Wanna cause absolute chaos across the galaxy but keep getting hunted by the Empire’s finest? In Star Wars Outlaws – now slaying on Nintendo Switch 2 as well! 🎮✨ – building up a Wanted Level is basically a rite of passage. Trespassing in an Imperial base, forgetting to leave a restricted zone, picking locks like a true scoundrel, or straight-up blasting Stormtroopers will all put you on the Empire’s naughty list. And honey, when that huge “Wanted” icon flashes on your screen, it’s not just for show.
The Empire’s response isn’t just a slap on the wrist, it escalates big time. But fear not, bestie. Whether you’re a sneaky speeder or a full-on menace, here’s everything a player needs to know about Wanted Levels in 2026 and how to clear that heat without breaking a sweat (or a nail 💅).
How Different Wanted Levels Work 💥
When a player first gets caught red-handed, the initial chaos feels manageable. A few basic Stormtroopers, maybe an annoyed officer screaming “Stop right there!” – cute. But as the wanted meter climbs, so does the Empire’s dedication to ruining your day.
Here’s the low-down on how the pursuit intensifies:
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Low Wanted Level (1–2): You can legit just hide. Find a cozy corner, leave the area immediately after a crime, and the arriving reinforcements will be like “Welp, nothing to see here.” Speed is key – no cap, if you bounce before they fully mobilize, the heat disappears faster than your credits at a sabacc table.
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Mid Wanted Level (3–4): Now the Empire isn’t just passively searching; they’re throwing checkpoints everywhere. Vehicles get stopped, scout troopers comb the area, and TIE Fighters start performing very rude flybys. Traveling between planets? A total vibe check.
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High Wanted Level (5): This is where things get spicy. The Empire sends elite troops, and the pressure never lets up. You’ll be dodging ISB agents, relentless patrols, and maybe questioning your life choices while hiding in a cave.
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Wanted Level 6 – The Manhunt ☠️: This is the apex predator level. Death Troopers, the absolute unit of Imperial forces, are dispatched to end you. An ISB Agent will set up a camp on whatever planet you’re on, coordinating the whole murder party. These troopers are basically the “you’re done” squad, and they don’t miss.
Pro tip from 2026 players: The Switch 2 version’s enhanced visuals make those Death Troopers look extra terrifying under alien moons. It’s a slay, but also a jumpscare.
ICYMI, hiding only works when your Wanted Level is low. Once that manhunt starts, you’ve got to get proactive.
How to Remove Wanted Levels – The Ultimate Clean Slate 🧹
Fleeing a crime scene is a vibe only when your heat is lukewarm. For higher levels, you’ll need strategies that actually make the Empire forget your face. And no, even your favorite syndicate won’t help you out – reputation means nothing when the Empire wants blood. Here’s the tea on every removal method a player can use in Star Wars Outlaws:
| Method | How It Works | Best For | Spicy Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 💰 Bribe a Corrupt Imperial Officer | Slide some credits into the right pocket. Talk to shady officers marked on your map – they’ll clear your record for a price. | Low to mid Wanted Levels | Quick and dirty, but can get expensive. Perfect for when you’re in a hurry and have more credits than patience. High-key satisfying to see an officer fold for a few credits. |
| 💻 Hack an Imperial Terminal | Find a terminal in an Imperial facility and slice into the system to erase your wanted data. | Mid to high levels | Needs a bit of slicing skill and often a sneaky approach. The terminal locations are marked once discovered. Very “I’m in” energy. |
| 📡 Access a Satellite Array | Jam the Empire’s wanted signal straight from orbit. Usually requires reaching a high-altitude location and interacting with a satellite dish. | Any level (especially high) | This method is a game changer. Satellites can wipe everything clean, but you might have to fight your way to them. No shade, just facts. |
| 🔪 Take Down the Death Trooper Camp (Manhunt) | When Level 6 is active, an ISB Agent will be holed up in a camp. Eliminate them and dismantle the camp to instantly clear the manhunt. | Level 6 only | This is the only way to end a manhunt. It’s intense but oh-so-satisfying. Bring your best blaster and big energy. Defeating the agent makes you feel like the galaxy’s most wanted – in a good way. |
But wait, there’s more!
🔹 Exploring pays off. Corrupt officers, terminals, satellites, and Death Trooper camps are usually marked on your map once you’ve discovered them. So don’t be shy – talk to every NPC, sneak into every corner, and expand that map. Knowledge is power, bestie.
🔹 Plan your route. If you know a terminal is inside a heavily guarded base, maybe don’t rock up in the middle of a firefight. Use stealth, nix the drama, and get out clean.
🔹 Credits are your best friend. Bribing an officer might sting your wallet, but it’s often the easiest fix when you’re miles from a satellite. Keep a stash of credits just for these “I messed up” moments.
Extra Tips for 2026 Outlaws
Since the game’s Nintendo Switch 2 launch in September 2025, a whole new generation of scoundrels has jumped into the chaos. The wanted system remains unchanged, but the handheld experience makes those tense manhunt escapes feel even more immersive. If you’re playing on the go, remember: headphones on, because those Death Trooper footsteps are not a joke.
Also, pro players know that once you clear your Wanted Level, you get a totally clean slate. That means you can immediately go right back to committing crimes against the Empire with zero consequences – until you get caught again. It’s the outlaw life: messy, thrilling, and endlessly repeatable.
So, whether you’re just a little bit naughty or fully embracing your inner galactic menace, mastering the Wanted system turns a frantic chase into a power move. Now go forth, clear that heat, and show the Empire who really owns the Outer Rim. Periodt. 💖
Insights are sourced from Giant Bomb, and they align with the core loop your blog highlights in Star Wars Outlaws: the Wanted system is less a simple “crime meter” and more a pacing tool that pushes players to alternate between stealthy escapes, risky traversal, and deliberate “heat-clearing” objectives like terminals or satellite arrays—especially once escalation turns travel into an active threat and forces more intentional route planning.