In the dangerous underworld of Star Wars Outlaws, Kay Vess cannot rely on much. Her loyal merqaal Nix and her trusty blaster are the two constants that keep her alive. Whether she is sneaking through Imperial facilities, haggling with syndicates, or racing across hostile planets, her sidearm is often the only thing standing between freedom and a cell—or worse. The blaster is not a static tool; it can be customized, expanded, and tuned. By 2026, the upgrade system remains one of the most important progression paths for any outlaw who wants to survive the Outer Rim.
The blaster eventually has four functions. Two are available from the beginning: the Plasma Module and Stun. The other two unlock as Kay progresses through the story: the Ion Module and the Power Module. Once players have the prerequisite crafting components, they head to the workbench on the Trailblazer. There, they can unlock new modules and upgrade existing ones. This makes the Trailblazer more than a ship; it is a mobile armory.
Core Upgrade Effects 🧰
Before examining each module, it helps to understand what the upgrades actually do. Many upgrades appear across multiple configurations, so their value changes depending on playstyle.
| Upgrade | Effect |
|---|---|
| Improve Accuracy / Improved Accuracy | Improves the accuracy of the blaster. |
| Super Cooling | Adds a new window of opportunity during cooling. When properly timed, it supercools the blaster and temporarily prevents heat buildup. |
| Damage | Increases the damage dealt with each fired shot. |
| Improved Heat Capacity | The blaster can fire more shots before overheating. |
| Rate of Fire | Reduces the time between shots. |
| Blast Range | The power in the blast is increased, increasing its overall range. |
| Charge Speed | Reduces the time required to charge the weapon to maximum power. |
| Projectile Speed | The shot is discharged at a higher velocity, increasing its effective range. |
| Explosion Radius | Increases the damage area of the blast as it detonates. |
| Improved Passive Cooling | Increases speed and efficiency of the blaster's passive cooling system. |
| Maximum Charge | Further increases damage dealt when firing the blaster at full charge. |
Plasma Module Upgrades 🔫
The Plasma Module is the default lethal configuration. It fires plasma bolts and serves as Kay's everyday sidearm. It is flexible, familiar, and effective in most firefights. The module also has makeshift configurations that alter its rate of fire and bolt weight.
| Configuration | Description | Upgrades |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Plasma Module | A standard blaster module configuration that fires plasma bolts. | Improve Accuracy, Super Cooling, Damage |
| Light Plasma Configuration (makeshift) | A makeshift blaster module configuration that fires lighter plasma bolts at a higher rate of fire. | Improved Heat Capacity, Improved Accuracy, Super Cooling |
| Heavy Plasma Configuration (makeshift) | A makeshift blaster module that fires heavier plasma bolts at a slower rate of fire. | Super Cooling, Rate of Fire, Damage |
The standard configuration is balanced. The light configuration favors volume of fire, making it useful when enemies rush or when Kay needs to suppress a position. The heavy configuration trades speed for punch, rewarding precise shots and careful heat management.
Ion Module Upgrades ⚡
The Ion Module is a specialist tool. It fires ionized particles and is especially effective against shields and droids. In a galaxy full of Imperial security droids and energy shields, this module can turn a difficult encounter into a manageable one. Its makeshift variant focuses on a short-range ion surge.
| Configuration | Description | Upgrades |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Ion Module | A standard Ion Module configuration that fires ionized particles. Effective against shields and droids. | Improved Accuracy, Super Cooling, Damage |
| Makeshift Ion Module | A makeshift Ion Module configuration with a short-range ion surge that is powerful against shields and droids. | Rate of Fire, Improved Heat Capacity, Blast Range |
The standard ion setup is precise and reliable. The makeshift ion surge is more aggressive, and its Blast Range upgrade extends its reach. Players who expect to fight mechanical enemies should keep this module close.
Power Module Upgrades 💥
The Power Module is the heaviest option. It charges before firing a bolt that explodes on impact. This makes it excellent for breaking through groups, damaging armored targets, and creating chaotic openings. Its makeshift configurations lean into detonations and charge scaling.
| Configuration | Description | Upgrades |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Power Module | A standard Power Module configuration that charges up before firing a bolt that explodes on impact. | Super Cooling, Charge Speed, Damage |
| Heavy Bolt Power Configuration (makeshift) | A makeshift Power Module configuration that fires a heavy plasma bolt that detonates on impact. | Charge Speed, Projectile Speed, Explosion Radius |
| Charge-Scaling Power Configuration (makeshift) | A makeshift Power Module configuration that causes the blaster bolt to become more powerful the longer it is charged. | Improved Passive Cooling, Charge Speed, Maximum Charge |
The standard Power Module is a straightforward explosive weapon. The heavy bolt variant adds Projectile Speed and Explosion Radius, making it better at range and against clusters. The charge-scaling variant rewards patience, as Maximum Charge increases the damage of a fully charged shot. Improved Passive Cooling helps manage the heat that builds during repeated charging.
Stun: The Non-Lethal Option 🛡️
Stun is available from the beginning alongside the Plasma Module. It is a non-lethal function that lets Kay incapacitate enemies rather than kill them. Stealth-focused players often use it to isolate guards, open paths, or complete objectives without raising alarms. The reference material does not list separate Stun upgrades, but it remains a core part of Kay's toolkit. When a mission calls for subtlety, Stun is often the smarter choice.
How to Make the Most of Blaster Upgrades 🧠
A few practical patterns emerge from the upgrade list. Super Cooling appears on many modules and is one of the most universally useful upgrades because it temporarily prevents heat buildup. Damage is always welcome, especially on higher difficulties. Improved Heat Capacity and Rate of Fire help when fights become prolonged. For the Power Module, Charge Speed is essential because it reduces the time needed to reach maximum power. For the Ion Module, Blast Range can make the makeshift surge more flexible.
Players should also remember that blaster upgrades are only one part of a well-rounded kit. Kay benefits from upgrading her equipment as she works to gain favor with the syndicates. Those who want a less lethal diversion can play Sabacc, where fleecing locals is a great way to keep credits stacked high. In 2026, Star Wars Outlaws still rewards preparation, and a fully upgraded blaster remains one of the best investments an outlaw can make.