Star Wars Outlaws: Master Nix Like a Pro – Complete Companion Guide & Hidden Tricks

Ever since I first stepped into the criminal underworld of Star Wars Outlaws back in 2024, one thing has remained constant — Nix is the real MVP. Fast forward to 2026, and this little furry menace still steals the show (and a few credits) every time I boot up the game. Sure, Kay Vess has her blaster and a growing reputation, but without Nix, I’d have been caught by Stormtroopers, stuck behind locked doors, and flat-out broke at the Sabbac table. So grab a caf, and let me break down absolutely everything you need to know to turn Nix from a cute pet into your most lethal and adorable tool.

Why Nix Is the Best Co-pilot in the Outer Rim

Nix isn’t just there to look huggable — though let’s be real, petting him is 90% of why I open the game some days. He’s a hybrid of BD-1’s hacking smarts and a pickpocketing prodigy, all wrapped up in a tail-wagging package. From stealth ops to full-on firefights, Nix has your back. I’ve lost count of how many times he’s saved my run by distracting a guard at the perfect moment or snatching a keycard I couldn’t reach. With the right commands, you can make him:

• Scan environments for loot and threats

• Pickpocket unsuspecting NPCs

• Fetch weapons and hard-to-reach items

• Interact with distant panels and doors

• Distract enemies and security cameras

• Cheat at mini-games (looking at you, Kessel Sabbac)

• Defend Kay when things get spicy

• Sabotage explosive barrels and other objects

• Attack enemies directly

Let’s dive into each of these abilities, because trust me, you want to master every single one.

Basic Controls and Nix’s Core Loop

Before we get fancy, let’s get the muscle memory down. Nix operates on a simple two-button philosophy: L1 / LB is your command modifier, and the face buttons (or D-Pad) execute specific actions. On keyboard, you’ll use B for scanning and similar context-sensitive inputs. Here’s a quick reference table I’ve updated for 2026 gameplay:

Pro tip: if you’re like me and find the repeated L1/LB press during theft a bit clumsy, head to Settings → Gameplay and turn off Nix Prompts. This makes the second button press automatic, so you can focus on not getting caught with your hand in the cookie jar.

Scanning – The Invisible Radar

Nix’s scanning ability might seem basic, but it’s the foundation of every successful heist. Hold the D-Pad Up (or B on keyboard) and Nix will chirp, highlighting interactive objects, enemies, and collectibles within a generous radius. The highlights last a few seconds — just long enough to mark patrol routes and spot that one loot crate you would’ve otherwise missed. In 2026, after all the patches and content updates, scanning is even more crucial because some high-value contraband is hidden in really sneaky spots. I usually ping the environment every 30 seconds out of habit. Don’t sleep on this one.

Stealing – Kleptomaniac Nyx, You’re So Fluffy

This is where Nix earns his keep. Many guards and civilians carry credits, keycards, and intel — and Nix can lift them right from their pockets. To steal, hold L1 / LB while looking at the target, then press Triangle / Y to send Nix in. A quick follow-up press of L1 / LB completes the lift. If you’ve turned on auto-prompts, Nix will handle the finish without you. I’ve found that the auto setting makes pickpocketing in crowded areas less stressful, but it also feels less “roguish,” so I leave it on manual for the thrill.

One thing the game doesn’t tell you: Nix’s theft range is actually quite generous, and he can steal even when the target is slightly out of your direct line-of-sight. If a guard is patrolling behind a low box, Nix can still slip in. Experiment with angles, and remember that you can chain multiple steals if you don’t get caught.

Fetch – My Personal Weapon Delivery Service

Picture this: you’re pinned behind cover, your blaster overheated, and there’s a shiny imperial rifle sitting five meters away in the open. That’s Nix’s cue. Hold L1 / LB, aim at the weapon or item, and press X / A. Nix darts out, grabs the weapon, and brings it right to you. Not only does this keep you safe, but it also lets you consistently use superior weapons dropped by enemies, giving you a major damage boost. Beyond combat, Nix fetches credits, quest items, and even grenades. If I see a distant glowing object, my first instinct is always “Nix, go get it.”

