My 2026 Star Wars Outlaws Playthrough: 9 Cameos That Left Me Speechless

I finally got my hands on Star Wars Outlaws in early 2026, and let me tell you, it’s been one hell of a ride. The game dropped back in August 2024, but life got in the way—between work, the sequel trilogy rewatches, and a brief obsession with Star Wars: Hunters, I only just carved out time to explore the galaxy as Kay Vess. And wow, talk about worth the wait. Ubisoft and Lucasfilm Games absolutely nailed the feel of the scoundrel life, but what truly had me grinning like a kid in a candy store were the cameos. Even with a sprawling open world full of fresh planets and side missions, the devs sprinkled in some of the most iconic faces from the Star Wars universe, and each one hit differently. Some made me fist-pump, others sent chills down my spine, and a few were so clever I literally paused the game to text my buddies. If you’re a fan who’s been living under a rock and haven’t played it yet, or you’re just curious which legacy characters pop up, I’ve rounded up all nine major cameos I encountered—ranked from the subtle giggle-inducers to the absolute showstoppers. And yeah, this is packed with spoilers, so proceed with caution.

9. Salacious B. Crumb – The Kowakian Court Jester

First up, the tiny terror that is Salacious B. Crumb. You’ll find this maniacal little Kowakian monkey-lizard cackling away in Jabba’s palace, just like he did in Return of the Jedi. His cameo is blink-and-you’ll-miss-it, but man, is it a delight. I remember walking into the throne room for the first time and hearing that signature shrieking laugh—instant nostalgia bomb. Salacious doesn’t have any quests or dialogue trees; he’s just there being Jabba’s annoying jester, and honestly, that’s all he needs to do. In a game that’s all about navigating crime syndicates and making shady deals, having this deep-cut reference from the original trilogy made the Hutt palace feel authentic. It’s like the devs said, “You want immersion? Here’s a laughing lizard-creature mocking your life choices.” A small but perfect touch.

8. Bib Fortuna – Jabba’s Twi’lek Right Hand

Where there’s Salacious, Bib Fortuna is never far behind. This pale Twi’lek major-domo stood by Jabba’s side in the trailers, and in the final game, he plays a key part in the Hutt syndicate interactions. For a guy who famously gets Force-choked by Leia and later casually takes over Jabba’s empire before being offed by Boba Fett in The Mandalorian, Bib gets a surprising amount of screen time here. He’s smarmy, untrustworthy, and the perfect example of why you should never fully trust anyone in the Outer Rim. Seeing him pre-Episode 6 is a treat, especially if you know his eventual fate—it’s like watching a car crash in slow motion. Plus, his design is so spot-on that I half-expected him to start speaking Huttese with that oily tone. If you’re cozying up to the Hutt cartel, you’ll be talking to Bib a lot, and each conversation left me smiling because it’s that Bib Fortuna, the ultimate schemer.

7. Qi’ra – Crimson Dawn’s Leading Lady

Now, this was a cameo that made me raise an eyebrow in the best way. Qi’ra, played by Emilia Clarke in Solo: A Star Wars Story, pops up in Outlaws as a major player connected to Crimson Dawn. Her involvement isn’t just a quick wave; she has actual story beats and you get to interact with her directly. After the cliffhanger ending of Solo, I always wondered what happened to her and her ties to Darth Maul. Well, Outlaws gives us a taste, and let me just say, she’s as slippery and morally ambiguous as ever. Qi’ra feels right at home among the outlaws, offering deals that sound too good to be true—spoiler: they usually are. Her inclusion is a no-brainer for expanding the criminal underworld lore, and it’s pure fan service done right. Plus, her dialogue has this razor-sharp wit that kept me on my toes. If you’ve got a soft spot for Solo, you’ll eat this up.

6. Hondo Ohnaka – The Weequay Pirate Extraordinaire

Okay, I’ll admit it—I screamed a little when I saw Hondo Ohnaka. The space pirate from The Clone Wars and Rebels shows up in the A Pirate’s Treasure DLC, which dropped in Spring 2025. By 2026, I’d already grabbed the Season Pass, so I dove into his adventure the moment it was available. Hondo is exactly how you remember him: flamboyant, greedy, and somehow lovable despite trying to swindle you every five minutes. Teaming up with Kay Vess felt like a match made in scoundrel heaven. The DLC mission is a wild ride of double-crosses and treasure hunts, and hearing Hondo’s voice again was a pure serotonin boost. Honestly, I’d play a whole game just following him around. Massive Entertainment really cooked with this one—it’s not just a cameo, it’s a full-on celebration of the animated series fans have adored for years.

