Sabacc has been brought to life in Star Wars Outlaws, allowing players to experience the iconic card game throughout the galaxy. We have all the details on how to play, from the fundamental rules to special trick cards. Here’s everything you need to know.
Even after its initial appearance on screen, Sabacc has gained a reputation as a legendary game. With numerous adaptations featured in the Star Wars franchise, from films to animated series to books, a complete interactive version is now available through Star Wars Outlaws, courtesy of Ubisoft.
During her journeys, Kay Vess becomes acquainted with Sabacc, challenging herself against the diverse personalities of the Underworld. This not only serves as an enjoyable pastime, but also presents the opportunity to earn valuable rewards by coming out ahead.
For those seeking a comprehensive understanding of Sabacc in Star Wars Outlaws, we have all the information you need. Here is a breakdown of how the card game operates.
How to play Sabacc in Star Wars Unlimited: The basics
The Sabacc game featured in Star Wars Unlimited is distinct from any other version you may have experienced in the past, particularly the physical card game found at Galaxy’s Edge.
The instructions for this game are easy. Every player begins with a hand of two cards: one red (Blood) and one yellow (Sand). The crucial factor is the difference between the values of your two cards, and your objective is to decrease this difference as much as you can.
The value of cards in this game ranges from 1 to 6, with a few special outliers that will be explained later. For instance, if a player is dealt a 5 and a 2, the difference between these two cards is 3, and that becomes the value of their hand.
Each round, you have the option to use a Chip to exchange a card in your hand for one from a deck on the table. The round is complete after three turns, and the winner is determined by the player with the hand containing the lowest difference in card cost.
The rounds will persist until a single player remains with chips on the table.
Each game of Sabacc has three rounds, giving you essentially three turns to try and alter your hand before revealing it.
How to Play Sabacc in Star Wars Unlimited: Win Conditions and Taxes
When it comes to playing Sabacc in Star Wars Outlaws, it is important to keep in mind several key factors.
The value of a hand is the most crucial factor to consider. Although a pair of sixes may seem favorable at first, as they have a difference of zero and are considered a Sabacc hand, the ranking of hands goes in descending order. This means that a pair of ones would have a higher value and result in the player losing the round. As a result, it is wise to prioritize lower numbers when playing.
If no player at the table reveals a Sabacc hand (a pair), the round will be won by the player with the lowest overall hand value. In the case of a tie, two or more players can be declared as winners in the same round.
Winning a round of Sabacc takes plenty of patience as you try put together the best hand possible.
If you are the winner of a round of Sabacc, the chips you have invested in that round will be returned to you. For example, if you exchanged three cards, those three chips will be added back to your pot.
At the same time, a losing player who does not have a Sabacc hand will be charged a tax equivalent to the difference in value between their cards.
Your chips represent your remaining life, so it is important to make wise decisions when using them and avoid overusing them for replacements whenever possible.
Sylop & Imposter Cards
In addition to the standard cards numbered 1-6, Sabacc also includes two other specialized cards in its deck: the Sylop and Imposter cards.
A Sylop card in your hand will have the same value as the other card. Each family, Blood and Sand, only has one Sylop card. This means that there are two Sylop cards in total, one in each deck.
Imposter allows you to choose the value of one of the two dice thrown, giving you increased control over the odds. Each family has three Imposters, resulting in a total of six across both Blood and Sand decks.
Picking value from one of two dice gives you a little more control over the cost differential of your hand.
If you happen to be fortunate enough to acquire a Sabacc hand through the use of one of these technical cards, its worth will be equal to a regular Sabacc hand with the same value. For instance, even if your hand consists of a six and a Sylop, it will still be considered the least valuable Sabacc hand in the game.
If you happen to be exceptionally fortunate, obtaining a hand with both Sylops in the entire game is considered a Pure Sabacc, which is the most superior hand in the game.
Pure Sabacc is the single best hand and we managed to get lucky enough in our first time playing.
How to Shift Tokens in Sabacc
Additionally, the state of any given game can be altered by the powerful Shift Tokens in Sabacc, causing a shake-up.
You have the option to play with three Shift Tokens at any Sabacc table, but each token can only be used once per game.
16 Shift Tokens look to be spread across the galaxy.
Certain Shift Tokens have the ability to add chips to your pile, while others may require opponents to contribute more chips to the pot. However, they are all extremely useful in helping you secure victories.
In addition, obtaining new Shift Tokens is possible by winning at different tables throughout the galaxy. Alternatively, some can be found in the open world, and there is also the option to purchase them on the black market.
Cheating with Nix
Undoubtedly, in the Star Wars criminal world, there would be cheating involved in any card game. Interestingly, we can cleverly exploit the use of Nix to our benefit while playing Sabacc, much to the amusement of ourselves and the dismay of our opponents.
Our amiable companion can be directed to the opposite end of the table to sneak a look at the adversary’s cards. If successful, you acquire valuable information about their progress in the current round, although there is a possibility of it being unsuccessful.
Nix can spy on your opponent if things get down to the wire when playing Sabacc.
If you choose not to cheat, the atmosphere may become uncomfortable. If you continue to cheat despite suspicions, you will eventually be caught in the act. If you choose to push your luck, you will be prohibited from playing at the table and may have to wait a significant amount of time before being allowed to return.
So far, the only cheating method we have witnessed from Nix is through the game’s UI. However, there seems to be potential for various other types of cheats. The specifics of these cheats and their mechanisms are still unknown, but similar to Lando, we would like to have some Sylops hidden away for any crucial moments in intense games.
Sabacc Rewards
Sabacc is a vast game with endless possibilities. Its many planets are home to numerous tables, offering a plethora of games to play. From casual to high stakes, there is no shortage of options for players to explore.
It appears that the rewards offered may vary based on your location and opponents. In most situations, you will receive Credits for your efforts. However, certain games may offer new cosmetic items for Kay, Nix, or the Trailblazer, while others may distribute valuable Shift Tokens.
We promise to keep you informed with a complete compilation of all Sabacc tables we encounter and the corresponding rewards once we obtain the complete game. Star Wars Outlaws will be available for purchase on August 30, 2024.
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