Star Wars Outlaws offers players a vast galaxy to explore, with multiple planets each boasting unique biomes and identities. The narrative follows Kay Vess, a rogue freelancer, who navigates through various adventures with her companion, Nix. The game's storyline and character development have been generally well-received, with particular praise for its engaging missions and the dynamic between Kay and Nix. The open-world design allows for immersive exploration and interaction, which has been a highlight for many players.

The game introduces the 'Expert' system for character progression, which does away with traditional experience points for a more narrative-driven growth mechanic. Players can develop skills by completing specific tasks related to their character's expertise. However, despite these innovations, many reviews point out the repetitive nature of combat and some undercooked gameplay mechanics, which detract from the overall experience. Technical issues like bugs and glitches have also been a significant concern, affecting the smoothness of gameplay.

Star Wars Outlaws has received a Metacritic score of 77 from 62 critics, indicating generally favorable reviews but highlighting its position in the lower spectrum of Ubisoft's major releases. The game's success may be buoyed by its release timing and the ongoing popularity of the Star Wars franchise, despite the mixed critical reception. Long-term plans for DLC and other additions could potentially address some of the current criticisms and enhance the game's replayability and appeal.