Kessel Sabacc is the galaxy’s favorite card game in Star Wars Outlaws, and a lucrative way for Kay Vess to earn credits. While missions and treasure hunting offer rewards, they also come with risks. Sabacc, however, provides a more calculated (and sometimes less dangerous) path to riches. This guide will break down the rules and provide strategies to help you consistently win at Kessel Sabacc.
The rules to a card game in Star Wars Outlaws.
Understanding the Basics of Kessel Sabacc
Kessel Sabacc is played in three-turn rounds, continuing until only one player remains with chips. Each player begins with six chips and receives two cards. Each turn, players have three options: draw a new card and discard one for the cost of one chip, hold their hand and keep their chip, or stand and end their turn. After three turns, all hands are revealed.
The goal is to have the values of your tan and red cards match, ideally with the lowest possible number. Two 1s represent the perfect hand, a “Pure Sabacc”. If your card values don’t match, you lose chips equal to the difference between the numbers. For instance, a 1 and a 4 would result in a loss of three chips, in addition to any chips spent drawing new cards. Only the player with the best hand recoups their spent chips for that round. The game ends when you or all your opponents run out of chips.
Navigating Special Cards and Shift Tokens
Beyond numbered cards, Kessel Sabacc features special cards: the Imposter and the Sylop.
The Imposter card has no inherent value until the round’s end. At that point, you roll two dice and choose the value of one die to assign to the Imposter. This high-risk, high-reward card can be a game-changer if your other cards have a large value difference.
The Sylop card is highly coveted. It automatically matches the value of your other card. Drawing a Sylop simplifies your strategy: aim for the lowest possible value on your remaining card. While Sylops are rare (only one per tan and red deck), drawing both creates a “Pure Sabacc”, the ultimate hand.
Shift Tokens add another layer of strategy. These tokens, earned and unlocked by winning at various Sabacc tables, offer unique advantages. Some tokens allow you to “tax” other players, forcing them to give you a chip, while others let you add chips to your own stash.
Utilizing Kay Vess’s Unique Ability
As a scoundrel, Kay can cheat using Nix to peek at an opponent’s hand. This involves a quick-time event. Failure results in Nix being caught, increasing player suspicion. Too many failures lead to expulsion from the game.
Kay playing cards in Star Wars Outlaws.
Strategies for Winning at Kessel Sabacc
To improve your odds at Kessel Sabacc, consider these tips:
- Simplify the Numerals: In the game settings, switch from stylized to standard numerals for easier card recognition.
- Strategic Drawing: With only three draw opportunities per round, avoid excessive drawing. If you have a card valued 3 or lower, prioritize matching it. If you draw a lower card, switch your focus to matching the other color.
- Conservative Play: Don’t hesitate to stand early, especially if you have a Sabacc (matching cards) with a full table. Let opponents spend their chips while you conserve yours. Even without winning the round, this strategy minimizes losses and can help you outlast opponents.
- Calculated Cheating: Use Nix’s cheating ability judiciously, ideally in one-on-one situations. Aim for a hand that surpasses your opponent’s, not necessarily the best possible Sabacc.
Conclusion: Mastering the Game
Kessel Sabacc is more than just a gambling minigame in Star Wars Outlaws. It’s a strategic challenge that rewards careful planning and calculated risk-taking. By understanding the rules, utilizing special cards effectively, and employing smart strategies, you can amass credits and become a Sabacc master in the Star Wars galaxy.
