Hey there, fellow scoundrels! As I've been carving my own path through the Outer Rim in Star Wars Outlaws, I've realized that the galaxy's true treasures aren't always in the main story. Sure, taking on the Pykes and Hutts is thrilling, but some of the most rewarding experiences come from the side quests you can easily overlook. These missions aren't just filler; they unlock crucial abilities, introduce you to unforgettable characters, and pile on the credits and rare gear. Let me walk you through the side adventures I think every outlaw should tackle. They've completely shaped my journey as Kay Vess.
First up, and this is non-negotiable, is The Mechanic. Right after you wrap up the early 'Underworld' mission, make a beeline for Danka. She'll point you toward Selo Rovak. This isn't just a fetch quest for a speeder part. Helping Selo unlocks her entire Expert skill tree. For me, the first ability I grabbed was the Scoundrel's Pouch, which instantly gave me an extra grenade and Bacta vial slot. That extra healing and firepower has saved my skin more times than I can count in firefights across Toshara. Plus, the speeder boost upgrade she provides? Essential for outrunning patrols or just enjoying the open plains.
Next, don't sleep on The Slicer. This quest introduces you to Aila Bren, a genius hacker stuck in a nasty Imperial facility. Rescuing her is a fantastic stealth mission that really tests your sneaking skills. The payoff is huge: you unlock Aila's slicing upgrade for your data spike and gain access to her ability tree. My personal favorite from her is Lightfooted. This skill muffles Kay's footsteps, making it infinitely easier to sneak past Stormtrooper patrols or set up perfect stealth takedowns. If you prefer a more subtle approach to your outlaw life, this quest is a must.
Here’s a quick list of why these Expert quests are so vital:
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Unlock Permanent Abilities: These aren't temporary buffs; they're core upgrades to Kay's toolkit.
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Expand Gameplay: New skills open up new ways to tackle challenges, from combat to exploration.
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Great Rewards: You often get unique gear or modifications alongside the ability unlock.
For a change of pace, seek out Shadows of Deceit, also from Danka. This lower-stakes mission throws you into the world of Kessel Sabacc. I'll be honest, I was terrible at it at first! The stylized cards were confusing. Then I found the lifesaver in the settings menu: you can change the cards to display clear numbers. Suddenly, I was actually winning rounds! It's a fun, immersive mini-game that really makes the galaxy feel alive. Winning here can net you a nice stack of credits, perfect for those early-game purchases.
Now, for a quest with real consequence, take on Sabotage. A Hutt named Verrick hires you to cause chaos at a Pyke animal-breeding facility. It's a great mission with plenty of sneaking and sabotage. But here's the twist: you get approached by Monda, a spy for Crimson Dawn, who offers you a chance to double-cross the Hutts. This is one of those major faction choices that defines your reputation. I agonized over this one! In the end, the material rewards are similar, but your reputation with either the Hutt Cartel or Crimson Dawn will shift significantly. It's a brilliant example of how side quests can impact your standing in the underworld.
Not every great find comes from a quest giver. The Shipjacker Workshop, located south of Mirogana, is a location I stumbled upon by exploring. You might hear rumors about it in town. This place is a goldmine! It's packed with:
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Crafting materials like Durasteel and Quadanium.
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Treasure to sell for credits.
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Upgrade components for your gear.
The best part? The thugs inside aren't tied to any major faction. That means you can go in guns blazing, practice your stealth, or even die a few times without worrying about losing hard-earned reputation with the Pykes, Hutts, Crimson Dawn, or the Empire. It's the perfect risk-free training ground.
Speaking of exploration, keep your eyes peeled for intel that leads to Mysterious Charm. The chest is in the northwest, near an Imperial base. Inside, you'll find the Overgrown Amber Stone, a Major Charm. Let me tell you, this thing is a game-changer early on. It adds a whole extra health bar for Kay. Even better, when your health gets critically low, it starts charging your Adrenaline meter faster. This charm has pulled me back from the brink of defeat more than once. Since you only get one Major Charm slot for most of the game, choosing a powerful one like this early is a smart move.
Finally, always be listening to your communicator. The galaxy is full of random Events. You'll get an alert, see an exclamation point on your map, and a short, dynamic scenario will play out. These can be:
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Protection Jobs: Defend civilians from raiders.
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Treasure Hunts: Follow Imperial alerts to hidden pirate stashes.
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Speeder Races: Quick, fun races for credits.
The rewards are usually credits or common materials, but they're fast, fun, and a great way to build up your resources in between bigger missions. They make the galaxy feel dynamic and alive, like you're just one scoundrel in a world full of stories.
So, my fellow outlaws, that's my essential list. From unlocking core abilities with Experts like Selo and Aila, to navigating faction politics in Sabotage, to grabbing that crucial Overgrown Amber Stone—these quests have defined my 2026 playthrough. They've made Kay stronger, richer, and more connected to the galaxy's seedy underbelly. Now get out there, trust your instincts, and may the odds be ever in your favor (just don't tell any Jedi I said that).