Since the very first trailers and images for the action-adventure gameStar Wars Outlaws,fans were entranced by Nix, the adorable salamander-like creature who serves as protagonist Kay Vess' pet and companion. Nix is a merqaal, a new species introduced inStar Wars Outlawsand designed by Massive Entertainment with input from Lucasfilm Games. When creating Nix, the developers had to consider a number of factors, including how his design fit into theStar Warsuniverse, the nature of his interactions and relationship with Kay, and what role he had in gameplay.
In a conversation with Game Rant,Star Wars Outlawsdirector Mathias Karlson and lead concept artist Samuel De Vos revealed that they took a multi-pronged approach to creating Nix, focusing both on how his relationship with Kay revealed more of her personality and how the two of them worked together in gameplay. Ultimately, said Karlson,Star Wars Outlawsis meant to feel like “playing two characters as one,” withNix and Kay functioning as essential partnersnarratively and in combat, stealth, and social situations.
Nix Is “The Chink In Kay’s Armor”
“We knew when we were shaping Kay’s character that she’s had a rough past,” Karlson explained. “We want to show that there’s a heart in there from the very beginning.“Star Wars Outlaws' Nixbecame the way that the team showed that heart - Kay is kind to him and treats him well, even though she may be more than a bit prickly when interacting with other characters. De Vos concurred, describing Nix and Kay’s relationship as “emotional support that works both ways.”
Nix’s relationship withStar Wars Outlawsprotagonist Kayultimately informed his physical design, as he needed to be someone who could offer her comfort, provide protection, and team up with her during tense situations. The result is a creature with the scaled back of a pangolin, the frilled face of an axolotl, and a soft-furred belly hidden beneath the outer armor. Ultimately, De Vos is very proud of the creature’s design, stating,
“The interesting combination of different references gives Nix that alien fantasy element that really makes itStar Wars.”
De Vos also reassures us that Nix’s scales are “blaster-proof,” so the adorable creature is more than able to survive the variety of enemies he and Kay will face along their journey.
In Gameplay, Nix Encourages Players To Think Intuitively
Nix’s abilities inStar Wars Outlaws,alongside his small size, flexibility, and aforementioned blaster-proof scales, allow him to perform a variety of tasks that Kay cannot like traveling through vents or reaching objects on high shelves. Nix is particularly valuable to players who want to approach situations stealthily, progressing without being seen and avoiding direct combat whenever possible. Karlson feels that having the player able to select various actions for Nix encourages intuitive thinking and encourages players to consider creative solutions they might otherwise ignore.
“The Holy Grail in games is when you’re able to start relying on the players to be intuitive. When they intuit that something works or doesn’t, then you’ve done your job perfectly, and that’s what we were trying for when you say ‘I can’t reach that, but Nix can.'”
Star Wars Outlawsplayers will be able to experience both Kay and Nix’s adventures when the game launches for multiple platforms on August 30. Even though the game’s still a month away from release, Nix seems well on the way to joining the ranks ofgaming’s iconic petsalongside the likes ofFallout’sDogmeat andFinal Fantasy 16’sTorgal. It hasn’t been confirmed whether the merqaal species will continue to appear in otherStar Warsproperties, but fans can definitely hope.
Star Wars Outlaws
WHERE TO PLAY
Experience the first-ever open world Star Wars game and explore distinct planets across the galaxy, both iconic and new. Risk it all as Kay Vess, an emerging scoundrel seeking freedom and the means to start a new life. Fight, steal, & outwit your way through the galaxy’s crime syndicates as you join the galaxy’s most wanted. If you’re willing to take the risk, the galaxy is full of opportunity.DISCOVER A GALAXY OF OPPORTUNITYExplore distinct planets with bustling cities and cantinas before racing across sprawling outdoor landscapes on your speeder. Each planet brings new adventures, unique challenges, and enticing rewards if you’re willing to take the risk.EXPERIENCE AN ORIGINAL SCOUNDREL STORYLive the high-stakes lifestyle of an outlaw. With Nix by your side, turn any situation to your advantage: fight with your blaster, overcome enemies with stealth and gadgets, or find the right moments to distract enemies and gain the upper hand.EMBARK ON HIGH-STAKES MISSIONSTake on high-risk, high-reward missions from the galaxy’s crime syndicates. Steal valuable goods, infiltrate secret locations, and outwit enemies as one of the galaxy’s most wanted. Every choice you make influences your ever-changing reputation.JUMP INTO THE PILOT SEATPilot your ship, The Trailblazer, as you engage in thrilling dogfights with The Empire and other foes, finding the right opportunities to chase, evade, and attack to get the upper hand.
