Star Wars Outlaws pulls players deep into the gritty underbelly of the Star Wars universe, showcasing the complex and morally gray world of criminals, bounty hunters, and syndicates. If you’ve finished the game and are craving more tales of the galaxy’s darker corners, here’s a list of books and comics that capture that same vibe. Whether you’re drawn to the high-stakes decisions of outlaws or the shadowy operations of crime syndicates, these stories are perfect for fans of Star Wars Outlaws or anyone who enjoys crime-focused Star Wars narratives.
Star Wars: Most Wanted by Rae Carson
If you loved Qi’ra’s role in Star Wars Outlaws, this book is a must-read. Most Wanted explores Qi’ra’s early days on Corellia alongside Han Solo. It delves into the harsh realities of growing up in the criminal underworld, offering a gritty prequel to Solo: A Star Wars Story.
Star Wars: Last Shot by Daniel José Older
Last Shot follows Han Solo and Lando Calrissian through multiple timelines, exploring their ties to the criminal world. The novel is packed with high-stakes missions and the tough choices that come with living on the edge, making it a perfect follow-up to the adventures in Outlaws.
Star Wars: Shadow of the Sith by Adam Christopher
Featuring Lando Calrissian on a mission with Luke Skywalker, Shadow of the Sith dives into Lando’s personal struggles and his quest to protect the galaxy. The book captures the complexity of Lando’s character, blending personal stakes with the broader conflict against the dark forces in the galaxy.
Star Wars: Dark Disciple by Christie Golden
Based on unproduced scripts from The Clone Wars, this novel follows Asajj Ventress and Jedi Master Quinlan Vos as they navigate the morally ambiguous world of bounty hunters and assassins. It’s a story filled with tough choices and the blurred lines between right and wrong, much like the dilemmas you face in Outlaws.
Star Wars: Scoundrels by Timothy Zahn
A classic heist Legends story starring Han Solo, Chewbacca, and Lando Calrissian, Scoundrels is a thrilling dive into the criminal underworld. With twists, betrayals, and high-stakes action, it captures the spirit of Outlaws in novel form. Readers can expect an Ocean’s 11-style story that mirrors the biggest heists in Outlaws.
Star Wars: Bloodline by Claudia Gray
While Bloodline centers on Leia Organa, it also delves into the rise of criminal syndicates and the political turmoil in the galaxy. The novel’s exploration of power struggles and Leia’s moral dilemmas will resonate with fans of Outlaws who appreciate the deeper, more complex side of the Star Wars universe.
Star Wars: The Han Solo Trilogy by A.C. Crispin
This Legends trilogy examines Han Solo’s early life, his ties to the criminal underworld, and his relationships with figures like Jabba the Hutt. It’s a rich, character-driven series that complements the themes of crime and survival in Outlaws. While no longer canon, it’s one of the best looks at everyone’s favorite scoundrel.
Star Wars: Aftermath Trilogy by Chuck Wendig
Set in the chaotic period following the fall of the Empire, the Aftermath trilogy introduces characters like Temmin “Snap” Wexley and explores the power vacuum left in the galaxy. With bounty hunters, crime syndicates, and the Hutts playing significant roles, this trilogy captures the gritty, crime-filled world you navigate in Outlaws.
Star Wars: Crimson Climb by E.K. Johnston
Crimson Climb is a deep dive into Qi’ra’s backstory, focusing on her rise within the ranks of Crimson Dawn. The novel explores her journey from a street rat on Corellia to becoming one of the most influential figures in the galaxy’s criminal underworld. It’s a gritty, character-driven story that offers insight into the tough decisions and sacrifices Qi’ra makes as she navigates the treacherous world of syndicates and crime lords.
Tales from Jabba’s Palace edited by Kevin J. Anderson
This Legends anthology dives into the lives of the various denizens of Jabba the Hutt’s palace, offering a gritty, often morally complex look at life under the Hutt’s rule. It’s a perfect companion for those who enjoy the criminal syndicate elements of Outlaws. With twenty unique stories, the anthology peaks behind the curtain of one of the most famous locations in Star Wars.
Comics
Star Wars: War of the Bounty Hunters by Charles Soule
This crossover event focuses on Boba Fett’s attempt to deliver Han Solo to Jabba the Hutt, with Qi’ra and Crimson Dawn playing significant roles. The series is packed with underworld intrigue and showcases the dangerous life of bounty hunters, making it a perfect continuation for fans of Outlaws. In fact, Qi’ra’s auction for the frozen Han Solo is directly referenced in Outlaws.
