# Star Wars Outlaws Debuts on Steam with Significant Update: Stealth and Combat Revamped
Ubisoft’s *Star Wars Outlaws*, an open-world action-adventure title set in a galaxy far, far away, is making a strategic play to captivate new players. After receiving a mixed reception and sales that were reportedly disappointing, the game has now launched on Steam as of November 21, accompanied by the release of a major update—version 1.4.0. This update tackles critical feedback regarding the game, particularly in stealth and combat mechanics, while also adding several quality-of-life enhancements and visual upgrades.
The update, along with the Steam release, signals Ubisoft’s desire to revitalize the game and engage a larger audience. Here’s an overview of the key updates and their significance.
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## **What’s Included in Update 1.4.0?**
The 1.4.0 patch is an all-encompassing revision that brings forth considerable gameplay enhancements, bug fixes, and visual improvements. Below are the five most important changes:
### 1. **Optional Stealth**
In the past, missions within Syndicate-controlled regions would fail upon detection during stealth. This inflexible system annoyed players who favored a more action-driven approach. Now, with the update, stealth is not compulsory—getting seen allows for an easy transition to combat, enabling players to fight their way through the mission. This alteration promotes flexibility and accommodates a variety of playstyles.
### 2. **Improved Stealth Mechanics**
For players who appreciate stealth elements, sneaking has become more user-friendly. Gamers will now receive alerts when enemies are about to spot them, affording them the opportunity to modify their strategy and remain undetected. This enhancement makes stealth missions less challenging and more accessible, particularly for beginners.
### 3. **Targeting Enemy Weaknesses**
Combat has been refined with the addition of enemy weak points. Players can now aim for these vulnerabilities to cause explosions or perform impressive takedowns. This feature rewards tactical gameplay and deepens combat encounters.
### 4. **Enhanced Weapon Balancing**
Kay’s blaster and additional pick-up weapons have undergone rebalancing for an improved combat experience. Notably, players can now utilize two-handed weapons in more situations, granting greater flexibility in their choices. Weapon aiming, recoil, and damage parameters have also been modified to enhance the thrill of firefights.
### 5. **Visual and Graphical Enhancements**
The update offers noticeable improvements to the game’s visuals. Dialogue scenes now have upgraded facial animations, players can disable cinematic lens effects for a clearer view, and highlights in the distance are easier to see. These modifications contribute to a more refined and engaging experience.
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## **Detailed Patch Notes**
The update extends beyond gameplay and visuals. Ubisoft has resolved numerous issues and added new features across various areas of the game. Below are some highlights:
### **General Gameplay**
– Enhanced enemy AI, making them more agile and tactical during combat.
– Revised enemy damage output to ensure balanced difficulty.
– Resolved various bugs, including problems related to mission progression and NPC behavior.
– Introduced body-part-specific death animations for more dynamic combat scenarios.
### **UI and Accessibility**
– New visual cues indicate when enemies are aware of the player.
– Updated HUD elements, including NPC tags that show their status (neutral, aware, or hostile).
– Accessibility enhancements like customizable control schemes, larger text sizes, and more distinct visual signals for security camera detection.
### **Audio and Cinematics**
– Upgraded enemy dialogues during combat and cover transitions.
– Refined facial animations and visuals in dialogue sequences.
– Fixed audio-related issues, including absent music in arcade games.
### **World and Environment**
– Improved graphics for grass and mud, particularly from afar.
– Enhanced visibility of lights in the surroundings, contributing to the game’s atmospheric appeal.
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## **Steam Launch and DLC Extension**
The Steam debut is a crucial milestone for *Star Wars Outlaws*. By releasing the game on the largest PC gaming platform, Ubisoft aims to reach a wider audience and rekindle interest in the title. To enhance the offering, the launch coincides with the introduction of the game’s first narrative DLC.
The DLC features a new questline in which Kay joins a thrilling Sabacc tournament, encountering the iconic Lando Calrissian. Players can explore uncharted territories, face new challenges, and dive deeper into the *Star Wars* universe.
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## **Significance of This Update**
The adjustments in update 1.4.0 respond to some of the most frequent criticisms directed at *Star Wars Outlaws* since its launch. By making stealth optional, refining combat systems, and enhancing the overall polish of the game, Ubisoft shows its dedication to heeding player input. These modifications not only improve the experience for current players but also render the game more attractive to prospective newcomers.
The introduction of the Bug Reporter tool further