In the dangerous reaches of the Outer Rim, Kay Vess learns that survival is not only about a quick draw. It is about preparation, reputation, and knowing the right people. In 2026, Star Wars Outlaws still rewards players who take the time to track down self-styled experts, complete their intel chains, and unlock skills that turn a messy firefight into a quiet escape. The first two experts are practically mandatory before Kay leaves Toshara. The rest can slip by if she does not review new intel, which is a mistake no smart scoundrel should make.
How Kay Finds New Skills
Kay's path to new abilities begins with intel. A lead points to an expert, and following that chain usually leads to a quest. The expert may ask for a rare item, or need extraction from an Imperial compound. Once they agree to help, Kay can open the abilities tab and see what each skill requires. Some need components; others demand combat actions. It is a bit of work, but the payoff is real.
The early experts include Bram, a bartender; Selo, a speeder mechanic; Aila, a slicer; and later Wexley and Quint. Bram and Selo are the first two, and unlocking their initial skills is part of the early Toshara flow. Aila's Slicing Kit should not be missed before leaving Toshara. The rest require story progress on planets like Akiva and Tatooine.
Best Early Skills from Bram
All of Bram's abilities under The Bartender are worth unlocking quickly. They teach Kay how to play the game while making her tougher. Armored Undershirt increases Kay's health meter by one, which is essential. Fast Talk lets Kay briefly distract an enemy who discovers her in a restricted location, giving her time to incapacitate them. Keep Talking does the same for multiple enemies.
I Know Someone is more situational. It lets Kay access personal requests for certain merchants even with poor Syndicate reputation. She can trade specific items for equipment not found anywhere else. That rare gear can be a lifesaver later.
Selo's Useful Tricks
Selo, the speeder mechanic, might be the second expert Kay unlocks. Only two of her abilities are worth getting early. Smoke Bomb lets Kay create distractions, block lines of sight, and escape nearby enemies. Scoundrel's Pouch gives Kay an extra slot for Bacta Vials and Grenades. Both are simple and brilliant.
Aila and the Slicing Kit
Most of Aila's Slicer abilities are helpful but not essential. Her starter skill, Slicing Kit, is the exception. It unlocks automatically after Kay rescues Aila from an Imperial compound. The kit lets Kay interact with certain Imperial terminals to extract data, erase her wanted status, open security doors, and turn off security cameras. It makes life so much easier. Complete Aila's intel before leaving Toshara.
Elite Enemies and the Electro Shock Prod
Unlocking the next expert takes time and story progress. Before heading to Tatooine, complete the story mission on Akiva and free Gedeek to unlock the Temmin's Family intel chain. Follow it, complete Wexley's quest, and unlock the Electro Shock Prod. This device lets Kay use stealth takeouts on elite enemies.
Elites include Deathtroopers, the little piggy guards in Jabba's Palace, and any enemy marked in yellow during Kay's adrenaline attacks. Kay cannot subdue them with melee or stealth attacks unless she has the prod. That makes it a priority for stealth-minded players.
Quint and Adrenaline Rush Mastery
Quint, the gunslinger on Tatooine, is worth unlocking early as well. Kay may not need her adrenaline attack often in the early game, but later the option to take out multiple enemies at once with Quint's Adrenaline Rush Mastery becomes invaluable. Quint's intel chain starts at the Mos Eisley cantina, but Kay must complete the Tatooine story before she can freely explore the city and cantina.
There is a catch. Tatooine's main quest sends Kay into Hutt territory, and Quint's intel chain sends her back into Hutt territory. If she is seen or starts a fight when her reputation is Poor or lower, she loses even more face with the Hutts and must make it up with extra contracts. It is much easier to do a few jobs and get on the Hutts' good side first.
Quick Reference Table
| Expert | Skill | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Bram | Armored Undershirt | +1 health meter |
| Bram | Fast Talk / Keep Talking | Distract one or more enemies |
| Bram | I Know Someone | Rare merchant gear |
| Selo | Smoke Bomb | Escape and block sight |
| Selo | Scoundrel's Pouch | Extra Bacta and Grenade slot |
| Aila | Slicing Kit | Slicing terminals, erasing wanted status |
| Wexley | Electro Shock Prod | Stealth takeouts on elites |
| Quint | Adrenaline Rush Mastery | Multi-enemy adrenaline takedowns |
Final Advice for New Scoundrels
In 2026, the best early skills in Star Wars Outlaws are still about opening options. Health, distractions, slicing, elite takedowns, and adrenaline mastery make Kay's journey smoother. Do not rush off Toshara without Bram, Selo, and Aila. Do not ignore Akiva if the Electro Shock Prod is within reach. And if Tatooine calls, make friends with the Hutts before causing trouble. A prepared Kay is a living Kay.