The moment my ship’s hyperdrive finally sputtered back to life, the star map unfurled before me like a promise. After being stuck on the windswept moon of Toshara, that feeling of true freedom was intoxicating. Canto Bight was a distant, glittering memory, and now three planets—Kijimi, Akiva, and Tatooine—blinked invitingly on the nav-computer. My droid companion, ND-5, beeped insistently, his photoreceptor focused on the snowy orb of Kijimi. 'Recommendation: Primary jump coordinate set for the Kijimi system,' he stated flatly. I’ll admit, I was tempted by the iconic dunes of Tatooine or the lush unknown of Akiva, but something in his electronic tone felt like a nudge from the game itself. So, with a deep breath, I plotted the course for Kijimi.
Touching down on Kijimi was a shock to the system—in the best way. The biting cold replaced Toshara's dry heat, and the sprawling, singular cityscape stood in stark contrast to the open fields I'd just left. ND-5 had been right. This wasn't another vast open world to get lost in; it was a focused, almost intimate urban jungle of spires and steam vents. I quickly realized this was the game's way of giving me a manageable next step. I could get my bearings, tackle some objectives, and feel a sense of progression without being immediately overwhelmed. The contracts here were different, too—handled in the planet's orbit, they felt like quick, cinematic jobs that kept the story moving at a brisk pace.
But Kijimi held more than just a streamlined introduction to galactic travel. It was here I first crossed paths with the Ashiga Clan. Meeting this fourth major faction so early felt crucial. It wove another thread into the galaxy's criminal tapestry right from the start, making the world feel lived-in and complex. And then, I found it: the Power Module for my blaster. This wasn't just another upgrade; it was a game-changer. Suddenly, those heavily armored Pykes on Toshara weren't such a nightmare, and those tantalizing, sealed rock walls I'd passed by? They crumbled before my newly empowered shots, revealing hidden caches and shortcuts. Getting this tool early fundamentally altered how I approached exploration from that moment on.
Feeling empowered, I next set my sights on Akiva. The shift from Kijimi's icy urban canyons to Akiva's vibrant, humid jungles was breathtaking. It was a visual palate cleanser, all glowing flora and ancient ruins. A quest here rewarded me with the Hydro-Repulsor for my speeder, letting me glide over bodies of water and access new corners of the planet. It was cool, but it lacked the immediate, universal utility of the Power Module. I was glad I'd secured that first. I also managed to recruit a new crew member here—a sharp-tongued mechanic who immediately started bickering with ND-5, creating fantastically dynamic banter in the ship's cockpit. The game seemed to reward this order, as later dialogue referenced my early exploits on both Kijimi and Akiva in a way that felt organic.
Finally, I pointed my ship toward the twin suns of Tatooine. By the time I saw the dunes of Mos Eisley stretch out before me, I was a seasoned scoundrel with a tricked-out blaster and a reliable crew. Visiting this icon last made it feel like a reward. I could fully appreciate the seedy cantinas and high-stakes sabacc tables without feeling underpowered or rushed. The story missions here had a weight to them that fit a mid-game Kay, not the fledgling outlaw I was on Toshara. I even hit a point where a storyline development temporarily grounded me on the planet—being stuck there with plenty of resources and upgrades to explore with was a joy, not a frustration. I couldn't imagine dealing with that blockade earlier in my journey.
Looking back, my planetary progression formed a perfect difficulty and content curve:
| Planet | Primary Reward | Best For... | Vibe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kijimi 🥶 | Blaster Power Module | Early-game focus, key upgrade, faction intro | Focused, urban, cold |
| Akiva 🌿 | Speeder Hydro-Repulsor | Crew expansion, visual variety, exploration | Lush, expansive, mysterious |
| Tatooine 🏜️ | Iconic locations, high-stakes stories | Mid-game challenges, classic Star Wars feels | Familiar, sprawling, dangerous |
The beauty of Star Wars Outlaws in 2026 is that there is no 'wrong' path. But the design subtly guides you toward Kijimi for a reason. It’s the tutorial for the rest of your galaxy, equipping you with the literal keys (or in this case, blaster mods) to unlock its secrets. The game isn't meant to be played planet-by-planet like a checklist. It's designed for bouncing—you get a lead on Akiva while on Kijimi, chase a bounty to Tatooine, then loop back to Toshara with your new gear to open a previously inaccessible vault. That rhythm is the life of a scoundrel.
So, my advice to any new outlaw staring at that star map? Trust your droid. Start on Kijimi. Grab that Power Module. Shake hands with the Ashiga Clan. Then, let the solar winds take you. Maybe you'll get sidetracked by a juicy bounty on Akiva before hitting the casinos of Tatooine. That’s the point. By giving you a solid, empowering foundation first, Star Wars Outlaws sets you free to truly carve your own path through a galaxy of opportunity and peril. My journey started with a beep from ND-5 on a snowy dock, and I wouldn't have had it any other way.
