Navigating the Outer Rim means dealing with the law, and in Star Wars Outlaws, that means facing the notorious Wanted System. Understand how your actions attract the attention of the galaxy's authorities and how to manage your notoriety.
How the Wanted System Works
The Wanted System in Star Wars Outlaws is a dynamic mechanic that tracks Kay's criminal activities and their impact on her notoriety with various factions and law enforcement. Every illegal act, from petty theft to open combat with patrols, increases Kay's wanted level.
Levels of Wanted Status
As your wanted level increases, so does the intensity of the response from authorities and hostile factions. The system is likely to operate on a tiered basis:
- Low Wanted Level: Minor infractions might only attract a few local guards or a single patrol ship. They'll be less aggressive and easier to evade or defeat.
- Medium Wanted Level: More serious crimes will bring out more organized patrols, including specialized units or bounty hunters. Your ship might be targeted by multiple fighters, and ground encounters will involve tougher enemies.
- High Wanted Level: Significant criminal acts will trigger a full-scale response. This could involve elite Imperial or corporate security forces, powerful bounty hunters, and coordinated attacks on both Kay and her ship. You might find yourself facing overwhelming odds.
Actions That Raise Your Wanted Level
Numerous actions can put Kay on the wrong side of the law:
- Combat: Engaging in firefights with law enforcement or hostile faction members.
- Theft: Stealing goods, credits, or valuable items from NPCs or secured locations.
- Illegal Activities: Participating in or being caught during illicit operations, such as smuggling contraband or operating in restricted areas.
- Property Damage: Destroying civilian property or infrastructure.
- Failed Missions: Botching certain criminal jobs can also draw unwanted attention.
Managing Your Wanted Level
Dealing with a high wanted level is crucial for survival and continued operation. Players will have several methods to reduce their notoriety:
- Lying Low: The most straightforward method is to avoid committing further crimes for a period. The longer Kay stays out of trouble, the more her wanted level will naturally decay.
- Bribing Officials: In some cases, players might be able to pay off corrupt officials or informants to have their wanted level reduced or erased. This will likely cost a significant amount of credits.
- Changing Appearance/Ship: While not explicitly confirmed, it's possible that changing Kay's outfit or modifying her ship could help in evading detection or reducing immediate pursuit.
- Seeking Sanctuary: Certain cantinas or hidden locations might offer temporary refuge where authorities are less likely to pursue.
- Completing Specific Missions: Some story or side missions might involve tasks that directly reduce your standing with certain factions or law enforcement, effectively lowering your wanted level.
Factional Wanted Levels
Beyond general law enforcement, Star Wars Outlaws will likely feature faction-specific wanted levels. Committing crimes against the Pykes might increase your notoriety with them, while aiding the Crimson Dawn could improve your standing with them. This adds a layer of strategic depth, as you might need to balance your actions to avoid angering too many powerful groups simultaneously.
Strategic Implications
The Wanted System encourages players to think strategically about their actions. Do you go in guns blazing and deal with the consequences, or do you attempt a stealthy approach to minimize attention? Understanding when to push your luck and when to lay low is key to becoming a successful scoundrel in the Outer Rim.