Star Wars Outlaws: Best Skills to Unlock in 2026 (From a Scoundrel Who's Tried Them All)

Hey there, fellow scoundrel! I've been playing Star Wars Outlaws since it dropped, and now in 2026, after countless patches and my own fair share of failed stealth runs, I can confidently say these five skills are the absolute best. Trust me, I've tested them all—sometimes painfully. So grab a drink at the cantina, and let's talk about how to make Kay Vess a true legend.

First, a quick overview. Skills in Star Wars Outlaws come from Experts you recruit across the galaxy. Each Expert has a mini skill tree, and you unlock perks by meeting specific requirements. I've ranked my top five based on pure usefulness and how often I actually use them.

Now, let's dive into each one. I'll tell you exactly how to get them without pulling your hair out.

I Know Someone – Because Fashion Matters

This perk lets you fulfill personal requests from merchants. What does that mean? You can trade common materials like Coarseweave and Robuma Leather for unique clothing items. If you're low on Credits but swimming in junk, this is a lifesaver. Plus, you can snag adorable outfits for Nix—and who doesn't want a stylish little merqaal?

I picked up the Begamor Ruffian Pants from the Treasure Trader in Mirogana Market. They reduce incoming damage when Kay runs, which is surprisingly handy when you're sprinting away from a firefight. To unlock 'I Know Someone', you need to meet six different merchants (easy once you hit Mirogana City) and spend 1,000 Credits at merchants. I just bet on Fathier races and played Sabbac—that's a fun way to burn cash.

Speed Boost – The Need for Speed

As the name suggests, this skill gives your Speeder a temporary acceleration boost. It's perfect for crossing planets quickly, and it also helps you evade syndicate thugs and pirates. But the real reason I love it? Nix absolutely adores the boost. That little guy does a happy dance every time I trigger it, and I'm not gonna lie, that alone is worth the unlock.

You get Speed Boost automatically when you recruit The Mechanic. Just pick up Danka's tip and speak to the bartender at Jaunta's Hope on Toshara after completing the 'New Tricks' main quest. Piece of cake.

Smoke Bomb – Vanish Like a Ghost

Stealth in Star Wars Outlaws can be brutal. Some quests fail instantly if you're spotted, and that's where Smoke Bomb shines. Drop one, and a cloud of smoke covers the area, letting you sneak through undetected. I've used this to escape being pinned between enemies more times than I can count. It's like a magic trick: now you see me, now you don't.

This skill is part of The Mechanic's tree. You need three materials: a Smoke Bomb Compressor from the northern Boulder Forest on Toshara (complete a mini-dungeon using shock shots on power nodes), Polycarbonate from general merchants or bases, and an Mg-2 Power Exceeder from faction stock—you'll need good rep with a syndicate. I just did a few contracts for the Pykes and I was set.

Lightfooted – Shut Up and Run

The most annoying thing about stealth missions is getting caught because you dared to run. Lightfooted fixes that. You move with reduced noise, and enemy detection distance is halved. That means you can jog right past a stormtrooper without them noticing. I'm impatient, so crouch-walking everywhere drives me nuts. This skill lets me play like a normal person.

Lightfooted belongs to The Slicer. After 'New Tricks', Danka gives you a clue. Complete The Slicer's mission, then do three things: complete a smuggler contract (grab one from the Trailblazer terminal), perform a takedown on an Imperial Officer (look for grey uniforms), and lockpick three different locks (just watch the flashing lights and time your data spike). Easy peasy.

Sneaky Trap – Nix, the Saboteur

This is one of my favorites because it turns Nix into a tiny terrorist—in a good way. Sneaky Trap lets Nix sabotage alarms so they spark and take down any enemy who triggers them. Even if you've been disabling alarms already, this upgrades the mechanic to actually hurt enemies. It's hilarious and effective for thinning out crowds when you inevitably get spotted.

This is also from The Slicer. To unlock it, command Nix to perform seven different actions (distract, steal, sabotage alarms, sabotage cameras, fetch items, open doors, press buttons—mix it up), and slice devices in three attempts or fewer three times. There are plenty of terminals around Imperial and syndicate posts to practice on. I just hacked everything I saw.

So there you have it—my top five skills for dominating Star Wars Outlaws in 2026. Whether you're a stealthy slicer or a gunslinging speeder, these perks will make your journey through the galaxy a lot smoother. And remember, if you ever get stuck, just ask: what would Nix do? Probably something adorable and slightly illegal. Now go out there and cause some trouble, scoundrel. May the Force be with you—or at least a good smoke bomb.