it is shrouded in mystery—only to discover there’s a clandestine game beneath the surface. Kessel Sabacc is just the beginning of what Wild Card has in store. But this exclusive event isn’t for everyone; it’s all about working Kay’s charm to score an elusive invitation.
The core of Kessel Sabacc in Wild Card is familiar—players draw blood and sand cards to form the winning hand in a game of nerve and strategy. Each round unfolds over three turns, with your chips serving as your drawing power. Run out, and you’re sidelined.
Yet, the Sabacc you’re about to play here is anything but ordinary. Hosted on Morenia by the Protocol Droid EY-E9, you’ll notice a few changes—like the prohibition of shift tokens. These tokens usually offer players a sneaky edge, but EY-E9 is all about fair play, making this round a true test of skill.
Yet all is not entirely above board. The game allows for some cheeky moves, assuming you’re adept at them. The arsenal of cheats includes magnetic dice, Lando’s double draw trick for snagging two cards instead of one, and Nix’s hand-peeking antics. However, in Wild Card, Nix’s talents have shifted gears due to the festive and bustling environment full of spectators. But worry not, Nix still has a trick up his sleeve: the ability to slip cards onto unsuspecting players, hoping EY-E9 might spot them “cheating” and boot them from the table.
A new dynamic ascends in Wild Card—other players come armed with their own clever methods to tip the balance. Kay must keep a keen eye on everyone, catching their sneaky tricks and discretely signaling to EY-E9 to intervene. This leads to some players getting ejected, leaving Kay with one less contender.
Adding to the intrigue, Kay faces off against an increased number of opponents—a six-player table on Morenia, differing from the typical four-player setup across the galaxy. With EY-E9 keeping a strict but entertaining watch over the proceedings, players will need more than luck on their side.
To strategize about Wild Card’s unique Sabacc, we had the pleasure of speaking with Thibaut Machin, the creative mind from Ubisoft Paris. He shared insights into maneuvering these new rules and securing that coveted win.
One essential tactic? Embrace the double draw. This expert move, learned from Lando, is vital. It grants players an extra card for high-risk opportunities. Typically, players might sneak the extra card back into the deck unnoticed. Machin suggests coupling it with Nix’s sneaky card-planting instead. This way, not only do you strengthen your hand, but you might just get an opponent expelled.
Next, Machin emphasizes the importance of gathering intel. As you explore Morenia, observations about fellow Sabacc players could reveal opportunities to counter their cheating methods. Collect these clues, and you’ll have the upper hand in game time.
Maintaining strong syndicate ties is also crucial. With many influential figures on board Morenia, securing a spot at the table might require navigating alliances and possible betrayals. Machin hints that a solid reputation with the syndicates could smooth over difficulties in the game’s narrative.
In terms of pacing, Machin suggests patience. With limited chips and a long game ahead, rushing isn’t the smartest move. Observing every nuance of table conversations and player interactions becomes imperative. It’s here that you might find humor and camaraderie thin the tense atmosphere, as Machin points out with a smile.
Star Wars Outlaws: Wild Card is ready for you on Xbox Series X|S. Keep your eyes peeled for more exciting content updates through Star Wars Outlaws social media and Xbox Wire, ensuring you’re always in the loop with this captivating universe.