Distraction & Camera Dodging – The Art of the Escape

Need to slip past a guard or bypass a security camera? Nix’s distract ability is a game-changer. Hold L1 / LB, point the cursor at a spot near the enemy (but not directly on them), and hit X / A. Nix will scurry over and act distressed, whimpering in the most heartbreaking way. That guard will investigate, giving you a clean window to sneak by or perform a takedown. For cameras, aim at the edge of its vision cone. The camera will pivot toward Nix, and you can waltz right through. On the hardest difficulty in 2026’s updated challenges, I live by this trick.

Interacting with Panels – Tiny Hands, Big Impact

Many missions block your path with a panel that’s just out of reach. Nix doesn’t care about climbing pipes. Simply look at the panel, and a prompt to send Nix appears. Press the command, and voila — door unlocked. If the prompt doesn’t pop up (which sometimes happens due to minor bugs that still persist), you can manually aim with L1 / LB and issue the command like you would for Distract. Secret rooms, shortcut passages, and even some escape routes all rely on this ability. I can’t imagine exploring without it.

Cheating at Mini-Games – Sabacc’s Secret Weapon

The Kessel Sabbac mini-game is no joke, and I’ve lost thousands of credits before I realized Nix could peek at opponents’ cards. To cheat, hold D-Pad Up during a round, then press Triangle / Y. Nix will climb somewhere and signal the cards your opponent holds. You’ll see a brief visual cue — often a flash or movement — that hints at what’s in their hand. It’s subtle, but once you learn the tells, you’ll win consistently. Warning: if you’re caught, the table bans you for a while. I’ve been banned from three cantinas in one evening, so don’t be like me — use it sparingly or when the pot is worth the risk.

Protect – From Cute Fluffball to Fierce Defender

When bullets start flying, hold L1 / LB and press Square / X. Nix transforms into a tiny whirlwind of claws and teeth, attacking any enemy that targets you. This ability shines on higher difficulty settings where your health pool is a joke. I’ve seen Nix stagger a Death Trooper long enough for me to reload and finish them off. It has a cooldown, so don’t waste it. I usually pop it right before breaching a room filled with enemies, or when I need to revive a fallen ally. (Oh, and yes, Nix looks absolutely adorable while being terrifying.)

Sabotage & Attack – Nix Goes on the Offensive

Beyond defense, Nix can directly attack enemies or sabotage environmental hazards. To attack, hold L1 / LB, target an enemy, and press X / A. Nix will leap onto them, dealing minor damage and causing a stagger — perfect for interrupting a charging enemy or finishing off a weakened foe. For sabotage, look at an explosive barrel and issue the same command. After a few seconds, the barrel detonates, often wiping out a whole patrol. The chaos is extremely satisfying, and honestly, hearing Stormtroopers panic never gets old. I often combine this with a distract: send Nix to one flank, then blow up a barrel near another group. Absolute mayhem.

Petting Nix – Because You’re Not a Monster

I know this doesn’t give any stat boosts, but petting Nix is mandatory for your mental health. Hold L1 / LB near him, then press R3. Kay will kneel and ruffle his head, and Nix’s happy chirp is the purest sound in a galaxy full of blaster fire. I pet him after every major heist, and you should too. It’s a tiny piece of warmth in an otherwise cold criminal life. And if you haven’t done this at least once while streaming, are you even playing the game?

Final Tips from a Veteran Rogue

After two years of playing Star Wars Outlaws, I’ve learned that Nix isn’t just an accessory — he’s the heart of the gameplay. Always be scanning, always be looking for things to pickpocket, and never underestimate his ability to turn a losing fight into a win. The game’s 2026 updates have actually added a few new Nix interactions with environmental puzzles, so even if you played at launch, there’s fresh stuff to discover. Master his commands, and the Outer Rim will fear Kay Vess and her tiny, furry accomplice.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, Nix is staring at a shiny credit chip over there, and I’ve got a Kessel Sabbac tournament to rig. May the fur be with you.