Star Wars Outlaws: Expert Strategies for Mastering Kessel Sabacc

Star Wars Outlaws has just released its first story pack, Wild Card, for Xbox Series X|S, and it’s all set to take you on a thrilling ride through a high-stakes Kessel Sabacc game. This isn’t just any ordinary table game; the Sabacc table on the casino cruiser Morenia is slightly larger and comes with a unique set of rules you’ll want to master early on. With tips from developer Thibaut Machin, players can learn the best tricks and gather the intel needed to outsmart their opponents and win the coveted grand prize.

The Wild Card story pack is now available to players who’ve completed both the Gunsmith quest and The High Roller quest with Lando Calrissian. In this adventure, you’ll join Kay Vess on a mission from Governor Thorden of Toshara. She’s tasked with sneaking into a high-stakes Kessel Sabacc game to win an elusive prize. But there’s a secret—another game taking place in the galaxy’s underbelly that she must navigate using her scoundrel charm and wit to even get an invite.

This new Kessel Sabacc game involves facing opponents, drawing blood and sand cards, and arranging them into the winning hand over three rounds. Run out of chips for new cards, and you’re out of the game. While some basics of Sabacc remain unchanged, this particular high-stakes event, hosted by Protocol Droid EY-E9 on the casino cruiser Morenia, involves some twists. Notably, shift tokens, usually a game-changing tool, are banned to ensure fair play, giving every participant an equal chance to win.

Cheating, however, is still on the table—if you can manage it without being caught. In Star Wars Outlaws, the go-to cheats involve using magnetic dice, Lando’s double draw trick, and employing Nix to spy on other players’ hands. However, Wild Card throws a curveball here. The lively, open setting with an audience makes it harder for Nix to sneak unseen. Yet, Nix brings a new trick—a handy ability to plant cards on unwitting opponents, potentially leading to their ejection for "cheating."

Another twist sees opponents also armed with their own set of cheats. Kay needs to keep her eyes and ears open to catch their moves and secretly alert EY-E9 about their antics, often leading to their downfall. The stakes are high as there are more players to outwit this time. Unlike the usual four-player table, Morenia features six competitors at the table, with EY-E9 orchestrating proceedings.

Ubisoft Paris game director Thibaut Machin shared vital strategies for mastering these new dynamics and seizing victory:

Double Draw

“The double draw tip you learn from Lando is essential for this round of Sabacc,” Machin shares. Typically, players might use it for a better hand, then discard extras stealthily. He suggests turning to Nix’s new cheat, planting cards on others instead of discarding them. It offers a chance to keep a superior card and see a rival ejected.

Gather Intel

Machin emphasizes, “Explore Morenia well to uncover crucial intel on other Sabacc players.” This information can expose their cheats, turning the tide in your favor during the game.

Have a Good Reputation

Interacting with syndicate representatives aboard Morenia is crucial. Whether Kay allies or antagonizes them, maintaining a positive standing with these factions eases navigation through the cruiser, proving beneficial in Wild Card.

Take Your Time

Machin advises, “Don’t rush.” The extended gameplay requires a calculated approach. Chips should be spent sparingly for card draws, while paying attention to opponents’ behavior can provide a tactical advantage.

"Lando offers some humorous lines that add to the atmosphere," Machin notes, balancing out the otherwise intense gameplay experience.

Dive into Star Wars Outlaws: Wild Card on Xbox Series X|S today and brace for more content updates by following Star Wars Outlaws on Facebook, Instagram, X, and Xbox Wire for the latest news and developments.