Star Wars: Crimson Reign by Charles Soule
A direct sequel to War of the Bounty Hunters, Crimson Reign follows Qi’ra as she orchestrates a plan to disrupt the Empire and the galaxy’s criminal syndicates. It’s a gritty, underworld-centered story that deepens the lore introduced in Outlaws. With only five parts, the miniseries is easy to pick up if you love Qi’ra.
Star Wars: Hidden Empire by Charles Soule
Star Wars: Hidden Empire is a comic series that centers around Qi’ra and her ongoing battle against the Sith. This story is the trilogy’s final part, which began with War of the Bounty Hunters and continued with Crimson Reign. Now, the leader of Crimson Dawn, Qi’ra, orchestrates a complex plan to take down Emperor Palpatine and Darth Vader, revealing the full extent of her power and ambition.
Star Wars: Lando by Charles Soule
This limited series offers a thrilling heist with Lando Calrissian at the helm. The comic explores his charm, wit, and the consequences of his risky decisions, echoing the high-stakes situations players encounter in Outlaws. As another five-part series, it’s an easy, sexy read for the galaxy’s most sauve character.
Star Wars: Bounty Hunters by Ethan Sacks
This ongoing series delves into the world of bounty hunters like Boba Fett, Bossk, and Beilert Valance. The comic is a gritty exploration of the galaxy’s darker corners, providing plenty of morally complex action for fans of Outlaws. While the game isn’t heavily focused on bounty hunters, Bounty Hunters does offer a nice transition into other stories in the franchise, like The Book of Boba Fett.
Star Wars: Doctor Aphra by Kieron Gillen (and others)
If you loved Kay Vess, you’ll love the adventures that Doctor Aphra embarks on. Following rogue archaeologist Doctor Aphra, this series is a wild ride through the galaxy’s criminal underworld. Aphra’s morally ambiguous character and dangerous adventures align perfectly with the tone of Outlaws. Like Kay, Aphra isn’t afraid to push the bounds of what is possible for a character who doesn’t have the use of the Force to make an impact on the galaxy.
Star Wars: Han Solo by Marjorie Liu
While Han Solo spends Outlaws encased in carbonite, this series packs the action to the brim for the scoundrel. In this limited series, Han Solo participates in a dangerous starship race, blending his rogue charm with the high-stakes decisions that come with living on the edge. It’s an action-packed comic that Outlaws fans will find as exciting as zooming around on the galaxy as Kay Vess.
Darth Maul (2017) by Cullen Bunn
The Darth Maul comic series, particularly the arc where Maul works with Black Sun, offers a darker and more sinister perspective on the Star Wars underworld. This series explores Maul’s early days as a Sith apprentice, filled with anger and a thirst for revenge. His alliance with the Black Sun crime syndicate showcases the brutal nature of the galactic underworld.
Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire by Steve Perry (Novel) & John Wagner (Comic)
This Legends story focuses on the criminal syndicate Black Sun and its leader, Prince Xizor, with familiar characters like Boba Fett, Lando, and the Hutts playing key roles. The story’s blend of crime, intrigue, and morally complex decisions mirrors the intense atmosphere of Star Wars Outlaws, making it a perfect follow-up for fans who want to dive deeper into the galaxy’s underworld.
Star Wars: Underworld – The Yavin Vassilika by Mike Kennedy
Star Wars: Underworld – The Yavin Vassilika is a Legends comic miniseries that dives deep into the galaxy’s criminal underworld. The story follows a dangerous treasure hunt for the mysterious Yavin Vassilika, with familiar faces like Han Solo, Chewbacca, Lando Calrissian, and Boba Fett competing against one another. But it’s not just about the familiar heroes and villains—the story is packed with criminal syndicates, betrayal, and the grittier side of the Star Wars universe.
Star Wars Outlaws opens the door to a side of the galaxy often overshadowed by the epic battles between Jedi and Sith. If you find yourself captivated by the game’s gritty underworld and morally complex characters, these books and comics will continue to immerse you in the seedy underbelly of the Star Wars universe.
Whether you’re following the rise of crime syndicates, exploring the dangerous world of bounty hunters, or witnessing the tough decisions faced by characters like Qi’ra, Lando, and Han Solo, these stories provide the perfect escape into the darker, more nuanced corners of the galaxy. So, grab one of these titles and dive back into the thrilling world of outlaws, scoundrels, and the relentless pursuit of survival in a galaxy far, far away.