Star Wars Outlaws: High Price for Early Access, Infested with Bugs


# Star Wars: Outlaws Early Access Hampered by Game-Crashing Glitch on PlayStation 5

**Introduction**

The eagerly awaited game *Star Wars: Outlaws* launched into Early Access on August 27, 2023, giving fans an opportunity to navigate the galaxy long before its official release on August 30. However, what was meant to be a thrilling escapade has turned into a vexing ordeal for PlayStation 5 users. A game-crashing glitch has rendered many unable to move forward, compelling them to reboot their adventure from the start. In spite of Ubisoft’s attempts to remedy the situation with an update, the fix has been costly for players.

## The Early Access Experience

*Star Wars: Outlaws* was much anticipated by fans, particularly those who pre-ordered the Gold Edition (€109.99) or Ultimate Edition (€129.99), which permitted early access to the game. The excitement surrounding the chance to dive into the expansive Star Wars universe, undertake exhilarating missions, and uncover a gripping narrative prompted many to purchase these premium versions.

Nonetheless, PlayStation 5 users quickly encountered a serious problem. After finalizing particular missions, like the “False Flag” mission, players reported becoming stranded in space, unable to touch down on planets. This glitch effectively stalled their advancement, making any continuation of the game impossible. The predicament was especially disheartening, given Ubisoft’s extensive promotional campaign, which had set high expectations for the title.

## Ubisoft’s Response

In light of the mounting frustration from the community, Ubisoft issued update 1.000.002 on August 29, 2023. The patch aimed to resolve the bugs affecting *Star Wars: Outlaws* on the PlayStation 5. However, this update came with a considerable condition: for players to fully benefit from the patch, they would need to erase their existing savegame and commence anew.

As a form of recompense, Ubisoft provided affected players with a “Trailblazer” trinket and 100 Ubisoft Connect Units for in-game rewards. While this move was meant to calm disgruntled players, it did little to lessen the dismay of losing hours of progress.

## Community Backlash

The community’s response has been overwhelmingly critical. Many players who pre-ordered the premium editions specifically for early access felt deceived. They had dedicated both time and money to the game, only to be forced to restart due to a glitch that might have been prevented with more comprehensive testing.

On platforms like Reddit, players have shared their frustration, with some labeling themselves as “negative paid beta testers.” The prevailing view is that Ubisoft should have ensured the game was completely operational before offering it to paying consumers. The scenario has further ignited the discourse surrounding pre-ordering games, with many players pledging to hold off on buying new titles until significant bugs are addressed.

## Mixed Reviews on Metacritic

The technical troubles on the PlayStation 5 have also influenced the game’s reception on the review aggregator Metacritic. While some critiques commend *Star Wars: Outlaws* for its engaging storyline, atmospheric representation of the Star Wars universe, and stunning graphics, others take a more negative stance.

The game’s technical issues, especially on the PS5, have been a primary point of contention. Players have noted problems with its stealth mechanics, which they believe are underdeveloped and detract from the overall experience. Despite the success in character design and exhilarating open-world features, many players have been left disillusioned by the technical setbacks.

## A Cautionary Tale for Gamers

The tumultuous launch of *Star Wars: Outlaws* serves as a cautionary message for gamers. The temptation of early access and exclusive content can be alluring, but it also carries risks. In this scenario, players who jumped at the opportunity to explore the Star Wars universe early found themselves paying a hefty price for an incomplete product.

This situation has underscored the necessity for rigorous testing prior to a game’s release. Although Ubisoft has moved to resolve the issues, the harm has already impacted numerous players. The experience has left a bitter aftertaste for those eager to delve into the game, only to encounter frustration and dissatisfaction.

## Conclusion

*Star Wars: Outlaws* had the potential to shine as a premier title in the Star Wars gaming landscape, but its Early Access launch on the PlayStation 5 has been tainted by substantial technical issues. While Ubisoft has sought to amend the situation with an update, the requirement to erase savegames and start over has led many players to feel disappointed.

As the gaming community continues to express its grievances, this incident serves as a caution about the dangers linked to early access and pre-ordering games. For the time being, PlayStation 5 players must choose between restarting their journey or holding out for further updates that may resolve the ongoing problems.