Star Wars Outlaws: Complete Guide to Unlocking Heavy Weapons & The Mercenary Expert
Yo, fellow outlaws and scoundrels! If you're cruising through the galaxy in Star Wars Outlaws in 2026, you know that sometimes the best upgrades aren't just handed to you on a silver platter. You gotta hustle for them. One of the sickest, most game-changing side gigs you can snag is The Mercenary quest. This ain't just some fetch quest, fam—it's your golden ticket to unlocking heavy weaponry and adding a certified badass, Rooker, to your crew of Experts. Think of it as your initiation into the big leagues of firepower. Let's break down how to kick this quest off and absolutely dominate it.
How To Start The Mercenary Quest: Your Path to Bigger Guns
So, you just touched down on the frosty, rebel-friendly planet of Kijimi. You're probably following the main story, The Safecracker, which leads you straight to the Domak Refectory—basically the coolest cantina this side of the galaxy. As you're making your way there, your trusty droid ND-5 will hit you with a warning: 'Be careful, Kay. There are people here who carry heavy weaponry.'
That's your cue! Kay Vess, being the savvy outlaw she is, will reply with something like, 'Maybe I should talk to one of them... learn how to use those.' BOOM. That simple convo is what triggers The Mercenary Expert Intel. It's that easy to miss, so stay sharp!
Here's the step-by-step to get the ball rolling:
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Do your business with the bartender about Ank (for the main quest).
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Leave the cantina and then immediately walk back in. This little 'reset' is key.
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Go back to the bartender and this time, ask about a mercenary.
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The bartender will point you to the gloomy figure brooding in the corner.
Spin around to your right, and you'll spot Rooker Trace. She's the gray-haired legend sitting alone at a table in the back. Talk to her, and she'll hit you with the classic 'Can't help you, kid' vibe. Why? Because the Empire straight-up confiscated her entire arsenal! The only lead she's got is a homing beacon she dumped in a nearby asteroid field. Offer to help her track it down, and The Mercenary quest officially begins. Her promise? Help her get her guns back, and she'll teach you how to wield the heavy stuff. Deal!
How To Find Rooker's Tracker In Orbit: Asteroid Field Chaos
Alright, time to take this search party to the stars. Hop into your Trailblazer and blast off into Kijimi's orbit. Your quest marker will guide you straight into a gnarly asteroid field. This ain't a scenic tour, though. The place is crawling with hostiles.
Pro-Tips for the Search:
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Follow the Ping: Once you're in the search zone, keep your ears open. You'll hear a distinct pinging sound—that's the homing beacon. It gets louder as you get closer.
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Check Every Container: Visually scan all the floating cargo containers. The quest marker will only pop up on the correct one when you're really close.
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Stay on Alert: This area is a hotspot for:
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Pirates looking for easy prey.
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Empire TIE Fighters on patrol.
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Syndicate forces (if you've been making enemies).
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Be prepared to engage in a couple of space skirmishes before you can peacefully loot the beacon. It's all part of the outlaw life. Once you snag the homing beacon data from the container, you'll know exactly where the Empire shipped Rooker's precious weapons.
Where To Meet Rooker & Get Her Guns Back: Tatooine Showdown
The data points to Tatooine. You know, that wonderful, sandy planet with two suns and a million ways to get into trouble. Fly there and meet Rooker along the edge of the North Jundland Wastes. To be specific, it's about 3.5 kilometers west of both Wayfar and Mos Eisley. She'll be waiting in a valley, perched on a small land bridge.
And oh boy, is she prepared for a party. Laid out before you will be Z-6 Rotary Cannons. These things are absolute beasts—high rate of fire, massive damage. Rooker wants you to try one out. Spoiler: Trying it out is the mission.
The Triple Convoy Ambush - A Guide to Chaos
As soon as you pick up that cannon, the Imperial convoys roll in. This is a three-wave defense mission, and it's pure, unadulterated fun.
| Convoy Wave | Direction | Key Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| First Wave | Northeast | Test your new toy! Mow down the stormtroopers with the Z-6. Also, use the large explosive barrels scattered around. A well-placed shot can wipe out whole squads. Efficiency is key! |
| Second Wave | West | By now, you're getting the hang of it. Keep moving to avoid getting flanked. The rotary cannon overheats, so manage your bursts. |
| Final Wave | South | This is the big one. Use the terrain for cover. Let Rooker draw some fire while you reposition. Don't be shy with those explosive barrels! |
After you and Rooker have turned all three convoys into scrap metal and memories, head to the wreckage of the northwestern convoy. This triggers the ending cutscene. Rooker, impressed with your skills (and grateful for her guns), officially joins your cause.
Quest Rewards: What You Unlock
Completing The Mercenary is a total game-changer. Here’s what you get:
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Rooker as a New Expert: She's now part of your network, which can open up new dialogue options, services, or future quests.
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Heavy Weapon Proficiency: The big one. You can now pick up and use Rotary Cannons and other heavy weapons you find on the battlefield. This dramatically alters your combat options, letting you shred through enemy shields and armor like butter.
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A Serious Power Spike: Taking on Imperial patrols, Pirate strongholds, or Syndicate bosses becomes way more manageable with this kind of firepower at your fingertips.
So there you have it! In the ever-expanding world of Star Wars Outlaws in 2026, taking the time to complete side quests like The Mercenary is what separates the rookies from the legends. It's not just about the credits or the rep—it's about unlocking the tools to truly play your way. Now get out there, grab that cannon, and make some noise! May the spires keep you... and your ammo count high.