Star Wars Outlaws: Wild Card – Expert Strategies for Mastering Kessel Sabacc

Star Wars Outlaws has just launched its latest story pack, Wild Card, for Xbox Series X|S players. If you’re looking to dive into this adventure, you need to have finished the Gunsmith quest and the High Roller quest for the iconic Lando Calrissian.

In Wild Card, you’ll join Kay Vess on her mission for Governor Thorden of Toshara, sending her on a dangerous venture to infiltrate a high-stakes Kessel Sabacc game. It’s not just any game, though—there’s a secret game unfolding in the depths of the underworld. Of course, the catch is that participation is by invitation only. So, Kay must rely on her scoundrel’s charm and quick thinking to secure her spot at the table.

Kessel Sabacc in Wild Card stirs things up a bit. While the core rules remain intact—you’ll still draw blood and sand cards to form the winning hand—the casino cruiser Morenia adds its own twist. Played over three rounds, players need to stay in the game, which demands smart use of the limited chips.

Expect a shake-up at the Morenia tables. Unlike the usual four-player tables across the galaxy, here you’ll face five opponents. As the host and owner of the casino cruiser, Protocol Droid EY-E9 runs the show, banning shift tokens to level the playing field. This norm breaker ensures fair play, as players can’t sway their fate with these tokens. However, that doesn’t mean all tricky maneuvers are impossible.

Cheating is still a game-spicing challenge. Magnetic dice, Lando’s double draw trick, and Nix’s sneaky spying are still tools at your disposal. However, in the midst of a crowd, Nix finds it tougher to maneuver unnoticed. But don’t worry, he’s got a new trick up his sleeve—planting deceptive cards on opponents to hopefully have EY-E9 mistake them for cheaters.

Players will need their wits about them, as their Sabacc rivals aren’t above using sneaky tactics either. Kay must stay alert, noting both actions and conversations to catch opponents in the act. If she plays her cards right, notifying EY-E9 could see the culprits booted from the competition.

The stakes are higher on the casino cruiser Morenia. Unlike the typical scenarios, Kay now deals with a bigger crowd at the all-new six-person tables. With EY-E9 monitoring every move and narrating the game to spectators, there’s no room for error.

To help navigate these new dynamics, we chatted with Thibaut Machin, game director at Ubisoft Paris, who shared valuable insights on mastering these new settings and strategies.

Double Draw Insights

"The double draw is vital," Machin emphasizes. This tactic, a gift from Lando, enables players to enhance their hand with an additional card and later stealthily discard it. Combining this move with Nix’s card-planting can lead to a dual victory: you keep the strong card while potentially eliminating a rival.

Gathering Intel

Machin advises exploring the Morenia for crucial insights about your fellow Sabacc players: “These clues are key to understanding their cheating methods and opportunities to call them out during the game.”

Build a Good Reputation

Aligning with or against syndicates becomes your strategy, Machin points out, enhancing your ability to maneuver effectively on Morenia. A good rapport could open more doors and even prove valuable in the broader story arc of the game.

Take Your Time

“Don’t rush,” Machin advises earnestly. Given the intricacies of these games, a hasty move could cost you. With just eight chips and longer rounds, strategic patience is paramount. Keep a keen ear on the lively exchanges at the table too, as banter can hold precious clues.

With Wild Card, you get to experience the thrill of Sabacc on a grander scale. Jump into Star Wars Outlaws today on Xbox Series X|S and keep a lookout for more updates on their official channels.