5. Boba Fett – The Bounty Hunter in His Prime

You can’t have a criminal underworld without the galaxy’s most feared bounty hunter. Boba Fett appears in Jabba’s palace, and if you’re observant, you’ll spot him through an air vent, talking to a hologram. It’s a brief, almost Easter egg-like moment, but damn, it works. This is Boba before he took a tumble into the sarlacc pit, when he was still the menacing enigma that everyone obsessed over in the original trilogy. Seeing him in that classic green armor, just doing his job, grounded the game’s timeline in such a cool way. I literally crouched by the vent for a solid minute just to hear his voice. For a character that later gets his own show, this cameo feels like a respectful nod to his legacy. It’s not in-your-face, but if you find it, you feel like a true fan.

4. Han Solo – Frozen in Carbonite and Breaking My Heart

Han Solo is here. Well, sort of. You can find his carbonite-frozen body in Jabba’s palace, and no, you can’t thaw him out (trust me, I tried). This is the scene directly from The Empire Strikes Back, and stumbling upon it was a punch to the gut in the best way. Han just hangs there, a silent reminder of the larger conflict happening beyond Kay Vess’s heists. It also perfectly places Outlaws between Episodes 5 and 6—right when the galaxy is in chaos and criminals are scrambling for power. I stood in that room for way too long, just thinking about the iconic scene where Leia rescues him. Even though there’s zero interaction, this cameo is pure storytelling gold. It’s a masterclass in environmental storytelling that rewards players who pay attention.

3. Jabba the Hutt – The Slimy Crime Lord Himself

Jabba’s presence looms over the entire game, but you actually get to meet him face-to-face. The Hutt Cartel is a major faction, and your dealings with them eventually lead to an audience with the big guy. His appearance was teased in trailers, and I was giddy when I finally entered that throne room. Sure, there was some controversy back in the day about the Jabba’s Gambit mission being locked behind the Season Pass, but even without it, Jabba plays a significant role in the main storyline. Seeing him in all his disgusting glory, surrounded by guards and smoke, was like stepping into a classic Star Wars memory. The voice, the texture, the sheer weight of his character—it’s all there. And honestly, negotiating with a Hutt is as nerve-wracking as you’d imagine. Don't even think about double-crossing him unless you’ve got a really good exit strategy.

2. Lando Calrissian – Sabacc and Smiles

If you want a cameo that’s equal parts charming and challenging, Lando has you covered. He shows up on Akiva in a side quest called High-Stakes Showdown, and let me tell you, the man hasn’t aged a day. To get his help, you need to win a high-stakes Sabacc game—yes, the very card game that’s as addictive as it is stressful. I’ve always loved Lando, whether it’s Billy Dee Williams’ smooth original or Donald Glover’s cool take in Solo, and this cameo captures that essence perfectly. Winning back what he lost took me several tries (I may have rage-quit once), but the payoff was so worth it. Lando’s charisma fills the room, and his connection to rebel forces ties Kay’s criminal adventures to the bigger picture. It’s a delightful detour that shows even the smoothest operators can end up owing someone a favor.

1. Darth Vader – The Sith Lord Commands the Scene

And finally, the cherry on top—Darth Vader. You first glimpse him on Canto Bight, and then he reappears near the end of the main story. Each time, the air gets cold, the music shifts, and you suddenly remember you’re just a small-time thief in a galaxy ruled by an oppressive Empire. Vader’s screen time is minimal, but his impact is monumental. The way he interacts with Sliro, the game’s main antagonist, adds a layer of menace that no other character can bring. I’ve seen Vader in countless games and movies, but Outlaws somehow made him feel fresh and terrifying again. The moment that heavy breathing echoed through my headphones, I was back to being a kid hiding behind the couch. It’s a testament to the power of subtlety—you don’t need a lightsaber duel every time. Just his presence is enough to send shivers down your spine. This cameo isn’t just a cameo; it’s a statement that you’re playing a genuine Star Wars story, and I’m here for it.

All in all, Star Wars Outlaws has aged like fine Corellian whiskey. Even in 2026, with the hype long settled, these cameos hit differently. They’re not just cheap nostalgia gimmicks; they’re threads that weave Kay Vess’s story into the rich tapestry of the Star Wars timeline. Whether you’re a casual viewer or a lore junkie, this game gives you reasons to grin, gasp, and maybe shed a tear. So if you haven’t taken the plunge yet, what are you waiting for? Grab your blaster, call your Nix, and head to the Outer Rim—there’s a galaxy of familiar faces waiting to surprise you.