AdvGamer
When I first set foot in the sprawling, vibrant galaxy of Star Wars Outlaws, I quickly realized that the true magic of the experience wasn't found by rigidly following the main storyline, but in the quiet moments of discovery that unfolded when I wandered off the prescribed path. The game truly sings when you let the digital compass be your only guide, allowing yourself to be pulled toward the mysterious question marks dotting the landscape and the NPCs whose heads are crowned with tiny interaction prompts. This organic, self-directed exploration is the heart of the adventure, a treat to be savored rather than rushed. While the freedom to roam opens up almost immediately after Kay Vess and her adorable companion Nix touch down on Toshara and hop on a speeder, I learned that a crucial layer of depth—and some of the game's most powerful moments—is unlocked by proactively seeking out the galaxy's various Experts.
🪐 The Strategic Imperative of Seeking Experts
My initial instinct was to thoroughly exhaust one planet before moving on, soaking in every detail. However, I soon discovered this was a less efficient approach. Many of the game's Expert characters don't simply appear; you must seek them out on their home planets. By prioritizing visits to new worlds, I could unlock these valuable contacts and their associated questlines much earlier. Each Expert offers a unique quest that, upon completion, unlocks a specialized skill tree or ability path for Kay. While some of these missions can feel a bit like routine chores, the rewards—enhanced combat techniques, improved stealth capabilities, or unique gadget upgrades—are almost always incredibly worthwhile, fundamentally changing how I navigated challenges.
| Expert Quest Benefit | Impact on Gameplay |
|---|---|
| Unlocks New Ability Trees | Expands combat, stealth, and traversal options |
| Provides Deep Lore | Enriches the world and connects to wider Star Wars history |
| Offers Emotional Narratives | Delivers some of the game's most memorable story moments |
⚙️ MT-7 and "The Veteran": A Story of Tragic Duty
Among all these Expert encounters, one stands in a category of its own: the quest for MT-7 on Akiva, titled "The Veteran." At first glance, his blurry hologram in the Expert menu reminded me of Kay's own droid companion, ND-5, another BX-series commando droid. This immediately piqued my curiosity. The lore here is deeply intriguing; MT-7, like ND-5, is a relic from the Clone Wars, a conflict that ended over two decades before the events of Outlaws. Finding him stranded, immobile, and barely functional on a remote world raises immediate questions. He vehemently denies being broken, recounting how he was marooned and later caught in a catastrophic monsoon that wrecked his post.
The quest's emotional core lies not in a complex puzzle or a fierce battle, but in a simple, devastating act of compassion. MT-7 is clinging to his core programming: the desire to have successfully completed his mission and served his superiors in the Confederacy of Independent Systems. Understanding this, Kay and ND-5 engage in a gentle, poignant deception. As MT-7's systems finally fail, ND-5 tells him that his mission was a triumph and that he will personally send General Grievous commendations for MT-7's service. It's a beautiful lie, allowing the old droid to 'shut down' with dignity and the belief that he fulfilled his purpose. For a side quest nestled among dozens, its emotional resonance is staggering.
❤️ The Profound Humanity of Star Wars Droids
This moment with MT-7 is a masterful example of a timeless Star Wars theme: the profound humanity expressed through droids. The franchise has always excelled at this, from the quirky and chatty B1 battle droids to the unwavering loyalty of astromechs like R2-D2. Even the humble GNK power droid conveys personality through its distinctive hums and movements. In recent games, we've seen this continue brilliantly. BD-1 from Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order and Survivor is a boundless source of empathy and joy. ND-5 in Outlaws presents a more complex case. He often acts the part of the stern, emotionless military droid, yet his actions—especially during the MT-7 quest—betray a deep-seated compassion and morality, even when fighting against the control of a restraining bolt.
It becomes clear early on that ND-5's gruff exterior hides a loyal and good-hearted core. This makes a later sequence where he becomes a relentless pursuer all the more pulse-pounding, as you're being chased by a character you know is inherently noble. His handling of MT-7's final moments is perhaps his defining act. It showcases ND-5's innate goodness while highlighting MT-7's tragic, programmed desire to be a good soldier—to not fail his unit or his general. This quest doesn't just give you a new ability; it gives you a deeper understanding of the soul within the shell, a reminder that in the Star Wars galaxy, heroism and heart aren't exclusive to organic beings.
🎯 Why Exploration and Side Quests Matter
My journey through Star Wars Outlaws taught me that its main plot provides the skeleton, but the flesh, blood, and spirit of the experience come from voluntary exploration. By chasing down those question marks and seeking out Experts like MT-7, I didn't just make Kay more powerful; I connected with the lived-in history of the galaxy. I encountered stories of loss, duty, and hope that were entirely optional but utterly essential to feeling the weight and wonder of the world. In 2026, with open-world games often feeling bloated, Outlaws demonstrates that meaningful density—where every side path can lead to a moment of genuine emotional impact—is far more valuable than sheer scale. So, trust your compass, talk to everyone, and be prepared for the quiet, droid-led moments to steal the show and break your heart in the best way possible. 🌌