Assassin’s Creed’s Mercenary System in Star Wars Outlaws

Ubisoft’s Massive Entertainment is set to release Star Wars Outlaws in 2024, and fans are eagerly anticipating this open-world adventure set in the Outer Rim. While the game’s story follows protagonist Kay Vess as she aims to escape a life of crime by pulling off a massive heist, some speculate whether including Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed Mercenary System could enhance the gaming experience.

A galaxy in chaos

The Star Wars universe is vast and teeming with various factions and characters, many of which don’t get much screen time in the Skywalker-focused live-action films. Star Wars Outlaws promises an adventure set between the events of “Empire Strikes Back” and “Return of the Jedi,” following the journey of Kay Vess, a scoundrel with noble aspirations. Her goal is to leave the criminal life behind, but it won’t be easy.

To achieve her seemingly impossible objective, Kay Vess plans to execute one of the most significant heists in the Outer Rim, using the spoils to buy her way out of the criminal underworld. Money talks in this lawless region of space, but the path is fraught with danger, obstacles, and low odds of success. Despite her willingness to navigate a world dominated by dangerous criminal organizations, Kay Vess isn’t the villainous type, and her charisma and resourcefulness set her apart.

Kay Vess will likely have to climb a criminal ladder in this difficult journey, aligning herself with factions like the Hutt Cartel and the Pyke Syndicate. Managing these criminal organizations in the game can be complex, and this is where Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed Mercenary System comes into play.

Assassin’s Creed Mercenary system

In Assassin’s Creed Origins, Odyssey, and Valhalla, players work through a Mercenary System to pursue their ultimate objectives. This system helps gauge a player’s power level and offers unique enemies to challenge. The progression depends on defeating enemies in the Mercenary System, regardless of the player’s level or story progression.

Given Kay Vess’s need to climb the power hierarchy before attempting a massive heist, implementing a mechanic similar to the Assassin’s Creed Mercenary System in Star Wars Outlaws makes sense. This would give players a clear understanding of where Kay Vess stands in the criminal hierarchy and who to watch out for or avoid.

Expanding and refining the experience

Massive Entertainment could refine the Mercenary System seen in Assassin’s Creed by introducing numerical bounties in Star Wars Outlaws. This feature would allow players to organize a Mercenary System based on a bounty’s value rather than a power level. 

Tie this to the game’s notoriety system, and players could find themselves in a fully-fledged criminal underworld ecosystem, where their worth is determined by how much someone is willing to pay to capture them.

While Star Wars Outlaws promises faction reputation systems dictating what players can do in various territories, the Bounty Hunter’s Guild is independent. A numerical bounty value remains constant, regardless of faction favor. This introduces an element of unpredictability, as anyone with a high enough bounty might attract friends and foes.

The potential of Star Wars outlaws

The potential to expand upon the Assassin’s Creed series’ Mercenary System in Star Wars Outlaws is evident. If executed correctly and in harmony with the Star Wars lore, this addition could elevate the game beyond being just another Star Wars title. It can potentially become one of the most captivating open-world gaming experiences.