Let’s get one thing straight: I’m not a bad person. I just have a very flexible definition of “property” when I’m cruising through the Outer Rim. If you’ve picked up Star Wars: Outlaws anytime since its 2024 debut — and especially if you’re playing the slick Nintendo Switch 2 version that dropped last September — you’ve probably asked yourself: Is all this sneaky fingerwork actually worth it? Well, I’m here in 2026, with pockets full of credits and a Wanted level that fluctuates like a Hutt’s mood, to tell you that stealing isn’t just worth it; it’s the entire point.

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Now, I know what you’re thinking: “But won’t my reputation tank? Won’t the Pykes send every bounty hunter this side of Tatooine after me?” And the answer is a resounding “only if you’re clumsy.” The game’s biggest open secret is that getting caught is the only thing that matters. As long as you and your adorable, sticky-fingered merqaal Nix stay in the shadows, the galaxy doesn’t care how many datapads you’ve liberated from some Imperial officer’s belt. The benefits far outweigh the risks, provided you don’t turn a simple pickpocket into a full-blown cantina brawl.

Why Should You Even Bother Stealing?

Besides the obvious thrill of committing low-stakes felonies in a galaxy far, far away, there’s cold, hard credit. In Outlaws, credits don’t grow on trees — they grow inside the pockets of every NPC wandering around Mos Eisley or Kijimi City. Pickpocketing is hands-down the easiest way to fuel your upgrades, bribe officials, and, let’s be honest, buy that snazzy new jacket for Kay. Mission payouts are fine, but why settle for a few hundred credits when you can double your take during a single stroll through the market?

Then there’s the achievement angle. Ubisoft clearly wants us to embrace our inner scoundrel. The “Easy Pickings” achievement dares you to pickpocket a customer in a cantina on every single planet. That’s not a suggestion; that’s the developers handing you a license to steal. If the game is explicitly rewarding you for being a sticky-fingered menace, who are we to argue? The fact that the Switch 2 port runs this so smoothly at 60 fps just means I can be a more efficient criminal on the go.

The Art of the Pinch: How Nix Makes It Too Easy

Here’s where the game turns us all into master thieves without the guilt. Nix isn’t just there to look cute (though he absolutely does, and I’ll fight anyone who says otherwise). He’s your fuzzy little felony assistant. To steal, all you have to do is hold down the pet command and watch the world light up with blue-highlighted marks. Those beautiful icons tell you everything: that Rodian over there is carrying something valuable, and he’s completely oblivious.

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I mean, let’s break down the sheer convenience:

  • You spot a target.

  • You hover over the blue outline.

  • A simple “Steal” prompt appears.

  • Nix scampers off, all innocent eyes and twitching whiskers.

  • You hit a quick-time event, and boom — loot flies back into your inventory before the victim can even finish saying “Utinni!”

It’s so seamless that I’ve caught myself trying to pet Nix in real life when my wallet feels light. The little guy doesn’t raise suspicion, so even in crowded areas, you’re practically invisible. Honestly, the hardest part is suppressing my own laughter when some Imperial officer mutters about budget cuts while I’m walking away with his entire month’s salary.

The Reputation Balancing Act (Or Lack Thereof)

Yes, the game ties stealing to faction reputation. And yes, if you get caught, the Hutt Cartel might suddenly remember you exist in the worst way possible. But here’s the thing: the systems in place make getting caught entirely avoidable. The mini-game for Nix’s pickpocketing is generous, and you can always scout patrol paths before making your move. If you still mess it up, that’s on you, not the mechanic. Pro tip: save before attempting a particularly juicy mark. We’re criminals, not idiots.

What about the Wanted system? It goes up when you’re seen. But if you’re never seen, your Wanted meter stays flatter than a Jawa’s pancake breakfast. It’s the perfect crime loop. I’ve spent hours on Kajimi just chain-picketing my way through the city, and my reputation with the local syndicates hasn’t budged an inch — because Nix is that good.

Embrace Your Criminal Destiny

At this point in 2026, with the game fully patched and expanded, the consensus is clear: Star Wars: Outlaws isn’t a game where you should steal. It’s a game where stealing is as natural as breathing. The economy encourages it, the mechanics reward it, and Nix’s face demands it. If you’re still hesitating, ask yourself this: What would Han Solo do? Actually, don’t answer that. Han shot first, but Kay and Nix can just walk away with your credits while you’re busy debating morality.

So go ahead, hold that pet button, find that blue glow, and let your space axolotl do the heavy lifting. The galaxy is your credit-filled oyster. Just try not to get cocky. And if you do get caught, remember: it’s not a wanted level, it’s an invitation to a more exciting play session.